Saucony’s story is rooted in Pennsylvania’s scenic wildlife. The company is aptly named after the Saucony Creek, which runs through the town of Kutztown where Saucony was founded in 1898. The brand’s geometric logo represent the creek’s water and how it flows around three distinctive boulders. The latest release from the brand, the Shadow 6000 “Good Manner Raccoon,” nods to this heritage and draws inspiration from a fictional creature that was created to help protect Pennsylvania’s great outdoors.
In 1959, the Pennsylvania Forestry Association (PFA) held a contest to name a “Good Outdoor Manners Raccoon” mascot that would become the face of a statewide anti-litter campaign. After going through tens of thousands of entries from local school children, the winning name was chosen, “Howdy.” Inspired by the success of Smokey the Bear, Howdy the Raccoon was placed on school book covers and on posters and billboards across parks and country roads. Howdy saw some success, though he never became as popular as Smokey and eventually faded into obscurity.
Saucony is now bringing Howdy back out of retirement with a “Good Manner Raccoon” Shadow 6000 designed in his honor. The shoe features a black mesh base with off-white hairy suede overlays and black-and-white striped faux fur paneling that wraps around the heels. Raccoon graphics appear on the tongue tags, insoles, and on the custom packaging.
The Saucony Shadow 6000 “Good Manner Raccoon” is available now on Saucony.com and at select retailers. Grab a look below.
Saucony Shadow 6000 “Good Manner Raccoon”
Color: Grey/Beige
Style Code: S70781-1
Release Date: October 6, 2023
Price: $140 USD
Additional photos via 43einhalb:
Howdy the Raccoon imagery from the ’50s and ’60s:
