Back to the Future: Saucony Azura

14 December 2018

First released in 1988, Saucony’s Azura was originally pitched as a nimble road racer with advanced technical innovation at its core. As the cheeky press advertising claimed at the time, the Azura was also ‘dedicated to people tired of hype and hot air’, a clear dig at other brands at the time using flashy marketing campaigns to sell their products instead of research and development.

Built on the uncompromising principles of being both light and fast, the Azura’s most distinctive feature is its Torsional Rigidity Bar (TRB). Wrapping the perimeter of the shoe, the TRB was designed to disperse shock, increase energy return and enhance midfoot support. The tech blurb in the Azura catalogue noted that the TRB was carved from heat-resistant Kevlar sourced from ‘the aviation industry and Formula 1 racing cars’. Now that’s the definition of both lightweight and fast!

The Azura design itself is a masterclass in late-80s sneaker construction. Compression-moulded EVA midsole foam supplied ample cushioning, while Saucony’s proprietary ‘Stabil Wrap’ functionality was added for optimal support and precise control. This is a versatile runner built to suit high-mileage speedsters, joggers and weekend warriors.

Pristine white microsuede and a distinctive ripstop mesh keeps everything light and breezy up top, ensuring the Azura delivers the perfect balance between ventilation and durability. Down below, Saucony’s patented triangular-lug rubber tread offers a grippy foundation for all-weather running on just about any surface.

The Azura’s tri-colour logo located prominently just below the ankle adds an extra touch of 80s flair to the visual ensemble. The original colour scheme of ‘Sky Blue’ and ‘Marigold Yellow’ is a bold look that radiates optimism and warmth. See below for the original Azura.

Original 1988 Azura release copy:

At Saucony, we still believe that what's in the shoe is more important than making a shoe that’s “in”. And we also know most serious athletes agree with that philosophy.

For over 120 years, our mission has been to make the very finest athletic footwear. No gimmicks. No gadgets. Just great shoes. We’ve built a full line of products around this way of thinking.

And this year, we’re introducing new shoes designed for today’s sophisticated consumers. With new, aggressive advertising and promotional campaigns that cut through all the hype, and make it clear just what makes our shoes so special.

In short, we’re aiming to make this year our best ever.

Thirty years after it was first released, the Azura is finally set for a reintroduction.