Puffer Reds has long stood as a cultural cornerstone in Ypsilanti, Michigan, beginning as a record store in 1979 before fully pivoting to sneakers in 2011. This year, the community-driven retailer celebrates its 45th anniversary with one of its biggest projects yet: the adidas Adistar Cushion 3 “Track 45,” a collaboration created through the adidas Business Track program in partnership with Pensole Lewis College.
We had the honor of interviewing team members from Puffer Reds where they were able to tell us more about the sneaker collaboration, the community, and more about this amazing brand.
When asked about their favorite details on the shoe, the Puffer Reds team pointed to two key features: the “734” callout representing Ypsilanti’s area code, and the iridescent silver material designed to mimic the reflective qualities of a CD. Both elements honor the store’s early history as a record shop, a reminder of its deep musical roots before becoming a sneaker hub. The vinyl-inspired Three Stripes further extend that narrative, tying the collaboration back to the legacy of music that defined Puffer Reds in the Motown and hip-hop eras.
Reflecting on the store’s significance, the team recalled how Puffer Reds became the go-to spot for sneakers in Ypsilanti, with owner Eric Williams inadvertently achieving celebrity status for his role in shaping the city’s culture. “Eric doesn’t like to admit it, but he’s a celebrity here,” they said, noting how major figures in music visited the shop during its record store days.
Asked to describe Puffer Reds in three words, they landed on “Neighborhood, exclusive, lifestyle,” while also emphasizing “community, lifestyle, and music.” These themes remain at the heart of everything the store does. Community, they explained, is what built up Puffer Reds in the first place, and it’s what continues to drive them to give back.
The team also spoke on the significance of adidas to Michigan, citing the Forum and Top Ten as historic silhouettes that made a major impact in Detroit. For them, adidas is more than just a brand—it represents community and consistency, always lending support where it’s needed.
As for what they hope outsiders take away from the “Track 45” project, the team expressed their desire for people to look closely at the details and the story behind the design. “We just want people to understand the history of Puffer Reds,” they said, pointing to how the collaboration shows that smaller creatives can make their mark in the fashion industry. Through adidas and Pensole Lewis College, they see this sneaker as proof that “it’s possible.”
Looking 45 years ahead, the team hopes Puffer Reds will have expanded beyond Michigan, potentially designing their own original silhouette while celebrating a milestone 90th anniversary. Until then, their focus remains on sneakers, community, and culture—the same pillars that have defined them since the beginning.
The adidas Adistar Cushion 3 “Track 45” also underscores adidas’ ongoing commitment to uplifting communities through meaningful partnerships. By investing in grassroots initiatives like the Business Track program and working hand-in-hand with retailers such as Puffer Reds, adidas continues to provide a platform for local voices while celebrating regional culture. This collaboration demonstrates the brand’s ability to bridge sport, history, and community impact in ways that resonate far beyond the sneaker world.
The adidas Adistar Cushion 3 “Track 45” released on August 28th at Puffer Reds’ locations and online at puffered.com for $150, where select sizes are still available.