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It’s a perennial dilemma. A challenge as old as the Oxford. Comfy sneakers look like they were designed by a committee of orthopedic surgeons. Fancy ones fall apart and wreak havoc on your heels. Add to that an oversaturated market, and separating the keepers from the pretenders becomes a job in itself.
CLAE’s Zuma sidesteps the problem. It blends a retro runner silhouette with modern performance touches. Using suede and leather alongside recycled mesh for breathability and durability, the result is a sneaker that has it all.
Keep reading as I take a closer look at what makes it a must-have. And why it’s the versatile, everyday design your rotation has been missing.
About the Brand
Founded in 2001 by footwear veteran Sung Choi, CLAE set out to modernize classic casual shoes, blending timeless style with the comfort of athletic sneakers. Every design is made with longevity in mind, combining quality leathers from certified tanneries with innovative vegan and plant-based alternatives.
Comfort, style, and versatility are never afterthoughts. The brand makes sneakers that look as good as they feel. And they’re built to last—a rare combination that’s made them a go-to for anyone serious about sneakers.
The Zuma
I’ve made some bad decisions when buying shoes. Especially in my early twenties when money was tight and sticky nightclub floors were a weekly occurrence. Back then, all I cared about was getting past the bouncers and having enough cash left to forget my name by midnight.
Now, I know better. Good footwear isn’t just about avoiding bunions or blisters. It has the ability to make or break your outfit, expanding your styling options while letting people know you care about the details. And that’s why I think the Zuma will tickle your fancy.
Retro-inspired but built for modern life, it’s light, flexible and has a Desert Track outsole that grips subway tiles and slippery sidewalks. Currently offered in six neutral tones, it’s the kind of sneaker you can really depend on.
Comfort & Performance
Supportive and breathable, comfort is where the Zuma really earns its keep. Very much a city sneaker, it’s built for concrete, curbs, and careless pedestrians. But it can handle the odd detour without complaint. This is something you reach for when you don’t quite know where the day will take you.
How to Wear the Zuma
The Zuma sits in that sweet spot most sneakers miss. It’s not a dress shoe pretending to be casual, and it’s definitely not something you’d wear to the gym. Instead, it’s an everyday all-rounder. The type you throw on for a coffee run or a casual lunch.
It works just as well with jeans and a hoodie as it does with chinos and an overshirt. Pack it for a weekend away, wear it on travel days, and don’t overthink it. The Zuma looks best when it’s just getting on with life.
Why This Sneaker Stands Out
The Zuma earns your trust pronto. It looks considered, solid, and built to last. Then you put it on and realise it’s far lighter than expected, with a subtle spring underfoot that makes long days feel less punishing.
Tough enough for wandering record stores and detouring for late-night tacos, but polished enough that you never feel underdressed. No fuss, no fragility. Just a great sneaker.
Billy is a content specialist and social media manager. His portfolio includes articles for publications such as British GQ, Esquire and Men’s Health. A self-confessed lover of luxury streetwear, he admits to an unhealthy obsession for baseball caps and high-end sneakers.