© Saucony
Saucony and Distance Open a Pop-Up Store to Launch the New Endorphin Speed 5 Distance
Collaborations between brands have become increasingly common in the running world—but some partnerships stand out more than others. This fall, American running brand Saucony and French retailer Distance, one of Europe’s most influential names in the running scene, are teaming up once again. Their new project, Le Relais Distance x Saucony, is a three-day pop-up store set to open in Paris from October 24 to 26, 2025. The event celebrates the launch of the Endorphin Speed 5 Distance, a special-edition version of Saucony’s hugely popular Endorphin Speed line—designed as a bridge between performance, design, and running culture.
| A Collaboration That Runs Deep
This isn’t the first time Saucony and Distance have joined forces. Last December, they created buzz with a “Running Christmas Market” that blended sport and lifestyle in a uniquely Parisian way.
True to its DNA, Distance continues to bring the running community together through creativity, style, and sport. Over the years, the brand has multiplied collaborations with major names in the industry, confirming its role as a cultural tastemaker in performance running.
With Saucony, Distance is once again injecting new energy into the scene, opening a pop-up store just across the street from its Paris flagship in the 3rd arrondissement. Appropriately named Le Relais (“The Relay”), it’s designed as more than just a shop—it’s a community hub, where passion for running and footwear truly comes to life.
| A Shoe Designed as a Collective Work of Art
“At Distance, running isn’t just about performance—it’s about culture, community, and personal expression,” says Guillaume Pontier, co-founder of Distance Athletics. That philosophy shines through in the Endorphin Speed 5 Distance, a creative reinterpretation of Saucony’s iconic model with a more artistic and architectural twist.
The design takes inspiration from Italian designer Ettore Sottsass, known for his bold, colorful Memphis-style work. The shoe’s vivid palette, graphic lines, and neon accents evoke motion, passion, and creativity—three shared values of both brands. To match the artistic vision, the pair comes in custom co-branded packaging, featuring a bespoke box and shoe bag with striking graphics and a clear message: “FOR ALL RUNNERS”—Distance’s defining motto.
“This collaboration allowed us to combine our love for running with art and design, creating a shoe that truly speaks to every kind of runner.”
Guillaume Pontier, Co-founder, Distance Athletics
| Le Relais: Where Coffee Meets Running Culture
To bring the project to life, Saucony and Distance envisioned an 80 m² (860 sq. ft.) pop-up space called Le Relais Distance x Saucony, located directly across from Distance’s Paris store.
It’s not just a retail concept—it’s a living, breathing space, somewhere between a sports café and a running culture gallery. Visitors can discover the Endorphin Speed 5 Distance before its official release, alongside limited-edition merchandise, collectibles, and playful décor inspired by local hangouts and neighborhood bars.
Think exclusive T-shirts, glassware, postcards, custom dice, and more—each detail a nod to the Distance spirit: relaxed, urban, and passionate about running. A place to run, connect, or simply chill. In short: a space to experience running differently.
| Performance Behind the Design
The Endorphin Speed has long been a Saucony staple—a fast, versatile shoe beloved by both competitive and recreational runners. The Endorphin Speed 5 Distance keeps that DNA intact, combining cutting-edge performance with a distinctive look.
Key features include:
➜ PWRRUN PB foam for explosive energy return
➜ Winged nylon plate offering both stiffness and flexibility
➜ SPEEDROLL geometry for smooth forward propulsion
➜ Durable rubber outsole for improved traction and longevity
➜ Longitudinal groove to enhance natural transitions
➜ Lightweight, breathable mesh upper for superior comfort
Weighing just 238 g (men) and 229 g (women) with an 8 mm drop, the Endorphin Speed 5 Distance remains true to Saucony’s philosophy: a light, fast, and joyful shoe that delivers performance without sacrificing the pleasure of running. Perfect for speed workouts, daily training, and even race day for those who like a softer ride.
| Where Culture Meets Performance
This collaboration perfectly captures the evolution of running over the past few years. For a long time, brands focused solely on performance metrics—lighter, faster, more efficient. Today’s runners, however, are looking for style, meaning, and shared experiences.
That’s where Distance stands out—by transforming running into a cultural movement and creating bridges between brands and runners. Le Relais embodies this philosophy: a space to talk about carbon plates and shoe geometry, but also about the scorching heat at the Berlin Marathon, or to share post-run stories over a good espresso.
Running fast and chasing PRs is great—but for many runners, the sport is above all a social connection. Saucony and Distance understand that deeply, and this collaboration is sure to win over both performance-driven athletes and lifestyle enthusiasts alike. The winning formula? A unique design, an inclusive message, and a pop-up store where everyone belongs—from elite runners to curious newcomers and fashion lovers.
✔ The Endorphin Speed 5 Distance will be available exclusively at the Paris pop-up before launching at Distance stores in Paris and Lyon, and online at distance-store.com and saucony.com. It will later be distributed through selected European retailers.
Le Relais Distance x Saucony will open from October 24–26, 2025, directly across from the Distance boutique at 14 rue des Filles du Calvaire, Paris 75003.
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
