Saucony® and AFEW reunite for Tarantula Hawk-inspired ProGrid Omni 9
The third collaboration between Saucony and AFEW brings the striking characteristics of the tarantula hawk to one of Saucony’s iconic archival silhouettes.
November 13, 2026 -- Saucony , a leading global performance running and lifestyle brand, reunites with Düsseldorf-based sneaker boutique AFEW for their third collaboration, introducing a bold new interpretation of the ProGrid Omni 9 inspired by the tarantula hawk.
Following the Shadow Master 5000 “Goethe” and Shadow 5000 “Time and Space,” Saucony and AFEW turn their attention to the ProGrid Omni 9, drawing inspiration from one of nature’s most distinctive insects. The tarantula hawk, a species of spider wasp known for preying on tarantulas, serves as the creative foundation for a design brought to life through layered materials, iridescent finishes and unexpected textural details.
“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 brings the concept to life through a series of distinctive design details, including:
- Double-Layer Mesh Upper: Gradient nylon layered with open mesh creates depth and dimension across the upper
- Iridescent Translucent Cage: An iridescent cage extends across the medial side of the shoe, adding a shifting visual effect to the silhouette
- Faux-Fur Details: A faux-fur collar and heel window introduce an unexpected textural element
- Iridescent Heel Overlay: A reflective finish at the heel further builds on the collaboration’s nature-inspired design
- Asymmetrical Tongue Branding: An asymmetrical branded tongue bubble logo adds a custom detail to the upper
- AFEW Heel Branding: AFEW branding appears printed on the back heel.
- Custom Sockliner: A co-branded sockliner carries the collaboration story inside the shoe
The AFEW x Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 will launch globally on November 13, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. EST, in sizes 3.5–12, 13 and 14, for a suggested retail price of $195 USD at Saucony.com and select retailers globally.
About Saucony: Saucony, the 'Original Running Brand' and a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW ), is a leading global performance running brand that fuses innovation, style and culture. Widely recognized for award-winning technologies including PWRRUN™ PB, PWRRUN+™, and SPEEDROLL™, Saucony creates innovative technical and lifestyle footwear and apparel across Road, Trail and Originals. Founded in 1898, Saucony exists to inspire and enable people to live a better life through running culture, self-expression and their impact on the world. For more information, visit www.saucony.com .