The Westside Gunn x Saucony Grid Jazz 9 "Awesome God" (style code S71047-5) is one of the most materially ambitious sneaker collaborations of 2026 — and deliberately so. The upper combines multiple animal-inspired textures across a single construction: zebra, cheetah, and deer-inspired materials layer across the panels, while vibrant Pink faux fur surfaces on the collar for a tactile contrast that reads more fashion editorial than running retro. Iridescent panels punctuate the build, catching light differently with every movement. Ultra-soft leather lines the inner collar and laces. A custom-embroidered scorpion — Westside Gunn's personal symbol and the Griselda Records icon — replaces Saucony's traditional side logo on the heel window, with Griselda branding integrated into the rear midsole structure. Critically, no two pairs are identical: the animal print patterns and construction vary from pair to pair, making every unit a one-of-a-kind piece by design. Saucony's GRID cushioning underfoot and a rubber outsole complete the build. Each pair ships with special packaging featuring a mirror on the lid. Available in unisex sizing at $225/240€/£220.

Storytelling

The "Awesome God" takes its name from Westside Gunn's musical trilogy — Flygod Is An Awesome God — a series that sits at the center of the Griselda Records catalog and Gunn's identity as both rapper and creative director. Unveiled first at Paris Fashion Week, the collaboration was co-created under Gunn's GXFR (Griselda x Fashion Rebels) imprint, with atmos Tokyo and designer Jeremy Scott cited as direct visual inspirations. Gunn described the result as a luxury sneaker — and the materials back that claim up.

Dropping August 28, 2026 — Westside Gunn Day in Buffalo

The release date is not a coincidence. August 28 is officially recognized as Westside Gunn Day in Buffalo, New York — a designation that makes this one of the few sneaker releases tied to a civic declaration. The "Awesome God" drops via Saucony's EQL raffle and Westside Gunn's own platform blientele.com on that date. All authorized retailers carrying this release are listed below.