The scale of the event continues to align with growth in the performance running footwear category. Carbon-plated racing shoes have expanded beyond elite-only use into broader retail distribution, including limited releases and collaborations tied to major race calendars, and brands including adidas, Nike, On, Tracksmith, and ASICS continue to position race-day product launches around major marathons.

The crossover between performance running and fashion was visible during London Fashion Week when Vanish was there in January, as technical running footwear appeared in runway presentations and showroom environments alongside seasonal apparel with performance models integrated into fashion contexts rather than separated from them.

Within this massive framework, Footpatrol and adidas have released a collaborative version of the Adizero Adios Pro 4 ahead of race weekend.

Footpatrol was founded in London in 2002, initially operating from a small courtyard space in Soho at a time when access to limited and international sneaker releases was more restricted. The store built its position by sourcing rare product, including Japanese exclusives and deadstock pairs, and became a distribution point for early consortium-level releases. It relocated to Berwick Street in 2010, where it remains, and expanded to a second location in Paris extending its footprint into another key European market.

The business operates as both a retailer and a collaborator. It has worked across brands including Nike, adidas, ASICS, Saucony, and Clarks, with a consistent focus on limited runs and launch-driven releases. Its positioning has remained tied to sneaker distribution and community engagement rather than scale retail, functioning as a release point for high-demand product and partnerships.

That history is directly relevant to this release. Performance running footwear—specifically carbon-plated race models—has historically been distributed through performance channels, with limited crossover into boutique retail. This collaboration places a race-day silhouette, the Adizero Adios Pro 4, into that distribution model, aligning a technical product with a retailer typically associated with limited sneaker releases.

The design references the built environments surrounding Footpatrol’s London and Paris locations. The upper uses a one-way stretch textile with metallic three-stripe branding incorporating 3M reflective elements, while the midsole retains LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam, paired with carbon-infused ENERGYRODS designed for propulsion and efficiency over distance.

The release is timed to coincide with marathon week and is available through Footpatrol’s retail and online channels. Creative Direction and Photography by Anthony Lee.

The post adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Collaboration with Footpatrol Releases During London Marathon 2026 appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

As part of the recent Vanish tour of Asia, the Vanish team were lucky enough to be invited over to the Beams HQ (overseeing a diverse portfolio of more than 30 brands and creative projects) to meet the chief buyer at Beams Plus and esteemed vintage outdoor clothing collector Shigeru Kaneko.

Given a warm welcome by the Beams staff, Team Vanish were able to learn all about the brand’s incredible 50 year history thanks in part to a permanent in-house timeline exhibition.

Though impossible to document all of their impressive achievements over the years, the products on display nonetheless provided a fascinating insight into the brand. Showcasing a number of key evolutionary moments and significant releases, from the brand’s inception in 1976 (originally called ‘American Life shop Beams’) right through to today’s globe spanning empire. Leaving us in no doubt that though Beams has been inspired by timeless looks such as American Ivy League and classic English tailoring, that their name is now equally synonymous with classic style, albeit with a signature Japanese obsession for detail and premium quality.

Following this impressive history lesson, the Vanish team met up with Shigeru Kaneko, who as well as being the chief buyer of Beams Plus, is also widely respected around the world for his seriously impressive collection of vintage outdoor clothing. Having released his Outdoor Expedition Book 99 last year (Vol. 9 in the “I AM BEAMS” series), an ongoing global exhibition tour (Expedition Club) followed.

Clearly a very busy man, Shigeru kindly took time out to pick some of his rarest and most impressive down parkas specifically for the Vanish team to check out. Consisting predominantly of North American brands from the second half of the twentieth century alongside the incredibly rare down parkas were a number of vintage Eddie Bauer down hand warmers and face masks that have now become something of a Shigeru trademark in his legendary collection. Alongside Eddie Bauer the archival outerwear included brands such as Gerry, The North Face, Pointfive, Moncler, REI, Blacks, Wilderness Experience, Snow Lion, Adventure 16 and Mountain Equipment. The latter two brands and their down jackets having both provided direct design inspiration for recent Beams Plus collaborations with END Clothing and Palace Skateboards, respectively.

