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Allyson Felix

3 mins read

Most Sneakers Are Not Built for Women’s Feet

Imagine effortlessly gliding through your run, each step feeling like a natural extension of your movement. Envision shoes that seamlessly merge with your feet, offering both support and momentum as you propel forward.

It sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Yet, for many women, the reality of running often involves painful blisters, sore ankles, and a persistent feeling that something isn’t quite aligned.

The truth behind this discomfort lies in the design of most sneakers available. Surprisingly, many of these shoes weren’t crafted with women’s feet in mind. Traditionally, manufacturers followed a “shrink it and pink it” strategy, essentially resizing men’s shoe structures and adding pink or purple colors.

Allyson Felix, an Olympic icon and the founder of women’s footwear brand, Saysh, delves into this issue: “Unlocking the secrets behind making shoes was an eye-opener for me. It’s surprisingly straightforward, but I never gave it much thought. Think about this: shoes are shaped based on a mold of a foot, but here’s what’s shocking – most brands (yes, the ones you’re picturing right now) have been using a man’s foot as the template, even for so-called ‘women’s’ shoes.”

Allyson’s realization mirrors a glaring gap in the footwear industry. Women’s feet differ significantly from men’s—they tend to have wider forefeet, higher arches, and different heel structures. Squeezing these unique feet into shoes designed for a different anatomy only leads to pain and dissatisfaction.

Sneakers

This oversight is where Saysh excels. Their FemiformityFIT Technology is tailored specifically to women’s feet. Podiatrist, Dr. Sandi Nagata, underscores the importance of such innovation: “Many women face discomfort due to ill-fitting shoes while running, which can discourage them from continuing. Having a running shoe that considers the individual foot’s structure, especially for beginners, is crucial in preventing unnecessary pain.”

Saysh takes pride in supporting women through every stride, especially during motherhood. For every customer who becomes an expectant mother, they send a fresh pair of sneakers in a new size, free of charge. 

Allyson’s journey speaks volumes about the transformation these shoes offer. It was in her own Saysh shoes that she returned to the Olympics, becoming the most decorated track and field athlete. This personal testament exemplifies the power of footwear designed to embrace women’s distinct anatomical needs.

Sneakers

Saysh invites women to prioritize comfort and performance in their running experiences, ushering in a future where each stride is a testament to empowerment, support, and celebration of individuality.

Visit Saysh.com and join them at @bySaysh on InstagramFacebookTwitter, and TikTok.

3 mins read

Olympian Allyson Felix Launches The Felix Runner to Elevate Women’s Running Comfort and Performance

In 2019, Allyson made headlines when she revealed that Nike had offered her a 70% pay cut after she became pregnant. She was one of Nike’s most decorated athletes, with 11 Olympic medals, but she felt that the company was not valuing her as a woman and a mother.

In response to this treatment, Allyson, along with her brother and business partner, Wes, founded Saysh. Saysh is a collection of stylish, functional sneakers crafted for daily use, with a strong commitment to producing women’s footwear designed for women, by women.

On Tuesday, Saysh launched its groundbreaking running sneaker, The Felix Runner. This release marks Saysh’s entry into the world of performance running footwear, promising unparalleled comfort and performance for women.

the felix runner

The Felix Runner is designed to prioritize comfort, stability, precision fit, and top-notch performance. It is engineered from the ground up with Saysh’s FemiformityFIT Technology, which makes it ideal for women of all running levels, from dedicated enthusiasts to health-conscious joggers and avid walkers.

Unlike traditional running shoes that often claim to be “women’s” while being designed based on men’s feet, The Felix Runner is crafted to accommodate the unique proportions of a woman’s foot.

Allyson Felix expressed her excitement about the release, stating, “Designing and creating our very own running shoe has been an inspiring journey. Over the last three years, we’ve poured our hearts into crafting The Felix Runner – a shoe that reflects the strength and determination of women. I’m so excited for women to experience the difference of The Felix Runner firsthand – the comfort, support, and stability it brings. It’s not just about the shoe; it’s about empowering every woman to conquer her path.”

the felix runner
Allyson Felix, Co-Founder and President of Saysh

The Felix Runner boasts an array of advanced features that elevate the running experience for women. Saysh’s supercritical foam technology ensures a perfect balance of cushion and comfort while maintaining responsiveness and spring.

The Felix Runner

Saysh is more than just a brand; it’s a movement. Committed to the principle that “Women Deserve Better,” Saysh offers products designed to uplift and support women in their diverse pursuits.

Additionally, Saysh offers a first-of-its-kind Maternity Returns Policy, ensuring that women who experience changes in foot size during pregnancy receive a complimentary pair of Saysh sneakers in their new size.

The Saysh+ Community, Saysh’s community arm, is an inclusive space that rewards engagement and connects women on various topics, including health and wellness, personal growth, and, of course, fabulous footwear.

The shoes are now available at renowned retailers across the United States, including REI and Athleta, as well as a curated selection of specialty stores.

