Pirma
Pirma is a Mexican sportswear brand founded in 1990 by Rafael León Meléndez in Guanajuato. It makes athletic shoes, sportswear, football uniforms, goalkeeper gloves and balls.
| Founded | 1990 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Rafael León Meléndez |
| Headquarters | Purísima del Rincón, Guanajuato, Mexico |
| Stores | About 200 in Mexico |
| Club partner | Cruz Azul (from 2023) |
| Website | pirma.com.mx |
What is Pirma?
Pirma is a Mexican sportswear and athletic footwear brand headquartered in Purísima del Rincón, Guanajuato, part of the León footwear region.
History
Its origins go back to 1987, when founder Rafael León Meléndez began producing shoe soles. The Pirma brand was established in 1990. In 2018 it supplied clothing for around 200 Televisa Deportes staff covering the FIFA World Cup in Russia, and from the Apertura 2023 season it became the official kit supplier of Liga MX club Cruz Azul.
Products and positioning
- Athletic shoes
- Sportswear and urban apparel
- Team uniforms
- Goalkeeper gloves and footballs
- Bags and caps
Pirma competes at mid-market prices, positioned as a domestic alternative to global sportswear brands.
Distribution
The company runs around 200 stores in Mexico, supported by production plants in León and San Francisco del Rincón. It also operates in Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama and the United States.
Why it matters
Pirma is one of the few Mexican brands to compete with multinationals in football kit sponsorship, showing how the León manufacturing cluster supports national sportswear labels.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Pirma?
Pirma was founded by Rafael León Meléndez, who started making shoe soles in 1987 and launched the brand in 1990.
Where is Pirma from?
Pirma is from Mexico and is headquartered in Purísima del Rincón, Guanajuato.