When I first slipped on the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9, I instantly understood why so many people consider it a 2010s classic. Even though trends in footwear have shifted, the comfort and versatility of this sneaker remain undeniable.
After spending time walking, running casually, and just wearing them day to day, I can confidently say that the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 lives up to its reputation while also surprising me in a few ways.
In this review, I’ll share my personal experience with the shoe, covering its comfort, performance, design, and fit, while also breaking down its pros and cons. If you’re considering picking up a pair, here’s everything you need to know.
First Impressions
The first thing that stood out to me about the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 was the sheer comfort. Right out of the box, they felt lightweight, cushioned, and forgiving underfoot. I’ll be honest—I wasn’t thrilled with the particular colorway I chose, but the good news is that Saucony offers plenty of options. So, if style is as important to you as function, you’ll find a version that matches your taste.
What impressed me early on was how flexible the outsole felt. The combination of rubber coverage and deep flex grooves meant I wasn’t dragging around something heavy and clunky. Instead, the shoe bent and moved naturally with my foot, giving me an easy ride whether I was walking around town or going for a light jog.
Cushioning and Midsole Feel
The standout feature of the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 is without a doubt its cushioning setup. The midsole combines Saucony’s ProGrid system with SRC foam inserts in both the heel and forefoot.
Here’s how it felt to me:
- ProGrid Cushioning: This teal-colored foam runs throughout the midsole and is designed in a grid-like structure that compresses easily, offering a smooth underfoot feel. It gave me the type of soft bounce-back that made casual walking incredibly enjoyable.
- SRC Foam Pods: These extra inserts (salmon in the heel, black in the forefoot) play an important role. The forefoot felt a little softer, giving me extra impact protection when landing, while the heel pod felt firmer, helping keep my stride stable. As someone who tends to roll inward slightly, I noticed the stability benefit almost immediately.
The dual-density setup really worked well for me. I could feel the softness in the forefoot when walking or jogging, but the firmer heel kept me grounded. It’s the kind of balance that makes the Omni 9 versatile for both casual wear and light workouts.
Outsole and Traction: Saucony ProGrid Omni 9
The outsole design impressed me. There’s plenty of rubber for durability, but not so much that it weighs the shoe down. The flex grooves cut through the rubber allow the foam underneath to move and compress naturally, which gave me that springy, responsive feel.
Durability-wise, I think this shoe will hold up well to months of walking and training. The outsole coverage is generous, especially in high-impact areas, so I don’t see it wearing out prematurely.
Upper and Breathability
The upper feels like a classic runner from the late 2000s and early 2010s. It’s made with open-celled mesh that’s breathable, flexible, and forgiving on my foot. The overlays are mostly synthetic and nothing premium, but they do the job. I appreciated how lightweight the upper felt, and it never caused me any hot spots or irritation.
A midfoot cage provides extra support, but it didn’t feel restrictive. Instead, it held my foot in place just enough to keep me stable without ever becoming uncomfortable.
Ventilation was excellent. On longer walks, my feet stayed cool, and I didn’t feel the usual heat buildup I sometimes get in more lifestyle-oriented sneakers.
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Insole and Customization
One area where the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 didn’t blow me away was the insole. It’s removable, but very basic. While it does the job, I swapped it out with a more cushioned insole after a few wears and immediately noticed an improvement.
If you want maximum comfort, I recommend replacing the stock insole with something designed for either extra cushioning or performance support. The fact that it’s removable is a plus because it allows for easy customization.
Fit and Sizing
The fit for me was true to size. I wear a standard size across most running and training shoes, and the Omni 9 lined up perfectly.
For wide-footed wearers, I would recommend trying them on in-store if possible, because while the mesh is forgiving, the overlays and cage may feel snug for some. But for my regular-width foot, the fit was spot-on with no need to size up or down.
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Pros and Cons
After weeks of wearing the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9, here’s my breakdown of what worked well and what didn’t:
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable cushioning system (ProGrid + SRC inserts)
- Lightweight and flexible for a stability shoe
- Breathable and forgiving mesh upper
- Durable outsole with good traction
- True-to-size fit with removable insole
- Plenty of stylish colorways available
Cons:
- Stock insole feels cheap and unsupportive
- Overlays are mostly synthetic and don’t feel premium
- Colorways can be hit or miss depending on personal taste
- Wide-footers might find the midfoot cage slightly snug
Performance in Daily Use
Most of my time with the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 was spent wearing them casually—walking, light running, and even just standing around. The cushioning system really shined in these scenarios. Long days on my feet were manageable because of how the ProGrid midsole absorbed shock and returned energy.
I wouldn’t consider this a performance trainer for hardcore runners today, but for someone looking for a stable, comfortable shoe that works for everyday wear and light workouts, it hits the mark.
Who Is the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 For?
I’d recommend the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 for:
- People looking for a comfortable, retro-style sneaker for daily use
- Light runners who need stability without bulk
- Sneaker fans who love the 2010s runner aesthetic
- Anyone who appreciates versatility in a shoe that works for both casual wear and light activity
If you want cutting-edge running tech, this isn’t the shoe for you. But if you’re after a reliable, stylish, and comfortable shoe for daily life, this is a great option.
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Final Verdict: Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 Review
After spending time in the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9, I can confidently say this shoe is more than just a nostalgic re-release—it’s a versatile, comfortable, and stable sneaker that has real everyday value. The cushioning system makes walking a pleasure, the outsole offers durability and traction, and the breathable mesh keeps things cool.
Sure, the insole could be better and the materials aren’t premium, but for the price and comfort level, those are easy trade-offs. I’m glad I picked these up, and I can see them staying in my rotation for a long time.
If you’re considering a pair, I recommend sticking with your true size and exploring Saucony’s full range of colorways. Whether you’re chasing comfort, stability, or simply a retro runner vibe, the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 is a solid choice.
Michael Turner is a dedicated running shoe reviewer and performance footwear specialist with years of hands-on testing experience. His passion for running and attention to technical detail make his reviews a go-to resource for runners seeking honest, data-driven insights. Michael covers every aspect that matters to athletes — from cushioning and stability to traction, responsiveness, and long-distance comfort.
Having tested hundreds of models from leading brands like Nike, Asics, Hoka, Brooks, Saucony, and New Balance, Michael provides readers with well-balanced comparisons and clear recommendations tailored to different running styles and goals. Whether you’re a marathoner, a casual jogger, or a trail enthusiast, his expertise helps you find the perfect pair to enhance your performance and protect your stride.
Beyond testing shoes, Michael follows the latest innovations in running technology, biomechanics, and sustainable materials, ensuring his reviews stay ahead of industry trends. His mission is simple — to help every runner choose shoes that combine comfort, performance, and endurance on any terrain.