Meeting Shigeru and experiencing the collection was an unforgettable experience and a particular highlight in what has been an incredible trip to one of the most exciting and design savvy cities in the world…a visit which was topped off by the always affable Shigeru donning his beloved Gerry U.S.A.F. Survival suit for us and letting us take some shots of him in this incredible piece of military expedition history from 1959.

Vanish would like to say a huge thank you to Shigeru Kaneko and Mizuki Maeda for taking time out of their busy schedules to show us around, as well as all the staff at Beams HQ and the Beams Plus store in Harajuku.

The post An Exclusive Look Behind the Scenes at Beams Headquarters with Shigeru Kaneko appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

Running is now borrowing the same ethos, but mind you gravel running isn’t trail running — it’s less technical, less gear-intensive, less committed to a specific landscape: it’s the park path, the service road, the crushed granite connector between the neighborhood and the foothills, and long country roads. Forget routes, finish lines and pace. Brands including Craft, adidas and Mount to Coast have entered the space, but Salomon — with its roots in the French Alps and fingerprints already on a gravel cycling aesthetic — is betting they can own the category.

Most running shoes are optimized for one surface type or another, and the compromise feels exactly that. But the Aero Glide 4 GRVL is Salomon’s argument that the compromise no longer has to feel like one. The shoe’s midsole is energyFOAM EVO, a supercritical TPU compound that delivers more rebound over time rather than packing out after a few hundred miles. The stack/drop is substantial — 41mm at the heel, 33mm at the forefoot, with an 8mm drop — enough to absorb the cumulative impact of a city-to-trail-and-back effort without dulling the feedback that makes a run feel alive. At 9.5 ounces for men, 8.1 for women, it carries that cushion easily.

The outsole draws its geometry from gravel bike tires, which is apt: cyclists figured out long ago that a tread pattern optimized for loose, variable surfaces still rolls cleanly on pavement. Salomon’s contaGRIP compound applies the same logic on foot — woodchips, asphalt, sandy seafront paths, dusty dirt roads — transitioning without the runner having to think about it. That last part matters. A shoe that makes you second-guess your footing is a shoe that pulls you out of the run.

The upper is where the 4 GRVL stakes its claim. A seamless construction pairs with sensiFIT technology and a padded tongue and collar to create a locked-in, glove-like hold — reinforced further by a protective mudguard and a more precise foothold than the standard road version. The quickLACE neo system, a single-pull cord with a gusseted tongue, locks it down in one motion and tucks away clean. The result is something that feels trail-worthy without the stiffness that often comes with that credential.

The gravel running movement asks a simple question: what if the run you actually take on your own on the dusty road alone is better than the one you planned and fought for? The Aero Glide 4 GRVL is built to answer…comfortable enough to run long, confident enough to run anywhere, and still compete when you want to.

$160; salomon.com

The post Longtime Trail Leader Salomon Continues to Push Gravel Running Performance Boundary appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

Across that category, the landscape is global: in the United States, manufacturers such as Buck Knives, Benchmade, and Gerber Gear have long defined hunting and field-use knives; Morakniv represents the Scandinavian tradition of utilitarian outdoor blades; while Japanese and German makers—including Hattori, Wüsthof, and Zwilling J.A. Henckels—have shaped expectations around steel performance and forged construction.

Having long considered Victorinox a benchmark for everyday carry, from a very young age in Boy Scouts and hunting with my dad, the introduction of the Venture line prompted a renewed interest in the brand and a closer look.

The Venture Pro, a full-tang fixed-blade knife designed specifically for bushcraft use, marks a more direct entry into that category. While Victorinox has produced fixed blades in limited contexts before—primarily kitchen, butcher, and professional tools—the Venture series represents a deliberate move into outdoor use with a purpose-built design.

