As someone who constantly seeks out the perfect blend of comfort, style, and performance in footwear, I recently had the opportunity to step into a pair that, despite its vintage roots, feels incredibly fresh and relevant today: the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9.
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What Saucony considers a 2010 classic is back, and I have to say, trends aside, these are incredibly comfortable. My initial impression, even before I laced them up, was one of anticipation. I’d heard the buzz about the return of this silhouette, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
This detailed Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 review will delve into my personal experience, covering everything from the first wear to extended use, highlighting its standout features, subtle drawbacks, and overall performance.
From the moment I first put them on, the sensation was one of immediate ease. This shoe feels supremely comfortable, making me genuinely excited to just walk around and wear them casually. While I admit I wish I had managed to snag a different colorway – the one I have isn’t my personal favorite – it’s clear that Saucony has released some truly stunning options. The appeal of the Omni 9, however, transcends mere aesthetics; it’s about the feeling underfoot, the support it offers, and its versatile design.
Design & Upper: A Blend of Tradition and Modern Appeal
One aspect of the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 review that immediately caught my eye is the layering. It’s easy to point out the different materials and construction elements, which I appreciate. This particular version, I’ve noticed, is built much like the traditional iteration of the shoe, maintaining its heritage as a runner.
The upper features a very large, open-celled mesh as its main body. This isn’t just for show; it contributes significantly to the shoe’s comfort and flexibility. It’s incredibly forgiving, adapting to the foot’s natural movements, and crucially, it’s very well-ventilated. This makes it an excellent choice for extended wear, preventing that uncomfortable feeling of overheating.
However, in this personal Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 review, I must also note that the overlays, while functional, aren’t particularly premium. We’re looking at a lot of synthetics, including some plastic paneling, like the cage that wraps around the midfoot. There’s nothing overtly fancy here, but it’s very much in line with current trends and what’s popular in the market today.
When you look at shoes like New Balance’s 1906 series, you’ll see a similar approach where various models use different materials – some premium, some rugged, and some, like this, more traditional with basic materials like mesh.
This approach ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer premium materials or a more casual, lifestyle-oriented runner. It’s a testament to the idea that functionality and broad appeal often outweigh lavish embellishments.
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Outsole Durability and Flexibility: The Foundation of Comfort
Moving on to the outsole, this is where the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 review truly shines in terms of practical design. It’s a nicely crafted outsole, featuring ample rubber for both durability and consistent ground coverage. What’s impressive is that despite the generous rubber, it doesn’t feel clunky or heavy. It strikes a fantastic balance, a blend that I genuinely appreciate.
Upon closer inspection, you can clearly see numerous flex grooves. These aren’t just aesthetic details; they are massive contributors to the shoe’s overall feel.
- The small breaks you observe, where the teal foam peeks through, are all designed to enhance flexibility.
- These grooves make the shoe more comfortable in motion, allowing your foot to bend naturally.
- They also significantly improve underfoot comfort.
- They act almost like mini-springs, providing a subtle bounce-back or more feedback.
By allowing the foam to compress and move around more freely than if it were a solid rubber slab, they contribute to a more dynamic and responsive ride. This thoughtful design element is a key factor in the Omni 9’s exceptional comfort.
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Midsole & Cushioning: The Core of the ProGrid Experience
The midsole and cushioning system are perhaps the most compelling aspects of this Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 review. The shoe, on the whole, feels remarkably lightweight, yet it offers a wonderfully pleasant sensation underfoot.
It appears to feature a dual-density setup, which I found particularly effective. The main body of the midsole is a distinctive teal color, housing what Saucony calls their ProGrid cushioning system. This system aims to provide a full-foot cushioning experience.
The ProGrid Design
The ProGrid design is quite intriguing. Imagine the entire footbed looking like a finely etched or carved surface. Inside the shoe, similar to how basketball shoes often core out sections to allow foam to move and compress, the ProGrid does something analogous but in a grid form.
- This design allows for significant compression, providing excellent underfoot cushioning.
- It also enhances the midsole’s flexibility and simultaneously helps to reduce the shoe’s overall weight.
- It’s a clever engineering solution that delivers a responsive yet well-cushioned feel.
The SRC (Super Rebound Compound)
Coupled with the ProGrid system is another type of foam, labeled SRC (Super Rebound Compound). You’ll find this in the heel, identifiable by its salmon color, and another panel in the forefoot, which is black. These SRC elements act much like the proprietary cushioning pads seen in other major brands, such as Adidas’s Adiprene or other brands’ targeted cushioning zones. They are essentially different foam compounds, strategically placed to optimize comfort and support.
