Saucony, the legacy of running

Kutztown, 1898: the origins of Saucony

Saucony was founded in 1898 in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, by the side of Saucony Creek, from which it gets its name. Its logo, a wavy line accompanied by three dots, represents the creek and the three rocks that line it. In 1968, the company was bought by Hyde Athletic Industries, a Massachusetts firm that eventually adopted the name of its flagship brand in 1998. In the meantime, Saucony built a reputation as a running specialist, and it's this heritage of running shoes that inspires today's sneakers, reissued in colors that change with each collection.

Jazz, Shadow and Grid: the classics of the 1980s and 1990s

The Jazz, launched in 1981, has become the best-selling shoe in Saucony history: nylon and suede upper, slim profile and a side logo that runs along the side. The Shadow, introduced in 1985, retains its shape with a thicker EVA midsole and a TPU heel support for added stability. In 1991, the Grid technology, a network of filaments tensioned in the heel to absorb shocks, ushers in a whole lineage of models, now reissued in a lifestyle version with their layered inserts and more sculpted soles.

Size, suede and nylon: how to choose and care for your pair

The Saucony archive models generally fit true to size; for the slimmer profiles, like the Jazz, half a size up gives some room for wider feet. Measuring the length of your foot in centimeters and comparing it to the brand's size guide remains the most reliable method. Suede should be brushed dry with a crepe brush, cleaned with a rubber eraser, and waterproofed before the first outings in the rain; nylon and mesh can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. The washing machine should be avoided: heat weakens the glue of the sole.

Other lifestyle brands

Other brands, New Balance, Asics, adidas, Puma, Le Coq Sportif, Veja, Buffalo, The North Face, Herschel, Eastpak and others, are brought together on the brands page. New Balance and Asics share a running heritage with Saucony, which has now become lifestyle.

New arrivals and good deals

The new arrivals feature the latest releases, while the promotions include discounted items, and items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The good deals, clearance, and sales complete the offer.

Frequent questions

Is Saucony an American brand?

Yes. Saucony was founded in 1898 in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, and its headquarters are now in Massachusetts. It has been owned since 2012 by the American group Wolverine World Wide, which brings together several shoe brands.

Which Saucony to choose for walking all day?

The Shadow, with its thicker EVA sole and heel support, provides the best support for long days in the city. The Jazz, being slimmer and lighter, is better suited for short outings and for those who like to feel the ground.

Can you run a marathon in Saucony lifestyle shoes?

No: the Jazz or the Shadow replicate the design of vintage running shoes, lacking the foams or geometry of current running models. To prepare for such a distance, a recent running shoe from the brand better protects the joints.

Can you wear suede Saucony in winter?

They can handle dry cold, provided they're waterproofed before the first damp days and worn with warm socks. The rubber soles of retro models, however, provide less grip on slippery cobblestones: caution is advised in icy conditions.

Why do retro Saucony shoes come in so many colors?

The Jazz and the Shadow are constructed with separate panels of suede, nylon, and mesh, each of which can have its own shade. This design multiplies the combinations, from grey to salmon, through pink or blue, making them ideal candidates for reissues.