When shopping for athletic footwear, the sheer amount of choices can feel overwhelming. Should you go with a trusted brand like Saucony or Reebok? Or take a chance on a newer company? To make the decision easier, we’ll directly compare Saucony and Reebok across the metrics that matter most – from fit and feel to purpose and price point.
Both companies have been around for over 100 years and understand the biomechanics of human feet. By spotlighting similarities and differences, you’ll gain insight to choose your next pair wisely.
Comparison Table
| Features | Saucony | Reebok |
|---|---|---|
| Founded In | 1898 | 1895 |
| Comfort & Fit | Plush cushioning, moderate arch support | Lightweight, flexible |
| Color Options | Wide range of colors and prints | Classic colors focused on black, white, grey |
| Durability | Durable outsoles, high mileage | Average to below average durability |
| Performance | Responsive cushioning technologies | Traction focused outsoles |
| Design & Style | Performance-focused aesthetic | Athletic and lifestyle appeal |
| Popularity | Popular with runners and athletes | Broad appeal across training types |
| Best Selling Model | Saucony Kinvara | Reebok Nano |
Saucony Overview
Saucony has been crafting high-quality athletic shoes since 1898 when the brand was founded in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
Known for their cushioned and supportive fit, Saucony running shoes are designed to provide versatility for runners of all levels.
They incorporate features like PWRRUN+ midsole foam, FORMFIT uppers, and Everun in the outsole to deliver a smooth, flexible ride.
Saucony offers a wide range of pronation control options like their neutral, stability, and motion control shoes.
Their shoes also accommodate different arch types with models featuring low to high arch support.
While the average price point is around $100, Saucony has options spanning from $55 for basic models to $275 for their top designs.
They have a classic, sleek aesthetic that works for athletic training as well as casual everyday use. Saucony is a brand with broad appeal across the running community.
One of their popular model Kinvara is a light, flexible shoe perfect for tempo runs and racing. For runners seeking a reliable, well-cushioned workhorse of a shoe, Saucony delivers quality and performance.
Reebok Overview
With a long legacy spanning over 100 years, Reebok remains one of the most established and iconic athletic brands worldwide.
Founded in England in 1895 by Joseph William Foster, Reebok’s history dates back to innovations like the first spiked running shoe.
Now headquartered in Boston, Reebok engineers shoes for performance, comfort, and style across training, running, and everyday wear.
Reebok incorporates proprietary technologies like DMX Shear cushioning and Floatride Energy foam to provide both cushioning and responsiveness.
With pressure mapping and Memory Tech Massage footbeds, many Reebok shoes contour precisely to the shape of the foot for a truly customized fit and feel.
The brand also remains committed to sustainability, using recycled materials in over 75% of product lines. From vintage styles like the Freestyle to fitness must-haves like the Nano, Reebok’s timeless sporty designs have universal appeal.
With both substance and style, Reebok continues pushing boundaries while staying true to its classic roots.
Major Differences Between These Brands
Comfort and Fit
Reebok shoes tend to fit narrower through the toe box while Saucony shoes are known for their wider toe box and plush cushioning that adapts to feet for comfort on long runs. However, Reebok’s flexible materials and lack of break-in period appeal to some wearers.
Durability and Performance
Saucony shoes are made to last, with durable rubber outsoles that can handle hundreds of miles of wear without losing responsiveness. Reebok compromises some durability for lightweight performance shoes suited for short, fast workouts.
Price
Reebok offers more budget-friendly options under $100 while Saucony focuses on high-end performance shoes priced over $100. However, both brands offer sales throughout the year.
Design and Style
Saucony emphasizes performance with supportive technical designs while Reebok has both athletic and lifestyle options like classic leather sneakers. Reebok offers more bold colors and prints for streetwear aesthetic.
Popularity
Saucony specializes in running while Reebok has broad appeal across training types like CrossFit, HIIT, and walking. Reebok also has strong brand recognition and demand for retro models.
Target Market
Saucony specifically targets road runners seeking responsiveness and stability for training and racing. Reebok has a wider target market spanning general gym-goers, CrossFit athletes, casual walking, and everyday streetwear.
Performance Comparison
For Nurses
For nurses who are on their feet all day, both Saucony and Reebok offer supportive options but Saucony tends to have more generous cushioning and arch support for comfort. Reebok’s flexibility can cause feet to tire over long shifts.
For Walking
Reebok and Saucony both make excellent walking shoes with shock absorption and pronation control. Key differences are Saucony’s superior cushioning for longer distances and Reebok’s greater focus on affordability.
For Running
Experienced runners tend to prefer Saucony for the brand’s deep knowledge of biomechanics and innovations in stability and responsiveness. However, Reebok offers great lightweight shoes for sprints and short runs.
For Flat Feet
Saucony’s commonly moderate to high arch support and stability features work well for flat feet. Reebok has fewer options tailored specifically for overpronation and fallen arches.
For Back Pain
Proper cushioning and arch support can alleviate back pain when walking or standing. In this case, Saucony’s comfort technologies and custom orthotics make their shoes better suited for back pain.
For Standing All Day
Cushioning is key for prolonged standing comfort. Saucony’s supportive midsoles and memory foam inserts give them an advantage over Reebok for all-day wear.
For High Arches
If you have rigid high arches, Saucony and Reebok both make shoes with ample cushioning to absorb shock and distribute pressure. Saucony offers custom orthotics if you need extra arch support.
For Hiking
Reebok is not specialized for hiking terrain while Saucony makes hiking and trail running shoes with lugged outsoles and protective upper materials. Saucony hiking shoes provide better stability on uneven ground.
For Plantar Fasciitis
The right balance of cushioning and arch support helps plantar fasciitis. Both brands offer shoes tailored for the condition but podiatrists tend to recommend Saucony shoes more frequently for plantar fasciitis.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, while both Saucony and Reebok make quality athletic footwear, Saucony excels when it comes to advanced comfort and support technologies catered to runners. Their expertise in biomechanics and focus on high-mileage durability also gives Saucony the edge for runners and walkers.
However, Reebok is the better choice if you want more affordable, straightforward shoes for general training, lightweight racing, or streetwear style. Consider your individual needs and where each brand shines before deciding on your next pair!