The Avanti LS-X Fenty reimagines football heritage through Rihanna's aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the iconic PUMA King boot. It is a fusion of the King football boot with the outsole of the heritage running shoe, Easy Rider. The original Avanti, established by PUMA in 2001, was itself inspired by a 1998 Jil Sander x PUMA collaboration. Rihanna sought to bring an archive piece, famously worn by Pelé, to the street, solidifying its place in contemporary fashion.
Primarily designed for lifestyle and fashion purposes, the Avanti LS-X Fenty seamlessly blends sport and style, catering to the demands of streetwear and athleisure enthusiasts. Its lightweight build, featuring subtle cushioning in the arch and forefoot, along with a padded heel collar, offers a comfortable experience for everyday wear. The inclusion of a dust bag and extra shoelaces in the box further enhances its appeal as a premium lifestyle product.
The Avanti LS-X Fenty's cultural impact is undeniable, largely due to the influence of Rihanna. She was spotted wearing the shoe during the FENTY x PUMA Avanti Campaign in September 2023. Further solidifying its status, Rihanna was also seen in the shoe during a street style outing in New York in January 2025. This was followed by another sighting in January 2025 at the Giorgio Baldi restaurant. The shoe's visibility was amplified by its presence at the Fenty X PUMA launch party in Barbados on March 14, 2025, cementing its position in the fashion landscape.
The upper is meticulously crafted with a blend of metallic synthetic and textile materials, complemented by leather overlays, ensuring both durability and a premium feel. The design features a rounded toe, a fold-over tongue adorned with co-branding, and a color pop heel with subtle shine detail. The construction also includes a molded sockliner for comfort, a rubber outsole with a classic football gum sole, and short gum studs on the heel to enhance flexible traction.