The Venture Pro integrates several features typically distributed across multiple tools. The carrying system houses removable tweezers, a ferrocerium rod, and a compact ballpoint pen. The sheath itself is engineered with ventilation holes that double as a blow tube, a detail incorporated for aiding fire-starting in low-oxygen conditions.

On the knife, the spine is squared to 90 degrees, allowing efficient spark generation when paired with the ferro rod. The handle incorporates a hexagonal socket sized for spade drill bits, enabling the user to bore holes for shelter construction or camp fixtures. At the base, a shaped divot functions as a bow drill pivot, turning the knife into a pressure component for friction fire setups.

The blade uses a flat grind geometry optimized for controlled carving rather than chopping, aligning with bushcraft tasks such as feathering wood, shaping stakes, and preparing kindling. As with the company’s broader lineup, the knife is manufactured in Switzerland and backed by a lifetime warranty.

Positioned at $115, the Venture Pro reflects an attempt to translate Victorinox’s longstanding emphasis on compact utility into a fixed-blade format. Rather than replicating traditional survival knife archetypes, it consolidates multiple bushcraft functions into a single system—reducing the need for additional tools while maintaining a focus on precision.

In practical terms, the Venture Pro is designed around the premise that a single, well-integrated tool can support extended wilderness use—from fire-making to shelter building—without reliance on a broader kit.

The post Victorinox Extends Its Knife Legacy Into Fixed-Blade Bushcraft appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

The line between fashion and angling is drawn tight for South2 West8. From the riverbanks in Japan flows an interconnected approach to fashion and fishing, where the functional beauty traditionally found in angling apparel has become an inspiration for the brand.

For South2 West8 it runs deeper than just their product, every piece of clothing is an opportunity to find a great connection to nature through the experience of the fishing itself – believing that this deep connection observed by an angler in situ bears witness to the changing climate, creating an urgency in some way for South2 West8 to make the most of every cast.

“PERHAPS IT IS THE ANGLER WHO WILL FIRST SENSE NATURE’S SUBTLE CHANGES, AND TAKE ON THE QUIET DUTY OF BEARING WITNESS.”

 

The post VANISH Brand Profile: South2 West8 appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

Meaning “of the woods” or “of the wild” the Silvestre showcases two highly respected brands’ vision of effortless movement between urban and wild whilst reconnecting the wearer to the deeper, more untamed spaces of our world.

In recent years Swedish outdoor collective Houdini, with its origins in Scandinavian mountaineering tradition, has forged a reputation for reimagining technical outdoor apparel and circular design through the lens of beauty. Similarly, Demon, an Italian brand founded in the legendary location of Montebelluna in1963 has become known for its fusing of technical mountaineering heritage with avant-garde design—blending artisanal tradition with alchemic innovation. Joining forces, the two brands have set out to explore the borderlands of the cultured and the untamed, blending the raw elegance and technical footwear expertise of Demon with Houdini’s visionary work and commitment to beauty and technical outdoor layering systems for a life lived in harmony with nature.

Released this week, the light, technical Silvestre approach sets out to challenge the conventions of traditional outdoor aesthetics with an effortless elegance designed to complete the perfectly curated outdoor minimalist wardrobe that Houdini has become known for.

Chief Product Officer at Houdini Sportswear Jesper Danielsson had this to say about the design process behind this inspired new silhouette:  “I find the fusion of cultures intriguing and by challenging the archetypical aesthetics of this category and adding a layer of raw elegance to top tier functionality, we achieve a product that performs in an alpine setting, but also far beyond. With co-founder and Demon’s creative director Alberto Deon adding: “Silvestre exists between expression and constraint, function and fiction. Born from the ashes of a traditional idea of sportswear and mountaineering—one where personal expression was secondary—it marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue around functional fashion.”

Merging the core elements of hiking shoes with the precision of climbing slippers and the resilience of mountaineering boots, the Silvestre offers genuine functionality too. Designed to deliver both stability and traction on rock and comfort over long distances, the shoes can adapt seamlessly from trail to technical scrambling.Having been designed, engineered and handmade with the craftsmanship of technical mountaineering boots from the true home of this artisanal tradition, Montebelluna. Combining a minimalist streamlined architecture with robust and supportive structure key design features of the Silvestre include: a tough rubber-rand reinforcement with protective layers for multi-day alpine missions, a slip-on microfibre gaiter, a super-crepe micro-porous EVA midsole and a Vibram outer sole.

