“Overrated.” That one word, taken from an anonymous player poll by The Athletic, became a rallying cry against Tyrese Haliburton. It echoed across social media, talk shows, and headlines. But instead of folding, Haliburton turned the criticism into fuel.
The Indiana Pacers star silenced the doubters by leading his team to a 50-32 record and powering them through the playoffs with poise and precision. With averages of 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.7 rebounds, Haliburton guided the Pacers to their first NBA Finals appearance in nearly 20 years.
Now, as he gears up to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Haliburton adds another milestone to his resume.
Hali 1: Pacers Star Tyrese Haliburton Gets First Signature Shoe With Puma
Tyrese Haliburton began his NBA journey when the Sacramento Kings picked him 12th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. Since then, the 25-year-old has picked up plenty of honors, including two NBA All-Star nods (2023, 2024) and a complementary role on the USA Men’s Basketball Team that won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He played in three of the six games for Team USA.
Haliburton had been closely tied to Nike for years—even wearing USA-themed Kobe 6s during the Olympics. Now he has reversed brand course after signing a multi-year deal with Puma. He’s the newest face of their basketball line of sneakers.
“I’m super excited to announce that I’ve joined the Puma Family. I look forward to being a part of their commitment to the next generation of basketball. Puma’s vision and dedication to supporting athletes align perfectly with my goals, and I’m excited to represent the brand on and off the court,” Haliburton said via Puma.
That partnership is now front and center, with the announcement of his first signature sneaker—the Hali 1. He’s set to debut the shoe on the NBA’s biggest stage at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on June 5.
Everything Fans Need To Know About Haliburton’s First Signature Puma Shoe
Designed by acclaimed footwear designer Salehe Bembury, the Puma “Hali 1” is a bold, expressive statement piece. The debut colorway, “Bold Hibiscus,” features a striking pink tone that reflects Haliburton’s confidence and playing style.
the Hali 1’s 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ztqEqlT5mE
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 5, 2025
The sleek-looking shoe — proudly shared on social media by the Pacers — includes sculpted synthetic overlays that add structure to a breathable mesh upper, creating a modern look with a sense of flow. The midsole uses Puma’s high-performance NITRO foam for responsive cushioning and support. Rounding out the design is the new Tyrese Haliburton x Puma logo on the tongue.
So, when can fans get a pair?
While Puma hasn’t announced the official retail price, the “Hali 1” will hit shelves in a new colorway this September. It’ll be available at puma.com and select retailers across the country.
As Haliburton gets ready for the biggest series of his career, he’ll do it with his name on a fresh pair of sneakers—one more sign that “overrated” was never the right word.
