Saucony ProGrid Omni 9

ProGrid Omni 9

Saucony’s Omni running shoes have been around since the early 2000s. Built around a stable and supportive core, the series has often proven popular amongst the athletic community, but in 2023, it transitioned to the lifestyle category with the revival of 2010’s classic mesh runner, the ProGrid Omni 9.

The upper of the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 blends textile mesh and layered synthetic panelling. While the former delivers excellent breathability via broad, honeycomb-shaped openings across the forefoot and flanks, the latter adds durability. A structural rubberised cage frames the midfoot, and protective overlays cover the toe and heel, with further mesh elements ventilating the padded tongue, collar and heel for all-round comfort. The lightweight, stretchy material along the flanks offers enough flex for an adaptable fit that still feels snug and secure.

The ProGrid Omni 9 features a powerful sole unit that brings together a collection of Saucony’s dependable cushioning innovations, which were originally designed for high-performance running. Full-length EVA foam ensures maximum comfort, with SRC (super rebound compound) and ProGrid technologies filling out parts of the forefoot and heel for great impact protection and a smooth transition through each step. The hard-wearing rubber outsole incorporates various grippy pads that provide solid traction, and a TPU shank supports the midfoot, enhancing torsional rigidity and creating a sturdy platform for the foot.

Aesthetically, the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 has a dynamic yet nostalgic look forged by the curves of Saucony’s three-dot logos, the flowing shapes of its overlays and the rippling bands on its midsole. This theme continues across the outsole, which also exhibits arcing design lines alongside a series of distinctive nodules that punctuate both forefoot and heel. A Saucony badge adorns the tongue, Omni 9 text accents the lateral heel and a mini logo subtly decorates the bottom of the eyestay to complete the stylish branding effects.

Since returning in the early 2020s, the ProGrid Omni 9 has expanded upon the brand’s rich backstory through eye-catching general releases and compelling collaborations. In October 2023, the ‘Crystal Cave’ edition was created to honour Saucony’s roots in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, its memorable colour scheme reflecting the ancient geological rock formations of the state’s first show cave. In 2024, the brand launched a nature-inspired colourway with Parisian streetwear pioneers Starcow and extended its popular collaboration with visionary creator Jae Tips through the vibrant ‘To Do List’ Pack.

Alongside these successful partnerships, Saucony has crafted several ProGrid Omni 9 variants, including the Premium, which features suave suede and luxurious leather panels, the Armor, whose powerful build incorporates a more technical mesh and hard-wearing overlays, the Fade, with its striking ombré effect, and the weatherised Winter Tech. Meanwhile, the TMY (Tomorrow, Meet Yesterday) merges past and future into a stylish contemporary design and the Glowaconstrictor celebrates the Year of the Snake across three iridescent colourways with scaly textures and metallic accents.

The Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 is a bold flagship sneaker with the comfort-giving technology, supportive design and classy retro style of a Y2K running shoe.