Stan Birch is bringing his distinctive approach to customisation and colour to Saucony’s ProGrid Guide 7, transforming the early-2000s-inspired running silhouette into a collaboration built around individuality. The project marks Birch’s first official collaboration with Saucony, following his evolution from custom footwear and bespoke design into a more established creative practice.
At the centre of the collaboration is Birch’s “Stand Out” philosophy. The designer put the focus on the details that allow the wearer to make the sneaker their own. Interchangeable Saucony Three Rivers logo patches and multiple lace options give the wearer the opportunity to switch up the look, making customisation an actual part of the design.
Premium Materials Meet Retro Running DNA
The ProGrid Guide 7 already has plenty of history to work with. Saucony describes the silhouette as a modern continuation of its early-2000s running aesthetic, combining retro technology with contemporary comfort and protection. The current model uses a breathable mesh upper, PowerGrid technology and reflective details, while its construction balances stability and flexibility in a relatively lightweight package.
Birch completely changes the visual language around the foundation. The collaborative pair uses a double-layer medh base, creating an open, textured starting point before layering richer materials across the upper. Nubuck, suede and leather overlays introduce different textures and finishes, while burgundy, cream, mint and metallic gold create a palette that feels colourful without losing the retro-running character of the Guide 7.
The metallic gold detailing is particularly important on this pair, it breaks up the softer tones and gives the sneaker a more elevated finish. The pair also has an off-white mesh foundation, soft green suede around the toe, deeper purple towards the heel and tongue, and a gold side logo, demonstrating the different materials and colours that have been used.
Designed to Stand Out
What makes the collaboration more interesting is that the ProGrid Guide 7 hasn’t been treated as a blank canvas. Birch retains the silhouette’s busy, layered running aesthetic but introduces a new level of interaction. The interchangeable logo patches can shift between colour combinations, while the additional lace choices provide another way to personalise the sneaker.
“The beauty of this collaboration is in the details,” said Jason Faustino, Senior Director of Global Energy at Saucony. “From the premium material mix and metallic gold accents to the interchangeable logos and lace options, Stan brought a unique perspective to the ProGrid Guide 7 that celebrates individuality and invites consumers to stand out.”
That focus on personalisation fits naturally with the Guide 7 itself. Saucony’s original model was part of an era when colour and individuality became increasingly important within running footwear, and the modern ProGrid Guide 7 continues to draw on that period.
The Stan Birch x Saucony ProGrid Guide 7 “Stand Out” releases on 10 September 2026 through Stan Birch, Saucony and select retailers.
Stan Birch Reworks the Saucony ProGrid Guide 7 With a Personal Touch
