Saucony Reunites With Universal Works on New Suede Runner Sneakers
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Saucony Originals is stepping into fall with its newest collaboration: a second collection with Universal Works.
Within Universal Works’ Future Friendship Project initiative — where the brand joins with like-minded labels on collaborative projects — Saucony has teamed up again with the contemporary clothing label on a fall 2023 capsule collection. The line features two iterations of the sneaker brand’s newest runner shoe, the Jazz NXT.
“The Jazz NXT is designed for the next generation of Saucony enthusiasts, making it the perfect silhouette for a collaboration,” said Rob Griffiths, Saucony’s brand president, in a statement.
“This year is a special one for us, a chance to reflect on the achievements of the past 125 years and to celebrate our relentless dedication to innovation, culture and authenticity. Like us, Universal Works is dedicated to creating something authentic that enables individuals to live and feel better, and we wanted to embody this when we joined forces to create this sneaker. You can see Saucony’s heritage and innovation throughout, met with Universal Work’s contemporary aesthetic, to create a truly modern classic.”
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The style features hairy suede paneled uppers with rounded heels and narrow toes, cinched by checked laces across its label-topped tongues. Complementary textured rubber soles finish the shoe — available in matte brown or cream hues — with a sporty flair, while “S” and “UW” side stitching bring it a DIY finish. Aside from the brand’s sporty nature, the Jazz NXT was also inspired by Universal Works co-founder Davis Keyte’s own experience wearing its shoes.
“I stumbled upon Saucony during a business trip to the States and it didn’t take me long to realize that Saucony makes real running shoes, the kind that real runners want to wear,” Keyte said in a statement. “We’ve all seen the running shoe transform from a purely functional item into a modern classic, and Saucony’s Originals line has played a pivotal role in this evolution. As a person who regularly wears sport shoes in my day-to-day life, it’s a true pleasure to celebrate this journey with the very brand that made my original marathon shoes.”
Rounding out the collaboration is the pair’s short film “Route to the Future,” which highlights Saucony’s brand innovations and how running footwear is worn as an everyday staple in people’s wardrobes today.
Saucony x Universal Works’ Jazz NXT sneakers will launch on Saucony and Universal Works’ websites, stores and various international retailers on Sept. 7.
About the Author:
Aaron Royce is the Digital Editor for Footwear News, where he writes stories on celebrity style, brand collaborations and in-depth profile interviews. Prior to joining Footwear News, Aaron wrote and interned for publications including PAPER, Grazia and the Daily Front Row. He currently holds a B.S. in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.
