Saucony ProGrid Triumph 5 Presented With "Gear of the Year" Award

Posted: 08/04/2008 In Category: Fitness Manufacturer

Industry News Release Written By: Kristen Raymaakers

LEXINGTON, MA (August 4, 2008) – Saucony, Inc., a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel, will be presented with “The Gear of the Year” award for the Saucony ProGrid Triumph 5 by the Outside Buyer’s Guide (Summer 2008) at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. Concurrently, Saucony will be unveiling the next rendition of the award-winning shoe, the ProGrid Triumph 6, at the show as part of its Spring ’09 performance line. The award presentation will take place on August 8th at 9:30am at the Saucony booth, #38163, at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah.

“The Triumph is like the best hotel mattresses: soft and springy, but not mushy,” raved the Outside Buyer’s Guide editors in their review of the winning road shoe. “Articulated outsole lugs and a five-layer sandwich of foam, rubber and thermoplastic in the heel absorb the impact of each foot strike while retaining responsiveness,” they added.

Wear-testers remarked that the plush interior and pillowy tongue make running in the Triumph 5 feel “like walking barefoot on shag carpeting.” Testers also noted that Saucony’s exclusive midfoot Arch Lock™ delivered extra security, translating into speed: “Tempo runs were a breeze,” they raved.

“The entire Saucony team is honored to be recognized by the Outside Buyer’s Guide,” said Tom Carleo, senior vice president of product marketing for Saucony. “The Triumph continues to be an important franchise, and we hope runners will find the new Triumph 6 delivers an even better ride than its award-winning predecessor,” he added.

For the review process, Outside magazine solicited 14 testers with all types of feet, gaits, and foot-striking habits and had them log 8,000 cumulative miles in 22 of the year’s best new road shoes. Ten models made the cut, with the Saucony ProGrid Triumph 5 selected as best-in-show in the running shoe category.

The ProGrid Triumph 5 provides neutral runners with responsive cushioning while offering the superiority of great fit and a plush, smooth ride. The full length ProGrid with
Respon-Tek, Saucony’s latest cushioning technology, combines with the SRC impact
zone to provide shock attenuation, impact absorption and a seamless transition from heel through forefoot. Saucony’s proprietary Arch Lock has been amended to give the runner a snugger midfoot fit, and the lateral crash pad has been further decoupled for dynamic cushioning at impact. A dual density SSL EVA midsole maximizes rebound while minimizing weight. Step-in comfort is improved with a breathable, moisture wicking, anti-odor and anti-microbial Ortholite® Sockliner that maintains its rebound properties. The ProGrid Triumph 5 comes in men’s sizes 7-13, and 14, and women’s sizes 5-12. The suggested retail price of the ProGrid Triumph 5 is $120.00. The ProGrid Triumph 5 is available at select retail stores. To find a retailer near you, please call 1.800.365.4933 or visit www.saucony.com.

The Saucony ProGrid Triumph 6 has increased the ProGrid surface area, providing an even smoother transition from heel strike to toe-off, as well as enhancing impact absorption and shock attenuation. The ultra-plush Comfortride™ sockliner is constructed from an exclusive material to offer both wicking and antimicrobial properties, while providing responsive cushioning and additional comfort. (Sizes: men’s 7-13, 14 and 15, and women’s 5-12; MSRP: $125; At retail: November 1, 2008)

The Outside Buyer's Guide is the ultimate resource for athletes and travelers looking for the last word on new gear. Visit www.outside.away.com for the full review.

About Saucony, Inc.: Saucony, Inc., a subsidiary of Collective Brands, is a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel with its widely recognized brands Saucony, Saucony Originals and Spot-bilt. For more information, go to www.saucony.com.

About Collective Brands, Inc.: Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS) is a leader in bringing compelling lifestyle, fashion and performance brands for footwear and related accessories to consumers worldwide. The company operates three strategic units covering a powerful brand portfolio, as well as multiple price points and selling channels including retail, wholesale, ecommerce and licensing. Collective Brands, Inc. includes Payless ShoeSource, focused on
democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories through its more than 4,500-store retail chain, with its brands American Eagle™, Airwalk®, Dexter®, Champion® and designer collections Abaeté for Payless, Lela Rose for Payless and alice + olivia for Payless, among others; Stride Rite, focused on lifestyle and athletic branded footwear and high-quality children’s footwear sold primarily through wholesaling, with its brands including Stride Rite®, Keds®, Sperry Top-Sider®, Robeez®, and Saucony®, among others; and Collective Licensing International, the brand development, management and global licensing unit, with such youth lifestyle brands as Airwalk®, Vision Street Wear®, Lamar®, Sims®, LTD®, genetic®, Dukes™, Rage®, Ultra-Wheels®, and Skate Attack®. Information about, and links for shopping on, each of the Collective Brand’s units can be found at http://www.collectivebrands.com.
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