The newest installment in “video game accessories absolutely no one asked for” comes in the form of Puma’s new “active gaming footwear.” They are Puma gaming socks.
Observant readers will also have noticed that not only is Puma selling what amounts to a sock with a sole-insert, they are also selling it for a whopping $160 in Australia. You can get them for a steal at $105 in the UK, though they don’t seem to be for sale in North America yet.
If, like myself, you are wondering what in god’s name anyone would need a $100-plus “gaming sock”, here is the trailer, maybe you can figure it out.
The description from the Puma store doesn’t offer much help either:
Created with console gamers in mind, the gaming sock is the first edition Active Gaming Footwear. Designed for indoor and in-arena use, it delivers seamless comfort, support and grip so gamers can adapt to different active gaming modes and game their best.
What exactly is an “Active Gaming Mode”? Let’s check the “features and benefits” section:
- Medial wrap-up grip in SEEK mode
- Lateral wrap-up support in ATTACK mode
- Heel wrap-up stability in CRUISE and DEFENSE mode
What?
No seriously, what the hell are the Puma gaming socks for? How do the people who work for Puma think videogames work? If we wanted to be very charitable, we could assume these ‘socks’ might be good for AR/VR gaming. There is nothing worse than messing up on Beat Saber because you were wearing socks on hardwood and fell on your ass.
Obviously this is not the first time the worlds of sportswear and gaming have intersected. In September, Nike launched a line of esports jerseys, and in August, Adidas signed a announced a partnership with Ninja. The difference this time is absolutely no one asked for this or seems to want it.
If you are still contemplating whether or not you need “gaming footwear”, think back to your last marathon gaming session. Do you remember how bad you smelled? Now imagine your feet have been marinating for 8 hours in these bad boys. Let those piggies breathe, gamers.
