Pairing heritage with innovation, Saucony continues to push the boundaries of technical performance and cultural storytelling with the unveiling of its Autumn/Winter 2025 (AW25) Progrid Omni 9 “Glowa Pack.” First introduced in 2010, the Progrid Omni 9 silhouette has long been a favorite among performance runners, sneaker collectors, and fashion-forward enthusiasts alike. Now, 15 years later, the sneaker returns in full force—reimagined with a narrative-rich design that ties global culture, symbolism, and urban functionality into one cohesive collection.

A Legacy Reinvented

The Progrid Omni 9 is no stranger to reinvention. Rooted in Saucony’s storied performance heritage, the silhouette was originally developed to deliver premium support, impact absorption, and all-terrain comfort for dedicated runners. Over time, it transcended its original purpose to become a cult favorite among fashion circles and streetwear scenes, largely due to its Y2K-era aesthetic and dynamic structure.

For AW25, the Glowa Pack brings this foundational model into a new era. The collection drops under Saucony’s ‘Run As One’ initiative—a platform intended to merge movement and culture, highlighting the intersections between performance sport and artistic expression across global communities. It’s a fitting context for a pack that draws from deep mythological roots while maintaining modern performance integrity.

The Year of the Snake

At the core of the Glowa Pack’s conceptual inspiration lies the Year of the Snake, a culturally rich symbol in Chinese zodiac mythology. The snake is revered not only for its elegance and mystique, but also as a spiritual emblem of transformation, introspection, and wisdom. In Chinese tradition, the snake represents quiet strength—capable of powerful change through patience and precision.

Saucony channels these qualities directly into the Glowa Pack’s aesthetic language. The design team was particularly interested in using light and texture to tell a story of renewal through movement. This narrative finds form through iridescent materials, subtle snakeskin patterning, and glowing accent hues that pulse with a sense of kinetic energy. It’s not just a shoe to wear—it’s a story to carry on your feet.

Design Features: Where Style Meets Performance

In terms of construction, the Progrid Omni 9 Glowa Pack doesn’t compromise on performance. Each pair is built with a combination of heritage-informed elements and next-gen updates that make the silhouette as functional on pavement as it is fashionable on city streets.

• Rubberised Cage Overlays: Inspired by exoskeletal armor, the durable cage system adds an aggressive, structured silhouette while offering additional support across the midfoot and heel. It creates a locked-in feel without sacrificing flexibility.
• Open Mesh Uppers: A breathable layer of open mesh ensures ample airflow during both athletic activity and everyday wear. This keeps the foot cool and reduces internal moisture—critical for long runs or long days.
• Grid Cushioning System: A signature Saucony innovation, the Grid tech unit absorbs impact by dispersing energy evenly across the footbed. For the wearer, this translates to a cushioned ride that reduces fatigue and promotes stride efficiency.
• Reflective Details & Glow-Inspired Colorways: Staying true to the Glowa name, the pack features reflective trims and accents that capture ambient light. Colorways lean into serpent-like palettes—think jade greens, silver-gray scales, midnight blacks, and bio-luminescent blues—creating a hypnotic visual effect especially when in motion.

Aesthetic Meets Philosophy

Beyond the technical specifications, the Glowa Pack stands out for its philosophical and cultural messaging. While many footwear brands lean into seasonal color schemes or trending motifs, Saucony’s use of the snake as a central figure sets the tone for introspection and growth. It’s a bold move in a landscape where style often overrides story.

“Movement is not just physical—it’s emotional and spiritual,” says Zhen Fang, one of the lead designers behind the AW25 Glowa Pack. “The snake sheds its skin and becomes something new. We wanted this collection to reflect that metamorphosis, to remind wearers that there’s strength in stillness and power in quiet change.”

That mindfulness is translated in small design decisions too: tongue tags that feature embossed snake glyphs, heel counters etched with the Chinese character for “wisdom,” and colorblocking that mirrors the changing light of dawn and dusk—the symbolic hours of transformation.

Community, Not Just Commerce

Saucony’s rollout of the Glowa Pack also includes activations in key cities such as Seoul, Berlin, and New York. Under the ‘Run As One’ banner, each launch city will host community runs, artist residencies, and wellness pop-ups that underscore the campaign’s deeper commitment to unity and movement culture.

It’s more than a sneaker drop—it’s a statement of shared purpose. As global culture turns increasingly toward introspection and spiritual awareness, brands that understand how to weave these themes into product storytelling are poised to stand out. Saucony clearly recognizes that today’s consumer is not just buying performance gear—they’re investing in identity.

Availability and Release

The Progrid Omni 9 ‘Glowa Pack’ is slated to release globally starting August 10, 2025, via Saucony.com and select retailers. The pack will be available in both men’s and women’s sizing, and prices are expected to range from $150 to $170 USD, depending on materials and region. Early access will be given to members of the Saucony Run Club, who will also have the chance to join exclusive workshops and meditation runs in partnership with local wellness communities.

A Future Rooted in Reflection

The Glowa Pack is emblematic of where Saucony is headed: a future where athletic performance and spiritual connectivity are not at odds but part of the same journey. In an era where techwear, sneaker culture, and mindful living converge, the Progrid Omni 9 Glowa Pack is less about following trends and more about setting a new paradigm—one where running becomes ritual, style becomes signal, and movement becomes meaning.

From the mesh upper to the mythic undertones, the AW25 Progrid Omni 9 Glowa Pack is a reminder that every stride holds the power to transform—not just the body, but the soul.

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