Pace Athletic Launches Australia’s First Performance Shoe Collab

Editor’s note: This feature is brought to you by Pace Athletic and the brand-new Sydney / Eora Saucony Endorphin Speed 4. The shoe will be released in all Pace Athletic stores – and available nationally through theirs and Saucony’s websites – on Saturday 13 July.

We would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the land, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Pace Athletic is about to drop Australia’s first-ever performance shoe collaboration. The independent retailer has got together with Saucony to release the Sydney / Eora Endorphin Speed 4. They’ve created a design inspired by the beautiful Eora Country on which Sydney residents work, play and run. Pace then commissioned Indigenous artist, and former professional rugby league player, Glen “Lids” Liddiard to create an artwork that honours the Eora Nation through the use of symbolic and iconic animals that hold spiritual significance to First Nations people.

The shoe is not only Pace’s first collab but will also, in another first, receive a global release in select Asian markets.

Pace Athletic cofounder Will Hatton says the collaboration “came from our desire to blend the technical excellence of Saucony with the local aesthetics and cultural significance of Sydney, which led us to partner with Sydney Aboriginal artist Glen Liddiard”.

“The name ‘Sydney / Eora’ reflects our unity and respect for both our city and the traditional custodians of the land, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.”

“We are particularly proud that this shoe features stunning artwork from Lids. Glen’s work adds a profound and unique visual element to the design, celebrating the stories and history of the land on which we run,” he says.

Pace’s colourway features a blue fade in the midsole that represents a transition from the deep, dark blue of Sydney Harbour to the soothing lighter blues of the city’s iconic beaches.

“The artwork represents the interwoven connections between the land and the Indigenous people of this time,” artist Glen Liddiard says. “Aboriginal culture holds deep significance in understanding the spiritual connection between the land, its inhabitants and the Dreaming.”

Glen’s contribution features two iconic Australian aquatic animals native to the Sydney/Eora waters: the platypus and the long-necked turtle.

“The platypus,” Glen says, “carries spiritual significance as a symbol of adaptability and resilience, thriving in its dual aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Similarly, the long-necked turtle exemplifies wisdom and longevity, characterised by its enduring lifespan and slow movements that signify patience, resilience and adeptness in adapting to varying conditions.

“It fills me with pride to see both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people wearing my artwork and acknowledging Indigenous culture. Seeing everyone take pride in Australian and Indigenous heritage and coming together as one is truly heartwarming. Especially during NAIDOC Week and in light of the 'closing the gap' initiative, I believe projects like this make a significant difference.”

It’s a great initiative that Pace Athletic have launched here. But why did they choose this particular shoe for their first collaboration?

“The shoe choice was actually the easiest part of the whole process,” Will says.

“We've been fans of Saucony’s Endorphin collection since its launch, and it has revolutionised our business since 2020. The Endorphin Speed 4 hits the sweet spot where both novice runners and elite athletes can appreciate its benefits.”

The Endorphin Speed 4 is a true workhorse in Saucony’s range, appealing to a broad spectrum of runners. Its unique combination of PWRRUN PB cushioning and a nylon plate makes it both light and snappy. Beginners appreciate its responsiveness and also its structure and cushioning, which offer a comfortable, non-punishing ride. Meanwhile, advanced runners value its capacity for long, quick runs, making it an ideal daily trainer or tempo shoe. This versatility makes it perfect for both training and racing.

“Its design offers a unique and incredible running experience while being accessible to a wide range of customers,” Will says. “Saucony has always been a trusted partner, and we're grateful for their support in making this collaboration a reality.”

Head of Saucony Australia Kate Matts says the collaboration with Pace Athletic marks a significant moment for the brand.

“This milestone reinforces Saucony's commitment to global innovation and celebrating local cultures. As the longest-running performance footwear brand in history, 126 years old, it’s amazing to be the first brand to give an Australian retailer this opportunity,” Kate says.

Kate explains that the limited-edition shoe will be available across Australia on Pace Athletic's and Saucony's websites and will receive a select international release through retailers in China, Korea, Japan and Malaysia.

“The effort the team has invested in designing and creating content, while capturing the essence of the shoe and packaging it all together, ensures it will undoubtedly stand out across all regions as something truly exceptional,” she says.

Will says the release marks a pivotal moment for Pace Athletic. “It’s massive! To deliver an Australian-first collaboration on a performance shoe is something we never dreamed of. We’ve seen city-themed shoe releases – London, Tokyo, Boston et cetera – from multiple brands in the past, but, with an obvious bias, we’ve always believed Eora/Sydney deserved a spotlight.”

“Without sounding cheesy, it’s a testament to the Sydney running community – without them, this would’ve never been possible.”

For the artist, the idea of the running community celebrating health and Indigenous culture is something he’s very proud of.

“As a professional NRL player and now the Indigenous wellbeing officer for the Penrith Panthers, performance, health, and wellbeing — both physical and mental — have been significant aspects of my life, both personally and professionally,” Glen says.

“Combining this with sharing my proud Indigenous heritage means a lot to me. The thought of someone walking or running in a shoe that features my artwork fills me with immense pride."

The Sydney / Eora Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 will be available from all six Pace Athletic stores, as well as Blue Mountains Running Co., from Saturday 13 July. You can also grab a pair from the Pace Athletic and Saucony websites.