Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Concern about Saucony changes

The old adage is that everything changes. On the heels of running my first Marathon in Saucony Pro Grid Triumph 4's (the yellow and black ones), I find two pieces of news that concern me:

1) Stride Rite, the parent company, was purchased by Payless Shoes.

As I read the reports, the plan is to keep the premium shoe brands separate from the retail operations. It sounds like a diversification move rather than an attempt to leverage savings by using the brand reputation to drive low-end sales in the existing sales channel. Hopefully that means continued production of high end running shoes.

2) The "neutral high-cushion" shoe that I run in is getting boring! Fall colors are white and blue; nothing super flashy. . .

3) The "neutral high-cushion" shoe is not one of the models getting "winterized." The Pro Grid Triump 4's have GREAT ventilation. Great for summer, that is. They are COLD in the winter. I heard rumors that some models in the fall will have less "breathable" (read more wind-proof) outers. But not the models I run in. Another winter of heavy wool sox and cold toes!

I have attempted to run in both Nike and Addidas. I had problems with both shoes and will stick with my Saucony as long as I can. I have 3 active pair and two retired pair in my closet, and I will need to add a pair or two in July for the fall season.

No comments: