Lewis Hamilton has confirmed his significant involvement in designing a crucial element of Puma’s racing shoe, particularly the carbon fibre heel featured on the Speedcat driving shoes. In an engaging conversation with TikTok influencer and Formula 1 fan Madeleine White, the seven-time world champion highlighted how this innovative addition enhances both stability and support for drivers, especially when their foot hovers over the pedals. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Puma’s partnership with Ferrari, a collaboration that Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, has grown deeply invested in during his career transition from Mercedes.
Hamilton explained that the carbon fibre heel was his idea, and while it is a visible feature on Puma’s shoes, he joked,
They haven’t given me the credit for it.
This design not only adds a futuristic touch but also provides practical benefits, reinforcing the shoe’s structure and helping drivers maintain control and precision behind the wheel.
A Deeper Look at Hamilton’s Influence and Fashion Preferences
The Scuderia Ferrari driver has taken a central role in strengthening the long-standing relationship between Puma and Ferrari, joining forces with teammate Charles Leclerc to bring new energy and creativity into the collaboration. Reflecting on Puma’s journey, Hamilton looked back to 2005, the year the partnership started.
Geez, 2005… nothing good. [I would have been] 19. It must have been in Formula 3,
he said. He described how his personal style was evolving at that time—from his laid-back love of baggy, hip-hop-influenced clothes toward more structured, slim silhouettes required by his racing career, an adjustment he found challenging.
There’s a lot of suits and stuff. I look back and… It really really wasn’t me and it was probably one of the periods of time where I was least happy,
Hamilton admitted, underscoring how fashion became both a challenge and a form of self-expression throughout his journey.
Balancing Racing and Fashion with Passion
Lewis Hamilton is as well known for his bold fashion choices as for his incredible talents on the track. Beyond racing, he is co-chairing the upcoming Met Gala alongside prominent figures like Colman Domingo, rapper A$AP Rocky, singer Pharrell Williams, and Vogue’s editor Anna Wintour. This year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” allows Hamilton to showcase his passion for fashion while supporting a culturally significant movement.
During his conversation, Hamilton humorously shared his personal “fashion ick,” referencing flip-flops and their uncomfortable fit.
My big fashion ick is the flip-flop that goes down between the crack of your toes,
he said, explaining that despite it being a fashion no-no, he wears socks with slip-ons for comfort. This candid admission reinforces Hamilton’s approachable personality amid his stylish image.
The racer also spoke about his visually symbolic outfit change during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, where he wore a red ensemble that gradually faded in color over several days.
Because I was obviously leaving one team [Mercedes], and going into red,
he explained, highlighting how fashion can represent significant transitions in his career.
Generally I love the bold looks that I wouldn’t normally wear,
Hamilton added, demonstrating his willingness to embrace daring styles that reflect his evolving identity.
Honoring a Style Icon and Unique Memories
When asked about his style inspiration, Hamilton named Prince as a “phenomenal” icon, sharing a memorable story of the legendary musician’s kindness toward his family.
He actually had this really amazing earring that went around his whole ear. He once danced with my mom and put it on her ear,
Hamilton said, emphasizing how personal memories often shape his admiration for style icons. Though no photos document this moment due to Prince’s aversion to autographs or photographs, Hamilton treasures the story, holding it dear in his memory.
Racing Shoe Collaboration’s Growing Success and Future Prospects
Since joining Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton’s presence has had a remarkable impact on Puma’s Ferrari product line. Sales reportedly increased eightfold following his arrival, according to SportBusiness, reflecting the powerful influence of the driver. As Hamilton continues to settle into his new team and grows his profile in fashion, it is expected that Puma will pursue more specialized collaborations centered around his unique style and racing insights.
This partnership not only celebrates two decades of excellence between Puma and Ferrari but also represents fresh opportunities for innovation where sport meets style. The carbon fibre heel on the racing shoes stands as a testament to the driver’s tangible contributions beyond the track, merging functionality with fashion in a way that reflects Hamilton’s multifaceted talents and ambitions.
As the F1 season progresses, fans and fashion enthusiasts alike will be eager to see how Hamilton’s influence shapes future Puma collections and racing gear, blending cutting-edge design with high-performance technology. His creative input, combined with his passion for fashion, signals an exciting era for both brands and offers a glimpse into the evolving world of Formula 1 style collaborations.