The limited edition Houdini x Demon Silvestre is now available at demonfootwear.com and houdinisportswear.com as well as through the following retailers: 

Dover Street Market, Paris

Arys Store, Berlin

Antonioli, Milano

Field Day, Taipei

Gr8, Tokyo 

Hypebeast / HBS, Hong Kong

I.T, Hong Kong/Shanghai

Field Theory, St. Louis

Machus, Portland

Windthrow, Seattle

Ka-Yo, Stockholm

Houdini, Stockholm 

Demon, Montebelluna

The post Handmade in Italy, Houdini and Demon Join Forces on the Silvestre Approach Shoe appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

Recognising a serious shortcoming within the manufacturing world, innovative Swedish brand Haglöfs and pioneering textile company Polartec have joined forces to to introduce ‘Standard Issue Black’. Driven by the fact that black is the most used colour in outdoor apparel yet rarely the same shade from one fabric to another, countless versions of black are developed and dyed separately, creating unnecessary complexity and impact. Which is why the brands have created a pre-dyed black standard designed in order to simplify sourcing and reduce the environmental footprint associated with fabric dyeing and colour development.

During a joint material review, Haglöfs and Polartec identified more than twenty visually similar black variations in active use within Polartec’s bestselling original technical fleece series. With each requiring their own dyeing process, production volumes and resources, despite the end results appearing to be virtually identical.

Addressing this inefficiency at scale when compared to traditional piece-dyed black fabrics, Standard Issue Black reduces water use in production by over 50% and saves a minimum of 20% energy usage compared to traditional piece-dyed black fabrics, based on internal production assessment. This offers a more resource-efficient approach to one of the most widely used colours in outdoor apparel.

The initiative between Haglöfs and Polartec has been showcased by a Black Capsule — a limited collection created using existing Polartec leftover fabrics in multiple black variations. Rather than creating something new, the capsule brings these variations together to make the implications of today’s fragmented approach to black visible, whilst also allowing this partnership to set the context for a shared standard going forward.

“By standardising something as fundamental as black, we can reduce unnecessary steps in production and make better use of shared resources,” says Ramesh Kesh, SVP at Milliken & Company and Business Manager at Polartec. “Standard Issue Black™ is intentionally open to the entire industry. Our aim is to contribute to a broader shift towards shared standards in how colour is developed and produced.” Whilst for Haglöfs, the initiative also reflects a long-term approach to design and product development, where early decisions play a key role in reducing complexity and extending product lifespan.

“Colour choices have long-term consequences,” says Eva Weiss, Head of Design at Haglöfs. “We approach colour with great attention to detail, understanding how materials and construction influence a shade. By working towards a clear standard, we reduce unnecessary variation while maintaining design integrity. It’s precision with purpose, supporting longevity in both function and expression.”

Following years of successful collaboration, the two companies see Standard Issue Black as a starting point for continued dialogue and cooperation across the industry — demonstrating how shared standards can help reduce complexity, conserve resources and support more responsible product development over time. Standard Issue Black will enter production for the first time in Haglöfs’ FW26 season, marking the transition from concept to implementation.

The Black Capsule collection will be available online at haglofs.com and in selected Haglöfs stores in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Helsinki, and Åre from March 13th.

The post Haglöfs and Polartec Introduce Standard Issue Black appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

Within the Merrell portfolio, the 1TRL line functions as a platform where the brand revisits established outdoor footwear designs through updated materials, construction methods, and contemporary finishes. The Spring/Summer 2026 collection continues that approach by combining archival silhouettes with layered textures, experimental material combinations, and visual references that draw from traditional craftsmanship while introducing more directional aesthetic treatments.

