When searching for a shoe brand with serious history, look no further than Saucony. Founded in 1898, Saucony was named for the Saucony Creek, a nearby source of inspiration for the brand’s four Pennsylvanian founders. While early production focused on children’s shoes, Saucony continued to evolve. And thanks to its innovative technology, designs that marry comfort, style, and support, as well as a near cult-level fan following, this shoe company has quickly become the preferred brand for serious runners.
Stand Out Performance
In a crowded market, Saucony sneakers never earned the widespread devotion afforded to bigger brands. But they did catch the eye of in-the-know sneakerheads, earning distinctions for crafting footwear built for runners. One of the biggest: a 1977 “Best Sneaker” nod from Consumer Reports Magazine.
Not long after, the brand released the first in a series of ground-breaking sneaker designs: The Trainer 80, built without a cardboard layer between the shoe sole and upper. The result? Increased comfort, flexibility and brand loyalty among serious runners. Within a decade, Saucony also rolled out its GRID technology, built to cushion feet while centering heel strikes at every step for increased stability. The tech proved wildly popular, and the brand secured its spot as a top running shoe company. Today, whether cruising in the Jazz Original or pounding the pavement in the Guide ISO, Saucony styles spell support, comfort, and curb appeal.