An Introduction To Saucony Running Shoes

Everything you need to know about Saucony running shoes

One of the oldest running brands is Saucony. Founded in 1898 in the US state of Pennsylvania and known originally as the Saucony Shoe Manufacturing Company, it was acquired in 1968 by Hyde. In 2012 it became part of Wolverine World Wide. As well as shoes it's a big manufacturer of apparel, hats, backpacks for leisure and sporting use. Its running shoes have a loyal following and are well established in most markets globally.

---

The history of Saucony running shoes

Saucony has over 125 years of history. Beginning life as the Saucony Shoe Manufacturing Company in 1898 it was based in Kutzon, Pennsylvania and it was here that it took its name. Saucony Creek flows through Kutztown, close to the original factory building, its water also being the inspiration for the logo. Focused initially on making children's shoes it was eventually moved into running shoes and a few years later was acquired by Hyde Athletic Industries, a company that also had plenty of history, having been formed in 1910. Hyde has previously purchased the Athletic Shoe Company who were also making track shoes. It wasn't until the early 1990's that all of Hyde's shoes were fully branded as Saucony.

Saucony's list of honors began in the late 1970's with the Hornet and the Trainer 1980. With a bold design, with plenty of suede and mesh, its construction was different to any other shoe from the brand. In 1981 the famous Jazz was introduced. It was marketed as ‘a new high in performance and comfort for the serious runner’ and it went on to become Saucony’s best-selling shoe of all time. Saucony running shoes were well and truly put on the map in 1984 when Rod Dixon won the New York City Marathon in one of its greatest ever finishes. A signature line known as ‘DXN’ was launched, full of innovative ideas. The Shadow and the Azura followed, reinforcing the brand's position as a leader in research and development, as well as design.

Who owns them?

Saucony has been owned by Wolverine Worldwide since 2012. The group also owns Merrell and Hush Puppies.

What are they known for?

Saucony has been recognised for a number of important firsts in the running shoe world. Most significantly in 1958 it launched the world’s first high-performance running shoes, the 7446. These were a lightweight, kangaroo leather track shoe with six long spikes under the forefoot. The Trainer 1980 shoes were among the first to replace the firm board-like foundation with a durable cardboard and foam layer between the midsole and sockliner. A year later the Jazz was considered one of the shoes that took the running boom to another level. The EVA in those midsoles is nothing like the foam that is now synonymous with the brand: Pwrrun. This is the overarching name for the brand’s current suite of cushioning foams.

First up is Pwrrun, which is made of standard EVA foam and then there is Pwrrun+ used in the Triumph and launched in late 2019. The next upgrade is Pwrrun PB, found in the Endorphin Speed 3 and Freedom 5. It uses compressed PEBA beads to create a springy ride, with a level of propulsion. The latest version, Pwrrun HG, known at a superfoam, is used in the Endorphin Elite and provides better energy return than any foam the brand has created previously.

It's not just foams that Saucony is known for. Its Endorphin Elite is a state of the art shoe, to challenge the Nike Vaporfly, with carbon fiber midsole plates, that are also used in the cheaper Endorphin Pro 3. The brand's extensive research and development programme is ensuring that it doesn't get left behind when it come to running shoe technology.

The Saucony Endorphin Elite

Pros and Cons

There are pros and cons with every shoe. Here are those associated with Saucony:

Pros

• It is very running focused meaning its energy is channelled on development of products designed specifically for one sport.

• The range covers all options, from shoes for beginners, to trail shoes, to the new elite racing range.

• Significant research involved in the tech as evidenced by the Endorphin Elite.

Cons

• Distribution isn't as widespread as some brands meaning it might be difficult to find the exact model and color you're after to try on.

• A relatively low profile brand with a small percentage of the market may impact on runners' appetite to give them a go.

Most popular models

Saucony Triumph 21

The Triumph is Saucony’s luxury offering. The latest version comes with a revamped midsole using Pwrrun+ cushioning, so it's even more responsive and lightweight.

Saucony Guide 16

The Guide is aimed at overpronators needing a stability shoe. It has Pwrrun midsole foam and a Pwrrun+ sockliner for moderate cushioning, with a guidance frame in the midsole.

Saucony Ride 16

A neutral shoe that can be used by mild overpronators, it has a Pwrrun midsole, with a Pwrrun+ sockliner and a supportive, snug fit.

Saucony Kinvara 14

It has a Pwrrun midsole and Pwrrun+ sockliner, it's lightweight and designed for quicker runs, but with plenty of cushioning to ensure the right level of protection.

The Saucony Peregrine 13 trail shoe

Saucony Peregrine 13

The most popular trail shoe in the range it has a Pwrrun midsole foam and a Pwrrun+ sock liner and an embedded rock plate, with great outsole traction.

Saucony Endorphin Elite

“The lightest, fastest, and most energy efficient shoe the brand has ever made.” Designed to compete with the fastest shoes out there it is most definitely doing just that.

On the up?

Saucony is at the forefront of running shoe technology as clearly evidenced with the launch of the Endorphin Elite and its new carbon plate geometry highly responsive PWRRUN HG midsole foam. Saucony’s worldwide revenue increased by 50% between 2019 and 2022. with a further 15% rise forecast in 2023, with strong growth in China and online revenue doubling in the USA. This growth gives the brand the revenue to continue to invest in research and development and when this happens, the development of shoes at the highest level is almost assured.

Tombogo X Saucony Butterfly

The brand is no stranger to fashion collaborations, although they are not as important as they are for some of the other shoe brands. The focus of these relationships has been the Originals line, with many focused on their most famous shoe, the Jazz. Saucony have also recently got into the sneaker community with the development of the Butterfly with designer Tommy Bogo. It has a silhouette made of injected EVA with a modular inner shoe that can be removed from the outer "clog" shell , with an interchangeable colorway system. While not the key marketing driver these partnerships keep the brand profile high and drive further sales, so ensuring research and development in new tech continues.