LEXINGTON, MA (May 21, 2007) - Saucony, Inc., a subsidiary of The Stride Rite Corporation (NYSE: SRR), and a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear, announced the launch of its U.S. Saucony Apparel line for men and women. Setting a new milestone for the brand, the Saucony Apparel line is a performance collection that draws its inspiration from running culture. Saucony Apparel will debut at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2007 with a retail launch planned for Spring 2008.

"We view the marriage of innovative and technical product platforms from Saucony footwear as a starting point for our expansion into performance running apparel, ultimately providing a head-to-toe brand experience for our consumers,'" said Richie Woodworth, president of Saucony. "The timing of this launch has strategic significance for us as we continue to gain market share in the important run specialty trade channel," he said.

Each collection in the Saucony line is inspired by authentic running culture, whether it's the Hurricane Collection for performance running, the Technical Core Collection for fitness endeavors, or the Tri Collection for triathlon training and racing. Every piece in the line, consisting of shorts, tops, jackets, tights, pants, sport bras and accessories, offers innate practicality, functional performance and aesthetic expression.

"Leveraging our resources and technologies across the footwear and apparel categories allows us to deliver leading fabrications, innovatively engineered fits and refined details intended to enhance the athlete's personal experience," said Woodworth. "We will utilize the categories of footwear and apparel to create a stronger presence at retail, elevating the Saucony brand," added Woodworth.

"As we continue to gain momentum at retail, the time is right to take Saucony from a footwear company to a full athletic running brand," said Todd Dalhausser, general manager of Saucony Apparel. "Our product approach is driven by our three key initiatives: fit, feel and finish. Saucony has already enjoyed success with a tightly focused international apparel line over the past 10 years. Now, with the launch of our U.S. line, we've made a strategic decision to elevate and diversify the brand globally," he added.

Saucony Apparel Collections for Spring 2008

The Saucony Apparel line offers three collections for men and women. The speed inspired Hurricane Collection features the feather-weight HydraliteT fabric in men's and women's tops. Hydralite fabric has a unique grid pattern which minimizes points of contact on the skin, resulting in continuous moisture transfer for the hard-working runner. Featured styles include the Lila Tank for women (MSRP: $35.00) and the Elite Singlet for men (MSRP: $30.00).

The Technical Core Collection borrows from the brand's authentic running history and features products for multiple playgrounds and activities. This collection features the indestructible, snag-free Light Weight Stretch WovenT fabric in men's and women's tops and bottoms. Key styles include the women's Utopia Capri (MSRP: $55.00) and the men's Run Lux Short (MSRP: $38.00).

The Tri Collection features technical performance fabrics with unparalleled comfort for the triathlete competing in all distances. The engineered silhouettes enhance the athlete's performance and set a benchmark for unequaled protection and comfort. Featured styles include the men's and women's Tri Suit, a high compression, breathable and water-repellant fabric with four-way stretch and chafe resistant flat-seam construction (MSRP: $100.00).

The initial distribution phase of the new Saucony Apparel line, planned for January 2008, will be targeted at specialty running retailers who have historically supported the brand's footwear growth.

For more information, check out www.saucony.com