Across the range, several silhouettes reinterpret familiar Merrell footwear platforms while incorporating updated structural elements and surface detailing. Uppers frequently combine open mesh structures with netted textile patterns and suede or leather components that reference heritage outdoor materials. These traditional elements are contrasted with contemporary graphic treatments, including the lace-inspired “2 Tone Torn Camo” pattern that appears throughout the collection and introduces additional texture and visual movement across the surface of the footwear.

The seasonal palette reinforces this balance between past and present. Darker heritage tones and woven textures are paired with lavender-tinted greys and brighter Wisteria accents, while core neutrals including black, off-white, and grey ground the collection.

At the center of the season’s performance offering is the Agility Peak 6, a model designed to function as a dependable tool for trail runners navigating unpredictable terrain. The shoe builds on Merrell’s trail footwear lineage with an emphasis on traction, stability, and energy return across extended mileage where surfaces and conditions can shift throughout the course of a run.

The upper combines mesh, synthetic materials, and TPU elements arranged to balance breathability with structural durability. In high-stress zones, 3D print and TPU overlays reinforce the construction to improve abrasion resistance when moving across technical terrain. A 100 percent recycled breathable mesh lining sits inside the shoe, treated with Cleansport NXT technology for natural odor control, while a bellowed tongue construction helps prevent trail debris from entering the shoe during use.

The platform supporting the Agility Peak 6 centers on a FloatPro midsole, designed to deliver responsive energy return during long-distance efforts. A forefoot rock plate protects against irregular ground conditions, while FlexConnect technology allows the shoe to adapt to changes in terrain while maintaining stability. Traction is handled by a Vibram MegaGrip outsole equipped with lugs engineered to improve grip while shedding debris as runners move across varied surfaces.

The Agility Peak 6 launches as part of the broader Merrell 1TRL Spring/Summer 2026 lineup, which includes both new silhouettes and reinterpretations of several established Merrell footwear franchises.

Among the most recognizable of these is the Moab 2 Remix 1TRL, a model that revisits one of the brand’s most enduring trail silhouettes. The Remix introduces a reimagined upper built from molded suede leather with full-grain leather trims and breathable mesh inserts, creating a layered construction that emphasizes material contrast. Asymmetric lacing adds both structural support and visual distinction while preserving the underlying design DNA of the Moab lineage.

The platform retains the familiar Moab sole architecture, incorporating a molded nylon arch shank alongside a lightweight EVA foam midsole intended to support stability and comfort during outdoor use. Traction is provided by a Vibram Ecostep Recycle outsole, constructed with 30 percent recycled rubber and designed to deliver dependable grip across both wet and dry terrain.

Another model in the collection, the Relay Web 1TRL, draws inspiration from Merrell’s early-2000s Sprint footwear family. The silhouette features a low-profile design built around a full-grain leather upper and oversized Merrell “M” branding, combining track-inspired references with construction elements suited to everyday wear.

Interior components include a 100 percent recycled breathable mesh lining and a removable EVA foam footbed paired with a recycled mesh footbed cover. A rubber outsole that wraps around the heel provides traction across a variety of environments while reinforcing the shoe’s structure.

The Jungle Trek Mule 1TRL takes a different approach, adapting Merrell’s Jungle Moc heritage into a slip-on silhouette designed for everyday movement. The upper uses breathable mesh construction layered with the “2 Tone Torn Camo” pattern used throughout the collection, introducing visual depth while referencing lace textiles and traditional motifs.

An 80 percent recycled neoprene collar allows for easy entry while maintaining a secure fit. Cushioning is delivered through a FloatMax foam midsole, while FLEXconnect grooves incorporated into the midsole promote natural foot movement and enhance ground connection. A sticky rubber outsole provides traction across varied surfaces.

Alongside these new introductions, the Spring/Summer 2026 lineup continues to include performance-focused models from Merrell’s Merrell Test Lab (MTL) program.

The MTL Skyfire 2 represents the pinnacle performance offering within the range. The shoe is built around a Matryx woven upper constructed from Kevlar and high-tenacity polyamide threads, forming a lightweight single-layer textile engineered to maximize breathability while increasing durability and reducing stretch.

