Stepping out of the shadow of the past and into the future, a classic returns in the form of the Saucony Shadow 5000. Originally released in 1989 as a performance runner, the shoe represents a period of genuine innovation in running technology where athletics met aesthetics. Nearly 30 years later, the Shadow 5000 has transcended its sporting roots and evolved into a modern classic. The sneaker features a combination of suede and nylon across the uppers, with a comfortable padded collar around the heel and a premium rubber outsole for unparalleled grip. The new clean grey colorway shows off the Shadow 5000’s sleek shape and smart use of materials to breathe new life into a modern classic.
Stepping out of the shadow of the past and into the future, a classic returns in the form of the Saucony Shadow 5000. Originally released in 1989 as a performance runner, the shoe represents a period of genuine innovation in running technology where athletics met aesthetics. Nearly 30 years later, the Shadow 5000 has transcended its sporting roots and evolved into a modern classic. The sneaker features a combination of suede and nylon across the uppers, with a comfortable padded collar around the heel and a premium rubber outsole for unparalleled grip. The new clean grey colorway shows off the Shadow 5000’s sleek shape and smart use of materials to breathe new life into a modern classic.
Stepping out of the shadow of the past and into the future, a classic returns in the form of the Saucony Shadow 5000. Originally released in 1989 as a performance runner, the shoe represents a period of genuine innovation in running technology where athletics met aesthetics. Nearly 30 years later, the Shadow 5000 has transcended its sporting roots and evolved into a modern classic. The sneaker features a combination of suede and nylon across the uppers, with a comfortable padded collar around the heel and a premium rubber outsole for unparalleled grip. The new clean grey colorway shows off the Shadow 5000’s sleek shape and smart use of materials to breathe new life into a modern classic.
Stepping out of the shadow of the past and into the future, a classic returns in the form of the Saucony Shadow 5000. Originally released in 1989 as a performance runner, the shoe represents a period of genuine innovation in running technology where athletics met aesthetics. Nearly 30 years later, the Shadow 5000 has transcended its sporting roots and evolved into a modern classic. The sneaker features a combination of suede and nylon across the uppers, with a comfortable padded collar around the heel and a premium rubber outsole for unparalleled grip. The new clean grey colorway shows off the Shadow 5000’s sleek shape and smart use of materials to breathe new life into a modern classic.
Last updated at 12/18/2025 12:39:04
originally posted on saucony.com
As a teacher and special needs Mom these sneakers are my new go-to! The most comfortable sneakers I have ever worn. I never leave reviews, but I always read them before purchasing so I felt compelled to leave this. I’m 49, with flat feet and a wide toe box. I will buy them in different colors. Thank you!
originally posted on saucony.com
I have been an avid wearer of the Jazz, Jazz 81, and Jazz Low Pro for over a decade. I've noticed that it's been difficult to get some styles, especially at a price point that remains historically competitive, so I decided to try the Shadow 5000. Unfortunately, they've been disappointing. One issue is the lack of a way for the laces to lace through the tongue, which causes the tongue to slip into the shoe when I put them on. More of a nuisance than a real issue, but I would have liked any shoe I get these days to feature that to help make sure the tongue stays in place. Second issue is that the tread on the rear half of the shoe isn't as aggressive as the Jazz, which means that they're a bit more slippery on wet bike pedals and terrain (especially wet) like rocks. ... MoreI have been an avid wearer of the Jazz, Jazz 81, and Jazz Low Pro for over a decade. I've noticed that it's been difficult to get some styles, especially at a price point that remains historically competitive, so I decided to try the Shadow 5000. Unfortunately, they've been disappointing. One issue is the lack of a way for the laces to lace through the tongue, which causes the tongue to slip into the shoe when I put them on. More of a nuisance than a real issue, but I would have liked any shoe I get these days to feature that to help make sure the tongue stays in place. Second issue is that the tread on the rear half of the shoe isn't as aggressive as the Jazz, which means that they're a bit more slippery on wet bike pedals and terrain (especially wet) like rocks. The worst part, though, is the reduced arch support compared to the Jazz line. A 6-mile walk a couple days ago made this abundantly clear as my ankle got increasingly sore. The soreness has persisted for a couple days now, and is worst whenever I put on these shoes and go walking again. Ordered a new pair of Jazz and can't wait to be back in the classics.
originally posted on saucony.com
Very comfortable shoe. I was looking for a vintage look trainer and this hit the mark. The sole was thicker than I'd hoped for... Think 80's vintage instead of 70's. Also, as is expected with most online shopping, the reds were definitely duller than pictured. Still, a nice looking shoe and I will be keeping.
