Saucony taps Montreal’s Estudio Niksen for a first link-up that keeps things grounded and easy to wear. Landing globally today, April 30th, for $150 USD and $150 CAD at Canadian retailers, the collaboration revisits the Trainer 80 with a more considered lens and is already close to gone.
Founded by Andres Barrios and Gabrielle Gagne, Estudio Niksen operates between Montreal and Seoul, building out a world of elevated garments and homeware rooted in timeless, approachable design. The name references the Dutch idea of niksen, or doing nothing, framed here as a way to slow things down and take in quieter moments. That perspective carries through the entire project.
Rather than overworking the silhouette, they pull it back. The Trainer 80 draws from life beyond the city, with subtle workwear cues softened into something more relaxed and functional. Earthy, sun-faded tones lead, paired with brushed suede and light textiles, giving the upper a worn-in feel. Hairy suede hits the toe, heel, and eyestay, balanced by a ripstop mesh base.
Details stay clean with an embroidered river logo, zig-zag stitch branding, and contrast stitching throughout. A vintage woven co-branded tongue label and leather heel tab with embroidered logo keep things rooted, while a leather collar lining and custom hand-drawn sockliner carry the story inside. It all lands in a custom-illustrated box, with extra laces in brown, white, and pale yellow to switch things up.
We are also into the fact that the campaign was shot on film in both 35 mm and 120 mm by William Arcand. That alone feels like a quiet stamp of approval. A versatile take on the Trainer 80 that works just as well for slower days as it does anywhere else.
