Saucony, Inc. will launch an apparel line for men and women in the U.S. Saucony Apparel will debut at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2007 with a retail launch planned for Spring 2008.

“We view the marriage of innovative and technical product platforms from Saucony footwear as a starting point for our expansion into performance running apparel, ultimately providing a head-to-toe brand experience for our consumers,’” said Richie Woodworth, president of Saucony. “The timing of this launch has strategic significance for us as we continue to gain market share in the important run specialty trade channel,” he said.

“Leveraging our resources and technologies across the footwear and apparel categories allows us to deliver leading fabrications, innovatively engineered fits and refined details intended to enhance the athlete’s personal experience,” said Woodworth. “We will utilize the categories of footwear and apparel to create a stronger presence at retail, elevating the Saucony brand,” added Woodworth.

“As we continue to gain momentum at retail, the time is right to take Saucony from a footwear company to a full athletic running brand,” said Todd Dalhausser, general manager of Saucony Apparel. “Our product approach is driven by our three key initiatives: fit, feel and finish. Saucony has already enjoyed success with a tightly focused international apparel line over the past 10 years. Now, with the launch of our U.S. line, we’ve made a strategic decision to elevate and diversify the brand globally,” he added.