Inside the shoe, a temperature-regulating mesh footbed cover and tongue lining work together with an EVA foam footbed to support comfort during long-distance runs. A BZM-8 engineered flex plate adds protection and performance, while a dual-density FloatPro foam midsole provides cushioning and responsiveness. A Vibram MegaGrip outsole completes the design, delivering traction across both wet and dry terrain.

The MTL Adapt 1TRL continues alongside it as another performance-driven trail model. The shoe combines a Matryx upper with TPU overlays positioned in wear zones to improve durability while maintaining breathability. Additional details include a padded collar, reflective elements intended to increase visibility in low-light conditions, and an elastic lace keeper.

Cushioning is provided by a FloatPro foam midsole designed to enhance both comfort and energy return, while a Vibram MegaGrip traction-lug outsole supplies grip across mixed trail conditions.

Across the Spring/Summer 2026 lineup, the 1TRL program continues to function as a design platform within Merrell where archival outdoor footwear concepts intersect with contemporary materials and evolving construction techniques. By combining technical trail running tools with reinterpretations of established silhouettes, the collection reflects an approach that connects the brand’s historical outdoor foundation with updated performance technologies and modern design language.

Within that framework, the Agility Peak 6 extends Merrell’s trail running lineage while anchoring a broader collection that moves between technical performance footwear and lifestyle interpretations drawn from the brand’s archive.

The post Merrell Introduces Agility Peak 6 as Part of SS26 1TRL Collection appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

Founded in London in 2023 (with the cities Vancouver and Oslo also playing a significant part in the brand’s origins) Portal was born from a desire to create products that would facilitate the founders various active lifestyles. Sharing and implementing the knowledge they collectively gained over decades working in the industry, Portal exists to provide tools for modern explorers to live their lives with movement.

Dedicated to running, riding and hiking the Potal SS26 collection features technical pieces such as the lightweight packable ‘Code Wind’ vest, four pocket ‘Range Light’ jersey, the mesh-panelled ‘Range Light’ tank and woven shell ‘Ambit Ultra’ shorts. Modern, progressive designs that come in their signature taupe, olive and black tones and are accompanied by a range of accessories including the inspired ‘Tread Pill’ plug. A tubeless tyre plug that comes in its own adjustable Dyneema bag.

Accompanying the new drop of SS26 products comes a campaign that’s been shot in the still somewhat Wintery environs of Oslo. Where the new gear can be seen being put through its paces both on foot and in the saddle amidst the snow and concrete of Norway’s nature friendly capital.  

Whilst the words accompanying the new Portal release come in the form of a considered manifesto that encapsulates the ethos behind the brand and its latest drop titled ‘Here, nature is not elsewhere’. Explaining that Oslo is not a city that merely sits beside nature but instead is a place that has been designed to touch it and that movement there is not escape but rather a form of ritual.

Elsewhere the words accompanying the SS26 further explain how the city has been made to interact with nature. Detailing how in 1966, architect Håkon Mjelva stood above Grorud T-banestasjon and imagined more than transit by designing a pavilion with openings toward the trees, where a café and conversations were planned. Where for decades taxis idled instead, and the structure became transit, shelter, waiting — yet  remained a room at the seam between platform and path, between concrete and forest. Architecture dissolving into landscape.  

Portal’s SS26 ode to Oslo ends by reiterating that nature is not elsewhere in the city, though the signs may not be immediately obvious. Stating nor are they always famous landmarks but sometimes to be found in a concrete tunnel, light cutting through architecture or a narrow passage beneath the tracks. Ideas that were formed decades ago but still very much present, still embedded and part of the culture that becomes the air the city breathes.

The latest drop in the SS26 collection is available from portal-brand.com. 

The post The Portal SS26 Campaign Explores Oslo’s Harmonious Relationship with Nature and Architecture appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

The accessibility of running (requiring little more than a pair of shoes and an open road) has helped fuel its growth.

