The History of Saucony
Saucony is an American brand of athletic footwear and apparel. Founded in 1898, the company is owned by Wolverine World Wide. Saucony is known for its running shoes, but it also produces a variety of other footwear, including walking shoes, cross-training shoes, and basketball shoes. The company also produces a line of apparel, including socks, shorts, and shirts.
The Early Years
Saucony was founded in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, in 1898 by four businessmen: William A. Donmoyer, Thomas S. Levan, Walter C.C. Snyder, and Benjamin F. Reider. The company took its name from the Saucony Creek, which flows near the town of Kutztown.
The early years of Saucony were focused on producing high-quality athletic shoes for local athletes. The company quickly gained a reputation for its innovative designs and its commitment to quality. In 1910, Saucony introduced its first running shoe, the 7446 Spike. This shoe was designed for track and field athletes, and it quickly became a popular choice among runners.
The 1970s and 1980s
In the 1970s, Saucony began to expand its product line and its marketing efforts. The company introduced a number of new running shoes, including the Shadow, the Jazz, and the Omni. These shoes were designed to meet the needs of a variety of runners, and they helped to solidify Saucony’s reputation as a leader in the running shoe market.
In the 1980s, Saucony continued to innovate and grow. The company introduced its GRID technology, which is a cushioning system that helps to absorb shock and provide support. Saucony also began to market its shoes to a wider audience, including casual runners and fitness enthusiasts.
The 1990s and Beyond
In the 1990s, Saucony continued to release new and innovative running shoes. The company also began to expand its product line to include other types of footwear, such as walking shoes, cross-training shoes, and basketball shoes. Saucony also began to market its shoes to a wider audience, including women and children.
Today, Saucony is a leading global brand of athletic footwear and apparel. The company’s products are sold in over 70 countries, and it employs over 1,000 people. Saucony continues to innovate and develop new products, and it is committed to providing high-quality athletic footwear and apparel to runners and athletes of all levels.
A Few Fun Facts About Saucony
- The word “Saucony” is derived from the Native American word “Saukenuk,” which means “a place of outlet.”
- The Saucony logo is inspired by the three boulders that surround the Saucony Creek.
- Saucony’s shoe boxes once had the phrase “sock a knee” printed on them, which represents the correct pronunciation of the company’s name.
- Saucony has been the official shoe of the Boston Marathon since 1983.
- Saucony has sponsored some of the world’s most famous runners, including Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit Samuelson, and Meb Keflezighi.
Conclusion
Saucony is a company with a long and rich history. The company has been at the forefront of innovation in the athletic footwear industry, and it has helped to shape the way that people run. Saucony is committed to providing high-quality athletic footwear and apparel to runners and athletes of all levels, and it continues to be a leader in the industry.