The Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 is a stability running shoe that came out in 2010 and that Saucony has brought back as an everyday trainer. It keeps what made it recognisable: open mesh with cage-like overlays, midfoot support pieces and Grid cushioning. It fits pretty true to size; if you're unsure, read on.
Lots of people search for it simply as "Saucony Omni 9". Here's what it is, where it comes from, how it fits and what to wear it with.
Where the ProGrid Omni 9 comes from
Saucony is a running brand founded in 1898 in Pennsylvania. The Omni line was its stability family: shoes designed for runners who need some control to stop the foot rolling too far inwards on landing.
The Omni 9 arrived in 2010 as the new stability shoe with ProGrid cushioning. It isn't a 90s runner, as is sometimes claimed: its look of mesh, overlays and a pronounced sole is late 2000s. That mix of tech and visual excess is exactly what has brought it back to the street, in the same wave as the ASICS Gel-NYC and the Gel-Kayano 14.
How it's made
- An open, breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays that form a kind of cage.
- TPU pieces in the midfoot that add structure, a legacy of its origins as a stability shoe.
- A clear window near the heel with "Omni 9" branding, which also protects the mesh.
- Saucony's Grid cushioning in the midsole, designed to spread the impact of each step.
On foot it feels like a structured shoe, not a soft, cloud-like one. Because of how it's built, it holds the midfoot well.
Can you run in it?
It started out as a running shoe, but the current version is sold as a lifestyle trainer. You can jog in it for a while without any problem, but if you run regularly you're better off with a current running shoe, with lighter foams and a geometry designed for the job. If that's you, have a look at the running shoes collection, where you'll find Hoka.
Where the Omni 9 really performs is day to day: the office, travel, walking around town. Just what you want from a good retro runner.
Who it's for (and who it isn't)
- Yes, if you like trainers with volume and technical details, and want something different from a Samba or an Air Force 1.
- Yes, if you spend long hours on your feet and appreciate a structured sole.
- Maybe not, if you want a minimalist or very flat trainer: there are layers, overlays and logos here.
- Maybe not, if you want something very soft like a Hoka Bondi; the Omni 9 is firmer.
How the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 fits
Generally it fits true to size: go for your usual trainer size. European sizing includes half sizes (40, 40.5, 41, 42, 42.5…), which helps you fine-tune.
Some buyers say it feels a little snug at the front. If you have wide feet or you're between two sizes, take the half size up.
Colourways available
There are two routes. Understated tones, to wear with almost anything, and colour combinations, which is where the Omni 9 has the most fun.
Understated
- Black: the easiest. With dark denim or technical trousers it blends right in.
- Carbon: dark grey, for anyone who wants something neutral without going full black.
- White and Eggshell: white and off-white, with a more retro feel.
- Saddle: white with light brown details. It goes really well with earthy tones.
With colour
- White Vizired and Vizired Multi: Saucony's bright red on a light base.
- OG Blissful: sky blue, with a strong 2010 feel.
- Pink Purple and Mint Multi: the loudest of the bunch.
You'll find them all in the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 collection.
How to wear the Saucony Omni 9
The rule that works best: if the trainer has lots of colour, keep the rest of the outfit calm.
- With straight or wide-leg jeans and a plain sweatshirt. It's the easiest way and works with any colourway.
- With joggers or technical trousers, gorpcore style. The Black or Carbon look great here.
- With shorts and tall white socks in summer, especially the OG Blissful or White Vizired.
- With grey or brown pleated trousers, for a more grown-up contrast. Try the Saddle or the Eggshell.
Omni 9, Grid Legacy or other retro runners
If you like the look but want something simpler, the Saucony Grid Legacy has a cleaner line and fewer layers. If you're after the same vibe from other brands, check out the ASICS Gel-NYC, the New Balance 2002R or the full retro runner trainers collection. And the rest of the brand's models in Saucony.
How to keep them clean
Open mesh breathes well, but it also picks up dust and stains, especially on the White, Eggshell and Saddle. The most practical approach is to go over them with a soft brush and cleaning foam as soon as they get dirty, without letting the stain dry. The Crep Protect Cure Travel Kit has a brush and cleaner in a small format. Avoid the washing machine: heat and knocks warp the cage pieces and loosen the sole. If they get wet, let them air-dry with paper inside, away from the radiator.
If you'd rather try the size first, drop into Newcop Madrid, Barcelona or Paris and ask for them. Everything we sell is 100% authentic.
