The Saucony Shadow Original is revamped with full-grain leather, showcasing Engineered Garments’ unique New York style on this iconic running shoe. This first-ever partnership will release on October 17 for 220 euros. It reimagines a 1985 performance trainer with formal footwear details rarely seen on athletic silhouettes.
Brogue perforations cover the leather upper, nodding to classic dress shoes while maintaining the retro runner’s shape. Daiki Suzuki’s New York–based label approaches clothing with meticulous attention to cuts and meaningful details, steering clear of what the brand calls “perfect design.” This philosophy translates directly to the shoe.
The upper is made entirely of premium full-grain leather, a significant upgrade from the typical mesh and nylon construction of standard Shadow Original releases. Wingtip detailing spans the toe, borrowing from traditional brogues, which originally allowed water drainage in Scottish and Irish walking shoes through perforated leather patterns.
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An embossed logo sits at the heel, and pigskin leather lines the interior. The insoles feature co-branding, with “Saucony” marked on the right foot and “Engineered Garments” on the left. The midsole and outsole match the upper with a tonal finish to keep the look cohesive.
Saucony launched the Shadow in 1985 with the slogan “First is first, second is nowhere,” targeting serious runners in need of stability and cushioning. Thanks to its marshmallowy EVA midsole and reliable performance features, the model became a staple in the brand’s lineup.
Engineered Garments brings a different perspective to the table. Suzuki founded the label in 1999 after moving from Japan to New York. There, he drew inspiration from American workwear, military garments, and sportswear archives. His designs evolve with the wearer, combining vintage cuts with high-quality, locally produced materials.
Formal footwear codes rarely cross into sneaker territory with this level of execution. The brogue perforations reference dress shoe heritage without making the Shadow Original appear overdone. Full-grain leather gives the shoe the weight and structure that mesh versions lack, and the tonal palette makes the shoe wearable.
Engineered Garments typically pushes boundaries with unconventional pieces like holsters, ponchos, and racing suits, as well as reworked classics. This collaboration takes a more restrained approach, letting material quality and subtle design choices speak louder than obvious branding.
The Engineered Garments x Shadow Original launches on October 17th on Saucony’s website and at select retailers. Each pair comes in a co-branded box with a dust bag.
