Westside Gunn is not interested in playing it safe. While much of the sneaker market leans toward safe, minimal retros, the Buffalo mastermind is pushing Saucony into far more aggressive, avant-garde territory. His latest reveal during Paris Fashion Week showcases a two-pack of the ProGrid Omni 9 Web that is anything but subtle — a loud, unapologetic nod to comic book royalty on a technical silhouette that's been gaining serious traction among enthusiasts tired of the usual suspects.
The Aesthetics of the ProGrid Omni 9 Web Spider-Man Pack
The ProGrid Omni 9 has always stood out in Saucony's archive for its intricate layering and technical performance roots from the early 2000s. Westside Gunn takes that foundation and drapes it in a literal web. The TPU cage wrapping the upper mimics Peter Parker's signature suit pattern, feeling both nostalgic and futuristic. The red pair leans classic hero, with high-contrast crimson mesh against black webbing. The blue pair goes moodier, using a deep royal shade that highlights the silhouette's aggressive lines.
This isn't a simple colorway swap. The material choices reflect Gunn's fusion of luxury and street culture — metallic overlay finishes and embroidery detail that elevate the Omni 9 from standard runner to wearable art, a sharp pivot from the minimalist trends currently dominating the industry.
Why Westside Gunn and Saucony Make Sense Now
Collaborations usually fall into two camps: predictable or disruptive. This one is firmly the latter. Westside Gunn brings a distinct aesthetic language from high-end hip-hop and wrestling culture — spheres where being loud is the price of entry — to a silhouette that handles complexity well. The ProGrid technology in the midsole remains intact, so while these look runway- and comic-book-ready, they still deliver the comfort and stability runners expected back in the mid-2000s. The Spider-Man theme feels organic to the shoe's existing web-like structure, making this one of the more coherent character-inspired releases in years.
Cultural Impact of the Marvel-Themed Release
Sneaker culture and comic book culture have been intertwined for decades, usually through sanitized corporate crossovers. This feels different — like a custom that made it to the production line. By choosing the Spider-Man motif, Gunn taps into universal nostalgia while twisting it through his own Griselda lens. Paris Fashion Week was the right stage for the reveal, signaling Saucony's move beyond niche tech-runner enthusiasts toward a high-fashion crowd that values silhouette over hype.
Technical Features of the ProGrid Omni 9
Beyond the Westside Gunn flair, the Omni 9 is a piece of early-aughts engineering. ProGrid cushioning delivers a responsive ride many modern lifestyle shoes lack. Durable rubber outsole compounds are built for longevity, while the mesh base keeps things breathable despite the heavy TPU webbing — a dense shoe, visually and physically, that pairs well with the oversized proportions trending in streetwear right now.
When will the Westside Gunn x Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 Web Spider-Man be released?
An official release date has not been confirmed yet, though the pair was heavily teased during Paris Fashion Week. Expect a rollout through select boutique retailers and Saucony's premium channels later this year.
Are these an official Marvel collaboration?
While the colors and web patterns are a direct homage to Spider-Man, the branding focuses on Westside Gunn and Saucony. It functions more as a thematic tribute than a standard licensed product.
How does the ProGrid Omni 9 fit?
The ProGrid Omni 9 typically fits true to size, similar to other technical runners from the 2000s. If you have a wider foot, you might consider going up a half size due to the structured TPU webbing on the upper.
Will there be more colorways in the Westside Gunn collection?
Currently, only the red and blue Spider-Man inspired colorways have been previewed. However, given Gunn's prolific nature, more iterations of the Omni 9 Web are highly likely.
What makes the 'Web' version of the Omni 9 different?
The 'Web' designation refers to the specific TPU cage overlay that covers the mesh upper. This design element provides extra lateral support and gives the shoe its distinct, aggressive aesthetic compared to the standard Omni 9.
Looking to upgrade your rotation with the latest silhouettes and hard-to-find drops? Check out the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 Tomorrow, Meet Yesterday Pack and the full collection at Mr. Sneakerseller for the best in premium footwear.