Why It’s Hot: Archival sneaker style at a practically archival price tag
- A thick EVA foam midsole provides all-day comfort
- Available in the original white/purple/orange throwback colors
- Strength Training Guide
Price: $80
Style: Casual
Available: 6/8
Continuing the trend of 1990s retro sneaker drops, Saucony is re-releasing its original 1994 Aya road shoe. Originally marketed as “the fleet of feet that want to fly!” the lightweight runner gained popularity in its debut year on the feet of Australian Greg Welch when he broke the tape at the Ironman World Championship. Now the shoe is back in its original white/purple/orange color way (previously described as “Fire Red and Flash Purple”) for wear as a retro casual sneaker.
The Aya sports an EVA foam midsole with added cushioning at the heel and a carbon rubber outsole. But the draw here isn’t the technology underfoot, it’s the look—the shoe has all the stylings you might expect from footwear branded “fast, high-tech” in 1994 and “retro, dad-like” in 2019. A purple mesh upper with white and orange overlays meets a chunky speckled midsole, over a triangular-lugged outsole. Additional features include a glossy Saucony logo at the midfoot, a reflective heel, and a toggle lace closure.
While the Aya’s name translates to “run swiftly,” it’s unlikely you’ll put a lot of modern-day triathlon training mileage in these, although they do look pretty fly for all-day wear—especially considering the $80 price tag. Check out the shoe when it drops tomorrow from saucony.com and other online sellers.