In many ways, running footwear is driving the outdoor industry right now much like snowboarding once did for skiing and standup paddleboarding did for kayaking. It’s participation-based, accessible, and community-fueled; it feels new again. And brands that understand both performance and culture are defining this next chapter.

Founded in 1898, Saucony has long held key credibility within core run circles, but the Endorphin franchise marked a sharper inflection point for the brand in a modern performance system built around speed, propulsion, and efficiency. To that end, Saucony recently launched their Spring Marathon Collection featuring three new design iterations of the Endorphin Speed 5 sneaker with three bold city-forward designs inspired by the upcoming Tokyo, Boston, and London marathons. The Speed 5 remains anan up-tempo shoe, which quickly proves itself as more, equally capable of long, moderate training sessions, Zone 2 training, and sprints.

The collection continues a design tradition the brand has maintained for more than a decade.

As Chris Mahoney, VP of Design at Saucony, told Vanish, the company began developing marathon-themed seasonal collections to reflect the connection between running culture and the cities that host the sport’s most visible events. “Saucony’s seasonal Marathon collections started well over 10 years ago. As a brand, we initiated these projects because we were driven by the deep connection to running culture, especially the emotional energy and global reach of marathon running,” Mahoney said. “We love that these events celebrate both the sport and the cities that host some of the world’s biggest marathons. For Saucony, our goal has always been to create designs that resonate with both runners and enthusiasts, so it’s fun to draw on the unique character, culture, and race-day environment found at major marathons, which is showcased in the latest Boston, London, and Tokyo editions.”

Mahoney says that the design process for these releases relies on collaboration across Saucony’s global teams: “We have a strong creative and collaborative relationship with our teams around the globe, and the regional teams within these cities help contribute ideas and concepts so that we can create collections that resonate best.” When asked if he had a favorite shoe from the collection this season, he pointed to the Tokyo edition. “It’s tough to choose just one, but I’m very drawn to the Tokyo. I love the visual of the graphics on the upper and the overall color scheme. The subtle jade fade in the upper, adjacent to the metallic golden midsole, makes for a pretty striking visual.”

For Tokyo, Saucony wanted to capture the balance between tradition and forward momentum. The upper features a red plum blossom graphic inspired by 18th-century Japanese artwork — a symbol of resilience and renewal that still feels timeless. The golden haze tone along the midsole draws from the gilded gold in traditional art, while also reflecting the way the setting sun washes across Tokyo’s skyline. It’s a blend of heritage and modern energy, calm, refined, but always moving, which is “exactly what makes the city so compelling,” according to the brand.

The Boston design was inspired by the iconic color system of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Mahoney said it was fun to dig into the history behind each line — what the colors represent, the neighborhoods they connect, and how those identities came to be. After bringing all the MBTA colors together, subtle motion and blur across the midsole reflects the constant movement of the trains and buses that carry people in, out, and around the city every day. The upper is intentionally clean so the energy of the midsole stands out. And the crisp white upper naturally feels like spring in New England — a quiet nod to marathon season and the renewed energy that takes over the city each year.

London is layered with visual history, and red and gold are woven throughout the city. From the unmistakable double-decker buses and phone booths to ceremonial guard uniforms, red is instantly recognizable. Gold accents echo the detailing found on gates, statues, and historic architecture, giving the city its regal presence. Saucony pulled from that palette and incorporated a red rose graphic along the midsole as a tribute to England’s national emblem. At first glance, it reads almost like texture or linework. But the closer you look, the more you see the rose petals wrapping around the sculpted speed form. That subtle reveal felt right — it reflects London itself, where depth and detail unfold the longer you take it in.

The Spring Marathon Collection highlights how Saucony continues to connect product design with the broader culture of running, using global marathon cities as creative reference points while building on the performance foundation of the Endorphin Speed 5.

–Author Aaron H. Bible has been covering running and the outdoors for more than three decades. Follow his work on Instagram @DefinitelyWild. 

The post Saucony Channels Marathon Energy from Boston, London, and Tokyo in Spring Drop appeared first on VANISH TODAY.