Saucony has long been celebrated by its loyal followers for delivering some of the highest quality sneakers in the world, yet it remains somewhat of an underrated gem. Known for its rich history in crafting innovative footwear, the American sportswear company has also carved out a remarkable niche in the realm of collaborations. Over the years, it has partnered up with a diverse array of global brands and boutique shops, creating footwear that resonates deeply.
In this article, we’ll be delving into the Saucony collaborations that have left a significant mark on the industry. From groundbreaking design concepts to strikingly unique aesthetics, these are not just shoes; they’re pieces of art that tell a story. So let’s dive right in!
Hanon, a Scottish sneaker shop, collaborated with Saucony to release the Shadow Master “Midnight Runner” colourway. This limited edition features a beautiful mash-up of Saucony’s Master Control and the Saucony Shadow 5000, creating one of Saucony’s more underrated silhouettes, the Shadow Master. Capturing attention with its distinctive design, the sneaker mirrors the early morning hues of Scotland with a colour palette of black, thunder blue, aqua blue, and purple on the upper, complemented by a white midsole and white laces.
The 2013 Saucony x Ronnie Fieg Shadow 5000 “Cabin Fever” features a design collaboration with Manhattan’s West NYC sneaker boutique. This unique model showcases a black base accented with green, olive, and red, alongside a speckled red pattern on the midsole. The silhouette incorporates a suede mudguard, leather overlays, and custom branding from West NYC and Saucony embroidered on the heel, emphasizing its earthy tones and robust design elements.
In 2014, Saucony and Feature released the G9 Shadow 6 “High Roller,” drawing inspiration from Las Vegas and casino aesthetics. This sneaker sports a black suede and perforated white leather upper, accented with pink highlights and reflective 3M detailing. The casino chip emblem on the tongue represents the $100 chip, while Feature’s motto, “All Things Good,” adds to its thematic appeal.
The 2014 Extra Butter x Saucony “Space Race” collection offers a trio of sneakers each inspired by different aspects of space exploration. The Saucony Grid 9000 “ACES” reflects astronaut suits with its vibrant orange, the Shadow Master “Space Snack” uses a Neapolitan colour palette to nod to astronaut ice cream, and the Shadow 6000 “Moon Walker” features textures and colours that mimic the lunar surface. This collaboration masterfully combines thematic design with functional sneaker aesthetics, capturing the imagination with space-inspired details across each model.
In 2014, the Offspring x Saucony Shadow 6000 “Running Since ’96” collaboration marked the first fully unisex partnership from Saucony Originals. Inspired by the ‘We Run’ slogan from Saucony’s performance shoe boxes, the collaboration’s name pays tribute to the year Offspring opened its first store on Neal Street in Covent Garden. This collaboration featured two colourways, grey and navy, drawing inspiration from the prevalent colours in Saucony’s rich archives. Neon pink highlights the Saucony three dots logos and details across the tongue, while turquoise accents run throughout both shoes. The grey base colour of the shoes is directly inspired by the cobbled streets of Covent Garden surrounding Neal Street, coupled with a clean speckled midsole and rubber tread bottom.
In 2014, Saucony teamed up with Bodega to release the “Sweater” pack, featuring the Shadow 6000 in a distinct sweater-inspired motif. These sneakers blend a suede upper with knit underlays and are available in two variants: grey and navy. The design is enhanced with knit wool on the tongue and accent panels, a red floral pattern lining, and a beige sole, creating a cozy and appealing aesthetic.
In 2014, the “Snow Beach” collaboration between Saucony and Packer Shoes brought to life the vibrant aesthetic of ’90s Polo sportswear. Inspired by the iconic Snow Beach pullover worn by Raekwon from Wu-Tang Clan, this Saucony Grid 9000 featured a bold colour palette of yellow, red, and navy. The design combined navy suede with yellow fabric across the upper, accented by red details on the pull tab, lining, and branding, capturing the essence of the classic pullover and making a strong visual impact.
The Saucony x END. Shadow 5000 “Burger” collaboration introduced a sneaker-themed around gourmet burgers. This playful design featured an upper crafted from suede and perforated nubuck that visually echoed the layers and textures of a burger. The colourway was inspired by fast food aesthetics, incorporating vibrant colours typically associated with burger toppings and packaging, all set against a backdrop suggestive of the fun and creativity found in modern gourmet burger joints.
The 2017 Saucony x Afew Shadow Master 5000 “Goethe” collaboration is inspired by the esteemed poet Wolfgang Johann von Goethe. It features a colourway of rose and grey that echoes the architecture of the Goethe Museum. This design uniquely incorporates Goethe’s poems, which are printed on the sockliner and heel, blending literary heritage with footwear design. The upper is crafted from suede paneling that matches the museum’s aesthetic, celebrating Goethe’s legacy through thoughtful design elements.
24 Kilates collaborated with Saucony to create the Grid SD “La Victoria,” inspired by the first ship to circumnavigate the world. The shoe combines contrasting shades of brown leather with navy blue accents. Additionally, a white ripstop tongue symbolizes the ship’s sail, and brass grommets along with flag designs at the heel accentuate the nautical theme. Moreover, soft red leather lining and custom perforated patterns on the uppers and front round out this distinctive collaboration.
Jae Tips collaborated with Saucony on the Grid Shadow 2, showcasing his vibrant and bold design approach. Known for revitalizing the fitted baseball cap space, Jae Tips translated his colourful aesthetic into footwear. This collection includes three versions of the Saucony Grid Shadow 2, each featuring a mix of suede, mesh, and leather in complementary colours. Distinctive details include flower graphics and a globe graphic on the insole, with phrases like “Wear To Dinner,” “Wear To A Date,” and “Wear To The Party” embedded in each design, highlighting the shoes’ playful and dynamic nature.