Allyson Felix has created a runner just for women
The American track superstar may be retired from competition, but she continues to build a legacy for women in athletics
Photo by:
Saysh
Allyson Felix, the most decorated female Olympian in athletics history, has only just begun creating the change she hopes to achieve in women’s sports. On Wednesday, the American track and field star, known for her fierce advocacy for women and mothers, unveiled a women’s performance runner for the shoe brand Saysh she co-founded with her brother.
“It’s not just about the shoe; it’s about empowering every woman to conquer her own path,” Felix shares. Aiming to achieve a perfect balance of cushion and comfort with responsiveness and spring, the Felix Runner has a neutral midfoot support with a one-piece molded heel for stability. With a breathable mesh liner and a flexible lacing system, the runner is meant to be comfortable for both running errands and for your daily miles.
“I can’t wait for women to be able to try this performance shoe,” Felix told Canadian Running.”The Felix runner is built to my standards as an Olympian, but not made for only Olympians. It really excites me to have a shoe that is just for women.”
Felix launched an initiative in 2022 that provided free childcare for athletes, coaches and other participants at the 2022 U.S. National Championships in Eugene. In June 2023, she authored an op-ed in Time magazine about the need for better maternity care for Black women in America, to ensure that the death of her former teammate Tori Bowie was not in vain. (Bowie tragically died at the age of 32 due to complications during childbirth.)
Felix spoke to Canadian Running about the launch of the Felix Runner and her continued work to leave a legacy for women and mothers in sports.
The interview
You’re an incredibly accomplished athlete, as well as a champion for women in sports. What do you feel are the capstone achievements of your career so far?
Competitively, making it back to the Tokyo Olympics, overcoming adversity and feeling like I was really a representation of women and for mothers. Contributing to the change in contracts for maternal protections. That’s something that as I moved away from competitive track has lived on and made me really excited for the women competing now.
What do you think is the biggest challenge women in athletics face today?
There are a lot of challenges–one of them is just equality. Equality includes exposure. Women’s sports are hard to follow, because we don’t have the same TV contracts. Equal pay, all of those pieces.
What brings you levity and joy when working with such challenging aspects of athletics?
I think just being a mom. Whenever I get to just come home and spend time with my daughter. I love being at home with family, and just getting to slow down and be present.
How would you like to see young women in track today supported?
Holistically. I want them to feel that their worth and their value is not just based on the times they run, how fast they are or if they have a bad season. I want them to be supported from a stance of mental health. I want them to know we are telling stories about their complete selves, and not just being one-dimensional.
A fun one–where do you keep all your medals?
My parents keep them all. When people come over they get to brag!
What was the inspiration behind your brand and the Felix Runner? I love the motto: “Women deserve better.”
It was my experience and origin story, and walking away from Nike. Learning that shoes have not been made for women and have been based on a man’s foot. Women do deserve better: we deserve shoes that are made specifically for our feet.
Introducing The Felix Runner. I put all of my heart, and my entire career, into creating the best running shoe the world has ever seen, made specifically for women.
A few years ago I would have never thought this day was possible!
Shop them at https://t.co/Pl8pmhnGXc pic.twitter.com/r0UsGzQmOn
— Allyson Felix (@allysonfelix) September 12, 2023
Saysh wants women to know that we see them, we value them. Being able to create a community that celebrates that has been really special, but it all started from the injustices that I faced and fighting for maternal protection. This shoe is what I wanted to create since I started Saysh, and it’s been a joy to put this out into the world.
The Felix Runner launches Wednesday and is available in three colours: avalanche, ebony and wildfire.
Shoe specs
Category: Neutral
Women’s: 226 g (8 oz.)
Drop: 9.5 mm
Stack height: 30 mm (heel), 20.5 mm (forefoot)
Fit: True to size
MSRP: USD $165
Available: Now
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