Pronounced ‘Sock-uh-knee,’ Saucony is a leader when it comes to the sports and footwear industry. The brand is one of the original running shoe makers and was founded in 1898 when four businessmen established the first shoe factory in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. This shoe factory was built on the banks of the Saucony Creek, and its logo is derived from the Lenni Lenape Native American word ‘Saconk,’ which translates to ‘Where two rivers run together.’ The logo represents the water flow of the Saucony Creek, and the dots represent the boulders that line that creek bed. Today, they now stand for the guiding boulders of the Saucony brand: good performance, good health, and good community. Saucony shoes reached their golden age in the 80s and 90s with the creation of most of their iconic sneaker silhouettes. By being at the forefront of the lifestyle and running sneaker world, Saucony’s repertoire spotlights an array of silhouettes offered by the brand. Keep reading for a guide on some of the best Saucony shoes.

Saucony Grid Azura 2000

The Saucony Grid Azura 2000 is a model that never was supposed to exist in the first place. Saucony’s iconic Grid silhouette was released in 1988 and made an impression on the running shoe industry with its lightweight construction paired with synthetic micro suede in the upper. The original Azura model was initially released as a racing bike sneaker and featured the latest in technical innovation when it came to sneakers. It also featured the brand’s original Torsional Rigidity Bar, offering optimal energy return and comfort with each step. This was carved from heat-resistant Kevlar, which proved to be a massive hit.

The Saucony Grid Azura 2000 was supposed to release around 1999/2000, but it never did. It featured some transparent mesh parts which would have made it quite ahead of its time, and highly references the design aesthetics of the year 2000. Released officially twenty years later in 2020, the sneaker is filled to the brim with the language of the 90s with its chunky construction that has been undeniably influenced by performance staples that were prominent at the time. The squiggly pattern added to the upper was the biggest change the sneaker had gone through and still remains to be the shoe’s standout feature. Its distinctive retro look paired with additional detailing like the mono mesh construction, bold toothy overlays, and thick cushioning make it a. stand-out running shoe, and arguably one of the best Saucony running shoes.

Saucony Grid Web

Built as an all-purpose running shoe, Saucony was heading into the millennium with the first release of the Saucony Grid Web in 2000. The sneaker created a landmark in Saucony’s history of innovation and design, and the sneaker quickly grew to become one of the brand’s premier models on the market, thanks to its long-lasting underfoot cushioning and outstanding foot support and energy return. Aside from its initial introduction in 2000, the Saucony Grid Web didn’t make another appearance until the summer of 2019 with its second resurgence to the sneaker market. The silhouette turns heads and supports the feet all at the same time. At the time, the brand continued to be influenced by lifestyle sneaker aesthetics, but the second appearance of the Saucony Grid Web in 2019 was far removed from the archival Shadow or Jazz silhouette.

Referencing the ‘dad shoe’ aesthetic, the Saucony Grid ‘Web’ displays itself as an alternative to the traditional stability shoes currently offered, as it provides stability, visual interest, and functional technological components. Its most notable features include the angled stripes throughout the midfoot, TPU cage, protective lace keeper, and molded neoprene heel collar.

Saucony Shadow 5000

The first-ever ‘Shadow’ silhouette was first released in 1985, and its aesthetic has made it a staple silhouette in the vast Saucony sneaker repertoire. The design was introduced as a performance trainer, but has since grown to be considered a lifestyle shoe as well. The Shadow 5000 came to fruition in 1989 as a classic running sneaker. It was one of Saucony’s best sellers in the early 90s, and continues to serve as a popular collaborative canvas today. With optimal comfort in mind, the Saucony Shadow 5000 doesn’t need any special technology to keep it comfortable. The design was ahead of its time, and represents a period of genuine innovation in running technology where athletics collided with elevated aesthetics.

The Saucony Shadow 5000 has transcended beyond just its sporting roots, having evolved into a modern classic that features a premium combination of suede and nylon across its upper. Its comfortable padded collar is prominent along with the premium rubber outsole.

Saucony Shadow 6000

Another Shadow silhouette is considered one of the best Saucony shoes of all time. The Shadow 6000 was re-released numerous times in various styles, colorways, and versions. The introduction of this sneaker was the sneaker upgrade the ‘90s needed, and had even become a firm favorite among Olympic Game runners. In contrast to the Saucony Shadow 500, the Saucony Shadow 6000 swapped the TPU heel support and replaced it with even more EVA cushioning. This replacement provided greater shock absorption and comfort over longer periods of time, and was one of the first to focus on its plush EVA cushioning that was supported by a padded collar. The sneaker features a steeper curve throughout the laces, offering a throwback retro appeal while still remaining an updated take on the time-tested favorite.

Similar to the Shadow 5000, the Shadow 6000 also continues to serve as a popular collaborative canvas. Released in early 2022, our FEATURE x Saucony Shadow 6000 ‘Chocolate Chip’ was the final iteration of the ‘High Roller Pack’ sneaker collaboration with the heritage footwear label. Inspired by FEATURE’s hometown roots of Sin City, the silhouette utilizes casino-themed motifs throughout the sneaker.

Click here to take a closer look at our current selection of Saucony sneakers.