Saucony® Cortana Named "Best Debut" By Runner's World

Continuing to set the standard for innovation and performance, Saucony, Inc., a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel, today announced that both the Cortana and the Ride 4 were recognized by Runner’s World magazine, the worldwide authority on running information, in the publication’s 2011 Fall Shoe Guide. The Cortana and Ride were cited as best-in-class in the categories of Best Debut and Best Update, respectively, by Runner’s World editors, 350 “real runners” and the one-of-a-kind Runner’s World Shoe Lab.

“The entire Saucony team is extremely honored to be recognized by Runner’s World for these two prestigious awards,” said Patrick O’Malley, senior vice president of global product for Saucony. “The Cortana is for the runner seeking the best-of-the-best. By taking some of the premier attributes of minimalism and combining them with the great features on our franchise models, we’ve created an innovative new trainer with an amazing amount of cushioning and a touch of support all in a lightweight package,” added O’Malley.

“This new shoe (Cortana) combines a stripped-down upper with a simple rubber and foam sole that has a level profile,” said the Runner’s World review of the Cortana. “While most shoes have a heel drop of around 12 millimeters, the Cortana’s is only 4 millimeters, which means a flatter footstrike. According to our lab tests, the lightweight foam (PowerGridâ„¢) supplies outstanding energy return. The Cortana is ideal for forefoot-strikers and runners looking to transition to more minimal models with less risk of injury,” added the reviewers.

In their review of the Ride 4, Runner’s World commented, “There’s nothing fancy with this neutral-cushioned stalwart; just a well-balanced design that marries a springy yet supportive platform to a reinforced upper that gives toes plenty of wiggle room. According to Shoe Lab tests, this update is lighter, softer, and more flexible than the previous version. A dollop of foam cushioning under the heel makes the Ride more aggressively sloped from heel to toe than the average shoe and a great match for heavy heel-strikers.”

Cortana featuring PowerGridâ„¢
The Cortana features three new technologies, led by PowerGrid with Powerfoamâ„¢. More resilient and cushioned than traditional EVA, Powerfoam is combined with the brand’s industry-acclaimed Grid technology, which reduces layers and provides unparalleled cushioning with every stride.

The Cortana also introduces the brand’s new IBR+ Outsoleâ„¢. Working in harmony with PowerGrid, Saucony’s new injection blown rubber compound is 33 percent lighter in weight than traditional blown rubber. IBR+ is also proven to absorb twice as much energy than traditional blown rubber, delivering superior comfort and cushioning.

Securing the foot to the midsole platform is the new Saucony SAUC-FITâ„¢ technology, a unique fit system in the upper that not only locks the midfoot onto the platform, but also keeps the heel secure and comfortable.

The Cortana, available August 1st at select specialty run retailers, comes in men’s sizes 7-13, 14 and 15, and women’s sizes 5-12. The suggested retail price of the Cortana is $145.00. To find a retailer near you, call 800-365-4933 or visit www.saucony.com.

Ride 4 with ProGridâ„¢
The new Ride update looks faster, weighs less and continues to provide great cushioning and flexibility for the neutral runner. The Ride, now available at select specialty run retailers, comes in men’s sizes 7-13, 14, and 15 and women’s sizes 5-12. Widths are available. The suggested retail price of the Ride 4 is $100.00. To find a retailer near you, call 800-365-4933 or visit www.saucony.com.
Including these awards for the Cortana and Ride 4, Saucony has now been recognized with three prestigious Runner’s World awards in as many months. In the publication’s 2011 Summer Shoe Guide, the Saucony Kinvara 2, a minimally constructed, lightweight performance training shoe for neutral runners, was awarded “Best Buy.”

To read the entire 2011 Fall Shoe Guide check out the September issue of Runner’s World, on sale at newsstands August 2nd, or visit www.runnersworld.com.

For interviews, please contact Sharon Barbano at Saucony (617-824-6126), sharon.barbano@saucony.com or Jeff Lawrence at Mullen (617-226-9945), jeff.lawrence@mullen.com.

About Saucony, Inc.:
Saucony, Inc., a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc., is a leading global running lifestyle brand that fuses performance, innovation and style to create compelling footwear and apparel with its widely recognized brands Saucony and Saucony Originals. Founded in 1898, Saucony continues to inspire runners everywhere with its award winning innovations, including ProGridâ„¢, PowerGridâ„¢ and ViZiPROâ„¢ apparel. For more information, go to www.saucony.com.

About Collective Brands, Inc.: Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS) is a leader in bringing compelling lifestyle, fashion and performance brands for footwear and related accessories to consumers worldwide. The company operates three strategic units covering a powerful brand portfolio, as well as multiple price points and selling channels including retail, wholesale, ecommerce and licensing. The company operates three strategic units covering a powerful brand portfolio, as well as multiple price points and selling channels including retail, wholesale, ecommerce and licensing. Collective Brands, Inc. includes Payless ShoeSource, focused on democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories through its nearly 4,500-store retail chain, with its brands Airwalk®, Dexter®, Champion®, Zoe & Zacâ„¢, the first-ever affordable green footwear brand, and designer collections Lela Rose for Payless, Unforgettable Moments by Lela Rose, alice + olivia for Payless, Christian Siriano for Payless and STLP x Airwalk, among others; Collective Brands Performance + Lifestyle Group, focused on lifestyle and performance branded footwear and high-quality children’s footwear sold primarily through wholesaling, with its brands including Stride Rite®, Keds®, Sperry Top-Sider®, Robeez®, and Saucony®, among others; and Collective Licensing International, the brand development, management and global licensing unit, with such youth lifestyle brands as Airwalk®, Vision Street Wear®, Sims®, Lamar® and LTD®. Information about, and links for shopping on, each of the Collective Brand’s units can be found at www.collectivebrands.com.
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