Visit Saysh.com and join them at @bySaysh on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

4 mins read

How Olympian Allyson Felix Built Her Own Multi-Million Dollar Shoe Brand

Allyson Felix has made a name for herself in Olympic sports and business. Coming on the professional track scene in 2004, she has established a name for herself as a humble professional and businesswoman with solid core values.

Allyson Felix

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Allyson began her professional athletic career early. By 18, she had already earned a silver medal in the women’s 200-meter sprint at the Athens Olympics.

Today, she is the most decorated track and field athlete. A 5 time Olympian with 11 Olympic medals under her belt, Allyson has carved out a lane for herself and the many women she inspires with her athletic and entrepreneurial prowess.

Allyson Felix

Disrespected by Nike, Allyson Felix Fights Back

Allyson held sponsorship and endorsement deals with Adidas and Nike throughout her career. As a result, she was one of the most marketed athletes in Nike’s history. However, after going through a difficult pregnancy, she would discover that her sponsor to whom she was loyal, did not have fair practices surrounding maternity protections. This experience was a cause Allyson was prepared and determined to fight.

Black Olympian Fights for Maternity Protections

Giving birth to her daughter in 2018 was a life-threatening experience for the successful athlete. Experiencing pre-eclampsia, a condition that disproportionately affects black mothers, she had an emergency c-section eight weeks early.

As a result, she gave birth to her daughter Camryn who weighed only 3 lbs. This experience would be the catalyst for the fight she would encounter as a fierce advocate for the rights of athlete moms and females in general.

Following the expiry of her contract in 2017, Nike wanted to pay Allyson 70 percent less in her sponsorship deal than they did before her pregnancy. Shocked and disappointed, Ms. Felix publicly shared her experience, drawing awareness to female athletes’ unfair realities in the male-dominated sports industry.

As a result of her advocacy, Felix was able to inspire other female athletes to speak out about the unfair experiences they have had. In doing so, Nike was forced to change its maternity policy for all its athletes in August 2019. In addition, the enhanced maternity protections guarantee pay and bonuses for 18 months around pregnancy. Other athletic apparel companies have since followed suit.

Allyson Felix

Olympian Secures New Apparel Deal with Gap Inc.

Despite having no sponsorship representation during her last national championship appearance in 2019, Allyson forged ahead and boldly chose to overcome one of the biggest obstacles in her career. She realigned herself with an athletic brand that she believed shared her core values. As a result, she entered into a sponsorship deal with Athleta (owned by Gap Inc.) to sponsor her apparel. This deal made her the first sponsored athlete under the brand.

Felix’s Multi-Million Dollar Footwear Brand

Determined to continue making an impact for women, Allyson Felix successfully launched her female-focused shoe brand, Saysh, in 2019. Saysh’s core mission is “to undermine inequality with female athleticism and creativity.”

In May 2022, the brand successfully secured a multimillion-dollar deal in a round of funding that will enable them to expand its product offerings. The investment will help further the cause to design and offer shoes designed especially for women’s feet. The company will also be able to provide more maternity protections to its workers, increase its e-commerce presence, and expand its wholesale distribution.

When Nike tried to take her seat at their table, Allyson Felix chose to build her boardroom. Kudos to this fearless champ!

Tony O. Lawson


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2 mins read

Olympian Allyson Felix Launches Her Own Shoe Company After Leaving Nike

Allyson Felix is a four-time Olympian and one of the most accomplished sprinters in U.S. track and field history. She is also the president and founder of her own shoe company called Saysh.

Two years after her public split with Nike, Felix announced the upcoming fall launch of her lifestyle company. Felix didn’t present as an activist at first glance, but her op-ed detailing Nike’s failure to provide maternity protection for its sponsored athletes proved otherwise.

Felix has since embraced her role as a fierce advocate for working moms in sports, and now she’s given birth to a company that’s dedicated entirely to women. Saysh’s first shoe, the Saysh One, is already available for preorder on the company’s website.

From the brand’s simplicity and the airy silhouette of the premiere shoe, it’s clear that Saysh shoes are designed with the everyday woman in mind.

“It’s really about meeting women where they are,” Felix said in a recent interview. “It’s for that woman who has been overlooked or feels like their voice hasn’t been heard. That was the biggest thing when I spoke out, was hearing from other women across industries. And having such a connection there, feeling like it’s so much bigger. There’s just that power in the collective.”

With a company led by women—including designers and engineers, Felix aims to fight against the unequal sports industrial complex and create a more equitable world for women and mothers in sports.

If you’re wondering, the track star has been running in a Saysh track spike during the Olympic trials and will wear them in the Tokoyo Games as well. Felix confirmed her spot in this year’s Olympics a couple of weeks ago, so she will technically be the first athlete to run in her own brand.

You can watch Allyson Felix perform in the unreleased Saysh shoes during the Tokoyo Games, which start July 23rd.


Visit Saysh.com and join them at @bySaysh on InstagramFacebookTwitter, and TikTok.