Saucony and Distance team up for a pop-up and launch the new Endorphin Speed 5 Distance
© SauconyRunning brand collaborations are becoming increasingly common, but some make more noise than others. Saucony, a heavyweight among running purists, and Distance, the running store that has become one of the scene’s most influential hubs in just a few years, are joining forces once again for a shared project: Le Relais Distance x Saucony, a pop-up opening in Paris from October 24 to 26, 2025. It is the perfect setting to celebrate the launch of the Endorphin Speed 5 Distance, a special edition of the hugely popular Endorphin Speed line, designed as a meeting point between performance, design and running culture.
This is not the first time Saucony and Distance have joined forces. Last December, the two brands had already made headlines with a running-themed Christmas market. When it comes to bringing the running community together around creativity, fashion and sport, Distance is never far away. The store has built a growing roster of collaborations with major names in the industry, confirming its unique influence on the running scene. Now, alongside Saucony, Distance is bringing another breath of fresh air to the community with a pop-up opening directly opposite its Paris store in the 3rd arrondissement. “Le Relais” is set to be a genuine social hub: a space where a passion for running and shoes can be shared.
A shoe designed as a collective work of art
“At Distance, running is not only about performance. It is also about culture, community and personal expression,” says Guillaume Pontier, co-founder of Distance Athletics. That philosophy comes through clearly in the Endorphin Speed 5 Distance, an artistic reinterpretation of Saucony’s iconic model.
Inspired by the colorful work of Italian designer Ettore Sottsass, this version makes a bold, almost architectural statement. Its color palette, graphic lines and neon details evoke movement, passion and creativity, three essentials for both brands.
The concept extends all the way to the packaging, with a custom box and co-branded shoe bag featuring graphic nods and a strong message: “FOR ALL RUNNERS”, Distance’s motto.
At Distance, running is not only about performance. It is also about culture, community and personal expression. This collaboration allowed us to combine our passion for running with art and design, creating a shoe that truly speaks to every runner.
Le Relais: part sports café, part running culture hub
To bring the collaboration to life, Saucony and Distance have created an unconventional space: Le Relais Distance x Saucony, an 80-square-meter pop-up located directly opposite the Distance store in central Paris. More than a temporary shop, it is a lively space somewhere between a sports café and a concept store. The Endorphin Speed 5 Distance will naturally be available there ahead of its wider release, alongside an entire world of collector’s items, goodies, a set design inspired by familiar local hangouts and a welcoming atmosphere. Exclusive T-shirts, glasses, postcards and personalized dice: every detail reflects the “Distance” spirit, a cool, urban and passionate take on running. A place to run, connect and hang out. In short, a different way to experience running.
Performance beneath the design
The Endorphin Speed is a Saucony classic. This Distance edition of the fifth-generation model retains its versatility. Behind the distinctive look, you get the best of Saucony technology:
➜ PWRRUN PB foam for explosive energy return
➜ a winged nylon plate that balances stiffness and flexibility
➜ SPEEDROLL geometry for smooth forward propulsion
➜ a reinforced rubber outsole for greater durability
➜ a longitudinal groove for natural transitions
➜ a lightweight, breathable mesh upper for comfort
At 238 g in the men’s version (229 g in the women’s version) with an 8 mm drop, the Endorphin Speed 5 Distance is a lightweight model that stays true to Saucony’s DNA: a shoe built to perform without sacrificing the joy of running. It is made for speed sessions, everyday training and even race day for some runners.
When culture meets performance
This collaboration perfectly captures how running has evolved in recent years. For a long time, brands focused almost exclusively on performance. Today, runners also want style, meaning and, above all, experiences they can share. That is where players like Distance make a difference: turning running into culture and building connections between brands and runners out in the real world. Le Relais is a perfect example, a place where people can talk about carbon plates and design, discuss the disastrous weather at the latest Berlin Marathon, share their race results and have a coffee after a run.
Running fast and setting a new personal best is great, but for many runners, running is above all about connection. Saucony and Distance understand that, and this latest collaboration is sure to appeal to plenty of passionate runners. The formula is simple: a new Endorphin Speed 5 Distance with a one-of-a-kind design, plus a pop-up where everyone is welcome, whether they are a runner, elite athlete, amateur, curious newcomer or simply a fashion enthusiast.
✔ The Endorphin Speed 5 Distance will be available exclusively at the Paris pop-up before launching at Distance stores in Paris and Lyon, as well as on distance-store.com and saucony.com, before being distributed through a selection of European retailers.
Le Relais Distance x Saucony will be open from October 24 to 26, 2025, directly opposite the Distance store at 14 rue des Filles du Calvaire, Paris 75003.