When Puma’s founder, Rudolf Dassler, launched the brand alongside his brother in pre-World War II Germany, little did he know that their family would eventually split into two of the biggest sportswear companies in the world. Today, Puma stands accused of creating a sneaker design that some claim resembles Adolf Hitler. As a result, customers are urging the company to respond.
The shoes in question, called Storm Adrenaline, unintentionally resemble the iconic hairstyle and mustache of Adolf Hitler when photographed from above. Although this design similarity is likely coincidental, it has sparked a flurry of attention. People have expressed concern, considering Puma’s history in Germany, and some have even rated the resemblance on a “Hitler scale.”
The controversy doesn’t stop there. The name of the sneaker, Storm Adrenaline, bears an unfortunate resemblance to Hitler’s Nazi party paramilitary wing known as the Sturmabteilung, or Storm Detachment.
The design comparison was first noticed in Russia and quickly spread on social media. A Russian customer, who was understandably uncomfortable seeing Hitler’s likeness on their sneakers, sold the shoes and shared the design flaw with fellow fans. Since then, the shoes have been flying off the shelves, with people eager to own the controversial design.
Customers from Brazil have also expressed their dissatisfaction, questioning why Puma would produce a shoe that bears such a striking resemblance to Hitler. They believe this is detrimental to the brand’s image and are calling on Puma to release a statement clarifying whether the design was intentional or not.
Amidst the uproar, some individuals have even speculated that Puma orchestrated this design similarity as a publicity stunt. However, it’s important to note that many were genuinely surprised by the allegations, considering it a stretch to see Hitler’s face in the sneakers.
It’s worth remembering that Hitler’s likeness has unexpectedly appeared in various places before, much like the face of Jesus. For instance, in 2011, a house in Swansea, Wales, gained notoriety when a youth worker noticed the roof’s shape resembled Hitler’s face. However, the resemblance in the Storm Adrenaline shoes is much clearer and more direct.
So, what do you think about Puma’s new shoe design? Share your thoughts on this controversial topic!
