Honestly, the sneaker world moves so fast that if you blink, you’ve basically missed an entire brand transition. One second Tyrese Haliburton is the face of the Nike GT Cut line, looking like the next great Swoosh ambassador, and the next, he’s rocking dress shoes to Media Day as a cryptic "free agent" signal. It was a weird, bold move. But it worked. Now that we’re deep into 2026, the Tyrese Haliburton signature shoes saga has officially shifted from "rumor mill" to "retail reality" with the PUMA Hali 1.
If you’re looking for the typical corporate rollout, this wasn’t it. PUMA and Tyrese decided to get weird with it, bringing in Salehe Bembury—the guy who basically turned Crocs into high fashion—to design a performance basketball shoe. The result is something that looks less like a standard hoop shoe and more like a piece of organic architecture.
The Hali 1: Not Your Typical Point Guard Shoe
Most people expected a safe, sleek low-top when PUMA announced the deal in late 2024. Instead, we got the Hali 1. It debuted officially during the 2025 NBA Finals—a massive stage for a guy who was still technically the "new kid" on the PUMA roster.
I remember the "Hibiscus" colorway dropping first. It was loud. It was poppy pink. It looked nothing like the Indiana Pacers' navy and gold. But that’s the thing about Tyrese; he’s not trying to blend in. The shoe features a full-length NITRO foam midsole, which is PUMA’s bread and butter for energy return. If you’ve ever watched Haliburton play, you know he’s all about those sudden stops and weird-angled passes. He needs a base that won't give out.
The design itself has Bembury’s fingerprints all over it—literally. The contouring on the midsole and the textured upper feel very "Salehe." It’s sort of a polarizing look. Some hoopers love the organic, flowy lines, while others think it looks a bit too much like a lifestyle sneaker. But on court? The PUMAGRIP tread is elite. It bites the floor. Hard.
🔗 Read more: Texas vs Oklahoma Football Game: Why the Red River Rivalry is Getting Even Weirder
Technical Specs at a Glance
The Hali 1 isn't just a pretty face. Under the hood, it's built for a playmaker's specific physics.
- Cushioning: Full-length NITROFOAM. It’s light but somehow doesn't feel "mushy."
- Stability: A TPU midfoot shank and a pretty aggressive heel counter to keep your foot from sliding off the footbed during lateral cuts.
- Weight: It’s deceptively light, coming in around 380 grams for a US size 9.
- Price: Retail started at $130, which, honestly, is a steal compared to where signature prices are heading lately.
What Most People Get Wrong About the PUMA Move
There was a lot of chatter when Tyrese left Nike. People thought he’d regret leaving the "Swoosh" ecosystem. But look at the landscape now. At Nike, he was always going to be behind Ja Morant, Devin Booker, and the legacy of LeBron and KD. At PUMA, he’s the guy. He’s the face of the brand alongside LaMelo Ball.
The "Overrate That" T-shirt campaign PUMA ran? Genius. They leaned into the social media noise about him being "overrated" and turned it into a brand identity. It gave the Tyrese Haliburton signature shoes a chip on their shoulder before they even hit the shelves.
Interestingly, before the Hali 1 officially landed, Tyrese spent a lot of time in Player Exclusive (PE) versions of the PUMA All-Pro NITRO. You might remember the "Pinstripe" version—navy blue with yellow stripes that matched the Pacers’ classic uniforms. Those actually saw a limited retail release in late 2025 because the demand was so high. It was a smart way for PUMA to test the waters. They saw that fans were willing to drop $140 on a Haliburton-branded shoe even if it wasn't his "official" signature yet.
💡 You might also like: How to watch vikings game online free without the usual headache
The Salehe Bembury Factor
You can't talk about these shoes without talking about Salehe. Usually, signature shoes are designed by in-house teams who have a very specific "corporate" look they have to maintain. By bringing in an outsider like Bembury, PUMA took a massive risk.
The latest "Smoke" colorway that just dropped in January 2026 is the perfect example of this. It’s not just a grey shoe. It uses translucent materials and shifting textures to mimic the idea of movement and "flux." Bembury described it as an "interface" between performance and identity. Sorta deep for a basketball shoe, right? But it resonates with the younger crowd who wants their gear to mean something more than just "I can jump high in these."
Performance vs. Hype: Does It Actually Hold Up?
Look, I’ve seen enough signature debuts to know that hype doesn't equal quality. Remember the first Scoot Henderson shoe? Great look, but the sales struggled because his on-court performance hit a sophomore slump. Tyrese doesn't have that problem. Leading the Pacers to a deep playoff run while wearing the Hali 1 "Hibiscus" was the best marketing PUMA could have asked for.
The traction is probably the standout feature. It uses a modified herringbone pattern that works surprisingly well on dusty courts. We've all played in those local gyms where you're sliding around like you're on ice; the Hali 1 handles those pretty well. The "winged" stability plate in the midfoot is also a nice touch. It gives you that "snap" when you're sprinting in transition.
📖 Related: Liechtenstein National Football Team: Why Their Struggles are Different Than You Think
Why These Shoes Still Matter in 2026
We're seeing a shift in the NBA. The old guard is moving out, and guys like Tyrese are taking over. His signature line represents that transition. It’s unselfish, it’s high-IQ, and it’s a little bit quirky.
If you're thinking about picking up a pair, here is the reality:
- Sizing: They run pretty true to size (TTS). If you have a super wide foot, you might want to go up half a size because the TPU shank can feel a bit snug.
- Outdoor Play: I wouldn't recommend the "Opal" or "Smoke" colorways for outdoor concrete. The rubber is sticky but soft. You’ll burn through the tread in a month. Save these for the hardwood.
- Availability: PUMA has been doing a better job with stock lately, but the Bembury collaborations still sell out fast on the PUMA website.
The Tyrese Haliburton signature shoes are more than just a marketing exercise. They are a legitimate performance tool that reflects the personality of one of the league's most unique stars. Whether you love the "alien" aesthetic or not, you can't deny that they've changed the conversation around what a "point guard shoe" is supposed to look like.
If you’re ready to grab a pair, check the official PUMA site or reputable retailers like Foot Locker. The "Smoke" colorway is the current hot ticket, but keep an eye out for more Indiana-inspired PEs dropping later this spring as the playoff race heats up. It's a good time to be a Pacers fan. And an even better time to be a sneakerhead.
To get the most out of your Hali 1s, make sure you break them in with at least two or three light shootaround sessions before playing a full game. The NITRO foam needs a little bit of compression time to really start feeling responsive, and that TPU midfoot shank can feel a bit stiff right out of the box. Once they're broken in, though, they're easily some of the most comfortable hoop shoes on the market.
Next Steps for Your Rotation:
- Check Availability: Visit the PUMA Basketball page to see the current colorway calendar for the Hali 1.
- Compare Tech: If you prefer a more traditional feel, look into the PUMA All-Pro NITRO, which offers similar cushioning but a more standard upper construction.
- Watch the Feet: Keep an eye on Haliburton’s pre-game tunnel walks; he’s been known to tease upcoming colorways weeks before they hit the SNKRS-equivalent apps.