PUMA GOES FOAMLESS, WILL REPORTEDLY BUY BACK U.S. UNIT

     Puma has introduced the first foamless running shoe,
designed to improve longevity and reduce injury risk  (Puma).
The company is also expected to announce it will repurchase its
former U.S. unit, "which will figure heavily in the company's
marketing" of the foamless shoe, according to the WALL STREET
JOURNAL.  Joseph Pereira reports Puma's new sneaker will use a
compressed form of plastic used in paint production and floor
tiles.  Puma beat industry leaders Nike, Reebok, and Adidas to
the innovation, as all of them are said to be working on similar
technology.  Pereira notes even retailer Foot Locker has been
"developing a private-label shoe based on the technology."  The
Puma "Concept" will retail for about $75, and is said to last for
about 600 miles of wear -- twice as long as current models.
Nike's "Skysole" is expected out in '97 and Adidas "Barefoot"
models -- using similar technology, are expected later this year
(WALL STREET JOURNAL, 1/11).