Saucony
Wolverine World Wide · United States
Saucony is an American running footwear and apparel brand founded in 1898 in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. It is owned by Wolverine World Wide, which acquired it in 2012, and is headquartered in Boston. It matters as one of the long-established names in performance running.
| Founded | 1898, Kutztown, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Owner | Wolverine World Wide (since 2012) |
| Headquarters | Boston, United States |
| Segment | Sportswear and outdoor |
| Known for | Running shoes and Originals line |
| Website | saucony.com |
What is Saucony?
Saucony is a US running brand that makes road, trail and racing shoes, track spikes and cross-country flats, along with apparel such as jackets, hoodies, shorts and socks. It also sells accessories including hats and backpacks.
History
The company was founded in 1898 in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, by William A. Donmoyer, Thomas S. Levan, Walter C. C. Snyder and Benjamin F. Reider. In 1968 it was acquired by Hyde Athletic Industries, which renamed itself Saucony Inc. in 1998. Stride Rite bought it in 2005 for 170 million US dollars, and in 2007 Stride Rite itself was acquired by Payless ShoeSource, forming Collective Brands.
Wolverine World Wide acquired Collective Brands' Performance Lifestyle Group, including Saucony, in 2012. The sources consulted do not report any later sale, so Wolverine World Wide is shown as the owner.
Products and positioning
Saucony positions itself in performance running, with footwear matched to foot size, running style, arch type and pronation. Its Originals line revives heritage models, and the Hornet is described as the company's best selling product. The brand sits in the mid-market to premium running tier.
Business model and distribution
Saucony sells through specialist running retailers and its own channels. Wolverine World Wide sources most of its footwear from third-party manufacturers in Asia Pacific and South America. In 2024 the brand opened a Global Innovation Hub in Boston, having moved there from Waltham in 2016.
Why it matters
Saucony shows how a heritage sports brand can be preserved through a succession of corporate owners and reinvigorated through a combination of performance running and lifestyle heritage products.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Saucony?
Saucony is owned by Wolverine World Wide, which acquired it in 2012 as part of Collective Brands' Performance Lifestyle Group.
Where is Saucony from?
Saucony is an American brand founded in 1898 in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. It is now headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.