As a teacher and special needs Mom these sneakers are my new go-to! The most comfortable sneakers I have ever worn. I never leave reviews, but I always read them before purchasing so I felt compelled to leave this. I’m 49, with flat feet and a wide toe box. I will buy them in different colors. Thank you!
I have been an avid wearer of the Jazz, Jazz 81, and Jazz Low Pro for over a decade. I've noticed that it's been difficult to get some styles, especially at a price point that remains historically competitive, so I decided to try the Shadow 5000. Unfortunately, they've been disappointing. One issue is the lack of a way for the laces to lace through the tongue, which causes the tongue to slip into the shoe when I put them on. More of a nuisance than a real issue, but I would have liked any shoe I get these days to feature that to help make sure the tongue stays in place. Second issue is that the tread on the rear half of the shoe isn't as aggressive as the Jazz, which means that they're a bit more slippery on wet bike pedals and terrain (especially wet) like rocks. ... MoreI have been an avid wearer of the Jazz, Jazz 81, and Jazz Low Pro for over a decade. I've noticed that it's been difficult to get some styles, especially at a price point that remains historically competitive, so I decided to try the Shadow 5000. Unfortunately, they've been disappointing. One issue is the lack of a way for the laces to lace through the tongue, which causes the tongue to slip into the shoe when I put them on. More of a nuisance than a real issue, but I would have liked any shoe I get these days to feature that to help make sure the tongue stays in place. Second issue is that the tread on the rear half of the shoe isn't as aggressive as the Jazz, which means that they're a bit more slippery on wet bike pedals and terrain (especially wet) like rocks. The worst part, though, is the reduced arch support compared to the Jazz line. A 6-mile walk a couple days ago made this abundantly clear as my ankle got increasingly sore. The soreness has persisted for a couple days now, and is worst whenever I put on these shoes and go walking again. Ordered a new pair of Jazz and can't wait to be back in the classics.
Very comfortable shoe. I was looking for a vintage look trainer and this hit the mark. The sole was thicker than I'd hoped for... Think 80's vintage instead of 70's. Also, as is expected with most online shopping, the reds were definitely duller than pictured. Still, a nice looking shoe and I will be keeping.
Easily one of the best shoes purchase I’ve ever made— The style and color of these are absolutely classic! You could never go wrong with a retro running shoe! Consider going half a size up, especially if you have a wider foot or wear thicker socksI generally wear a nine, so these fit perfect at a 9 1/2, the plush collar on the inside helps with that as well
My only gripe with Saucony is their shipping method. This is the third shoe that I've purchased directly from their website and all three times they have shipped with the original box inside a plastic shipping bag. No kind of insulation or packing material inside this shipping bag so the box tends to get damaged in transit. All shoes should be shipped double-boxed to ensure the original box itself doesn't get damaged while in shipment. Especially for people like myself who store their shoes in the original box.
They're nice... but they don't look anything like the photo, in regards to colors. The photos look like much deeper and more contrasting olivey greens... the ones I received look almost single-toned, a washed out very light sage. So what look really styling online, they're pretty bland and washed out. But they're comfortable for walking, just a little more 'dad' than cool.
Pros: I love the look of these shoes. I love the color scheme (I purchased the grey and beige colored shoe). The suede is adorable and nice looking BUT the “leather” part at my heel looks really cheap. However, they have absolutely NO cushioning. I would not wear these to run in or at an amusement park. I can hardly wear them out and about for just a few hours because they make the bottoms of my feet burn.. I purchased an insert to try and stop this but that just made the shoe feel too short and like it was going to slip off of my heel. I will try to tie them tighter and it’s like the laces don’t hold.
I purchased 2 pairs, one 5 months ago and another 2 months ago because I was happy with the figment and comfort of the first. The second pair different colour did not fit the same. Smaller and both shoes have wore away the internal material at the toe, and now the sewing at the toe is coming loose. 2 pairs is not a coincidence!!For shoes not lasting 6 months I would not recommend.
Good for work. I have bought 2 pairs of shadow 5000 . Heel support is nice. Only issue I have with these shoes is the color fades asap . The sides start to tear up from same spots on both shoes. Color starts to discolor on base of shoe. The inner shoe sole starts to hole up . Other than that. Good comfy shoe if you work in a spot where you stand up and walk alot.
I like the way the shoes look. However, the fit seems a bit small. I wore them several times in hopes of breaking them in a bit, although I should have known sneakers generally shouldn't need breaking in. So unfortunately for me, it's too late to return the shoes; will plan on donating them. Anyway, this is not so much "buyer beware;" more like, "buyer, be aware."
