Westside Gunn continues to blur the line between fashion, music, and sneaker culture. After teasing his debut sneaker collaboration with Saucony in late 2024, the Griselda Records founder has officially introduced his second design in the partnership—a fiery red iteration of the Grid Jazz 9, dubbed “Scorpion.” Unveiled during Paris Fashion Week, the sneaker turns heads with its vivid coloring, luxe textures, and a distinct motif pulled straight from Gunn’s personal and creative universe.
This latest reveal underscores Westside Gunn’s growing influence beyond the mic. He’s long established himself as a tastemaker within both the fashion and music industries, and now, his work with Saucony brings that same layered storytelling to footwear.
From the Booth to the Runway
Gunn’s entry into sneaker design isn’t just a celebrity co-sign—it’s an extension of the identity he’s been building for years. Known for his intricate lyricism and deep appreciation of art and fashion, Gunn has always been more than just a rapper. His presence at Paris Fashion Week feels more like a continuation than a debut, and the unveiling of the Grid Jazz 9 “Scorpion” felt right at home amid the week’s buzz.
The sneaker was revealed in limited fashion, offering just a glimpse of what’s coming. But that preview was enough to spark conversation across sneaker forums and fashion feeds alike. Saturated in red, the shoe commands attention immediately, both in palette and in construction.
A Closer Look at the Grid Jazz 9 “Scorpion”
This isn’t a subtle sneaker. The “Scorpion” lives up to its name with an all-red upper that layers multiple materials for depth and dimension. Faux pony hair, textured leather, and premium suede combine to give the shoe a tactile richness that elevates it beyond typical performance gear. It’s less about athletic performance and more about fashion-forward expression.
The defining feature is a bold scorpion graphic placed on the medial side of the shoe. The emblem nods to Griselda Records—Gunn’s label and collective—which frequently incorporates the scorpion as a symbol of danger, intensity, and individuality. Much like his lyrics, the details here are intentional. Every texture and design choice tells part of the story.
Even without an official lookbook or release date, it’s clear that this is no generic brand partnership. Gunn is involved from concept to execution, ensuring that each detail aligns with his personal and artistic vision.
Building a Collaborative Narrative
This isn’t the first time Gunn and Saucony have worked together. Back in 2024, the duo introduced a glow-in-the-dark take on the ProGrid Triumph 4, hinting at an aesthetic rooted in bold choices and vibrant color schemes. That initial design set the tone, but the “Scorpion” Grid Jazz 9 pushes the narrative further.
Rather than simply remixing a retro runner with a few color swaps, Gunn appears committed to building a broader design story with Saucony. That kind of continuity is rare in music-sneaker collabs, which often stop at a single release. Here, Gunn is planting roots—creating footwear that reflects his identity while extending Saucony’s creative range.
His background in art and fashion curation—highlighted through ventures like his art-forward boutique/gallery ventures and signature high-fashion references in his lyrics—makes him a unique voice in sneaker design. He’s not just promoting a product; he’s crafting an experience.
What’s Next for the Gunn x Saucony Partnership?
As of now, there’s no confirmed release date for the Grid Jazz 9 “Scorpion.” But its reveal during one of the most influential fashion weeks on the global calendar suggests that something big is on the horizon. Fans can expect more official visuals and potentially additional silhouettes in the coming months.
Saucony, known for its performance roots and cult-favorite retro runners, benefits from this collaboration in ways that reach beyond sneaker collectors. With Gunn’s cultural clout, the brand enters conversations typically dominated by Nike, adidas, and New Balance. It’s a fresh pivot, and one that positions Saucony squarely within the streetwear conversation.
For Westside Gunn, this is another chapter in a creative career that refuses to stay in one lane. Whether it’s music, fashion, fine art, or now footwear, he’s continuously redefining what it means to be a multi-hyphenate in today’s cultural landscape.
Keep an eye on saucony.com and Gunn’s social platforms for release updates and deeper looks into the design. If the “Scorpion” drop is any indication, there’s more heat waiting in the wings.
