Saucony and Düsseldorf-based sneaker boutique, AFEW, have been back in the design studio, reigniting their collaboration for a mighty third outing.
This time around, the pair have sought inspiration from a somewhat unlikely source... the tarantula hawk.
One of nature's most distinctive and, frankly, hard-as-nails-sounding insects, the tarantula hawk is a species of spider wasp known for preying on tarantulas.
How about that?
Saucony's iconic archival silhouette, the ProGrid Omni 9, is the latest from its catalogue to be reimagined, adding to AFEW's 'Goethe' and 'Time and Space' renditions of the Shadow Master 5000, and Shadow 5000.
The AFEW x Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 is packed full of striking design details, including a double-layer mesh upper, a faux-fur collar and heel window, and iridescent finishes across the medial cage and heel overlay.
“AFEW has a unique ability to transform unexpected inspiration into compelling sneaker storytelling, and this collaboration is a great example of that,” said Jason Faustino, senior director of global energy at Saucony.
“The ProGrid Omni 9 gave us an exciting canvas to bring the tarantula hawk concept to life through color, texture and material, while staying true to the distinct design language of the silhouette.”
The AFEW x Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 will launch globally on November 13 at Saucony.com and select retailers.