What I found particularly interesting during my Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 review was that despite being the same SRC foam, the forefoot and heel sections feel distinct from each other. The forefoot section feels softer, providing enhanced comfort for stepping and crucial impact protection.
In contrast, the heel section feels slightly firmer. This firmer density in the heel suggests it’s engineered to offer more stability, particularly beneficial for pronators. This meticulous approach to cushioning placement showcases a deep understanding of foot mechanics and comfort requirements.
TPU Arch Plate
Adding to the shoe’s structural integrity, there’s also a TPU arch plate. If you appreciate this kind of stability feature, it’s there. If you don’t typically look for it, rest assured, it’s integrated seamlessly and doesn’t bother the foot or feel cumbersome. It’s simply there to do its job without impeding the overall comfort.
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Insole: A Functional, Customizable Element
In almost every Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 review, the insole is a component that often gets overlooked, but it’s worth a mention here. It’s nothing particularly fancy, and frankly, I wouldn’t consider it a standout piece of technology. It gets the job done adequately.
However, its significant advantage is that it’s fully removable and not glued in. This means you have the freedom to take it out and replace it with anything else you might prefer.
For example:
- If you’re looking for a substantial upgrade in comfort, you could opt for something like a Move Baseline insole.
- If you desire a flexible carbon fiber spring plate combined with PEBAX foam, brands like Aerys offer excellent aftermarket insoles that are truly underrated.
This customizability is a definite plus, allowing wearers to tailor the underfoot feel to their exact preferences.
Sizing & Fit: True to Size, with a Note for Wide Feet
When it comes to sizing, my experience with the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 is straightforward: they fit true to size. I would recommend sticking with whatever size you typically wear.
For those interested in exploring more options, I highly suggest visiting Saucony’s website. They often have the widest variety, not just in colorways but also in materials and different versions of their models.
There are some truly killer colorways out there, so if the one I have isn’t to your liking, I encourage you to check out some of the more toned-down options that still feature nice color pops.
However, for my fellow wide-footers out there, I always recommend trying them on in-store if at all possible. While true to size generally holds, individual foot shapes can vary, and a brief try-on can confirm the optimal fit. This personalized fit check is invaluable for ensuring maximum comfort.
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Final Thoughts: My Comprehensive Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 Review
To conclude my comprehensive Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 review, I can confidently say that this shoe has genuinely impressed me. It manages to deliver a modern, comfortable experience while honoring its classic roots.
The combination of a breathable, forgiving upper, a well-balanced and flexible outsole, and a sophisticated dual-density ProGrid and SRC cushioning system creates a truly enjoyable wearing experience.
While the specific colorway I received wasn’t my first choice and the overlays aren’t what I’d call premium, these are minor points when weighed against the overall comfort and performance. The ability to customize the insole further enhances its appeal, allowing for a personalized feel.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Saucony, a runner looking for a comfortable casual shoe, or simply someone in search of a stylish and incredibly comfortable everyday sneaker, the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 is definitely worth considering. It’s a testament to good design enduring the test of time, proving that some classics are truly timeless for a reason. I truly like this shoe and wholeheartedly recommend it.
As a dedicated footwear reviewer, I have spent years analyzing and testing athletic shoes across every category, from high-performance running sneakers to lifestyle-inspired basketball silhouettes. My work goes beyond simple first impressions; each review is built on a foundation of hands-on experience, thorough research, and attention to the details that matter most to athletes and casual wearers alike. I aim to bridge the gap between brands’ marketing claims and real-world performance, giving readers an honest, balanced perspective.
My writing style combines technical evaluation with an accessible tone, so both professionals and everyday enthusiasts can understand the strengths and weaknesses of each shoe. Whether discussing midsole cushioning technology, outsole traction, or upper material breathability, I break down complex features into practical insights. Readers trust my reviews because they know I highlight both the benefits and potential drawbacks, helping them make more confident purchasing decisions.
Over time, my work has evolved into a comprehensive resource for anyone seeking guidance on athletic footwear. I regularly compare new releases with previous models to highlight improvements or missed opportunities, while also exploring how different shoes fit specific activities—such as marathon training, weightlifting, or casual streetwear. By staying updated with industry trends and listening to community feedback, I ensure that my reviews remain relevant, informative, and genuinely useful.
Ultimately, my mission is to provide clarity in a crowded market. With countless options available, choosing the right pair of shoes can feel overwhelming. Through in-depth, unbiased, and engaging reviews, I strive to make that decision easier, equipping readers with the knowledge they need to find footwear that truly matches their performance goals and personal style.
