Saysh

Saysh

Company type	Private
Industry	Footwear; Apparel
Founded	2020 (official launch June 2021)
Founders	Allyson Felix; Wes Felix; Darren Breedveld
Headquarters	Culver City, California, U.S.
Key people	Wes Felix (CEO); Allyson Felix (President); Darren Breedveld (CFO/COO)
Products	Women's athletic footwear (sneakers, running shoes), apparel
Website	saysh.com

Saysh is a U.S.-based footwear brand focusing on women's sneakers, established by Olympian sprinter Allyson Felix alongside her brother Wes Felix. The company attracted international recognition when Felix introduced the Saysh Spike One during the Tokyo 2020 Games, where she secured a bronze medal in the 400 meters and a gold in the 4×400 relay — becoming the first female athlete to earn Olympic track medals while wearing spikes from her own brand. After retiring from professional competition that same year, Felix dedicated her efforts entirely to leading Saysh.

History

Saysh was created in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic following Allyson Felix's public departure from Nike due to disagreements over maternity protections, which left her without a footwear sponsor. Together with Wes Felix, she set out to develop a brand "by women, for women." The company officially debuted in June 2021 with the Saysh One sneaker, retailing at US$150 and including lifetime access to the Saysh Collective, an online platform designed for women.

In leadership roles, Allyson Felix acts as president, Wes Felix holds the CEO position, and co-founder Darren Breedveld functions as CFO/COO. The founding team secured US$3 million in seed capital to initiate business operations. Notably, Felix competed wearing custom Saysh spikes at both the U.S. Olympic Trials and the Tokyo Olympics — making history as the first athlete to race at the Olympics in shoes from her own label. That same year, Athleta began retailing the Saysh One through a collaborative agreement.

In September 2021, Saysh formed a partnership with Canadian logistics provider SCI Group to enhance its direct-to-consumer order fulfillment, with the initial production batch of Saysh One selling out through pre-orders.

By June 2022, Saysh raised US$8 million in a Series A funding round led by Iris Ventures, with participation from Redpoint Ventures and Athleta. This investment facilitated growth in e-commerce capabilities, entry into wholesale markets, and development of new products. The following month, in July 2022, Saysh unveiled its inaugural physical retail location—"The Home of Saysh"—a pop-up store and community space situated in Culver City, California.

In September 2023, Saysh introduced its first dedicated performance running shoe called the Felix Runner, followed by launches of the Saysh Two lifestyle sneaker and Evelyn Runner training shoe during 2024. In May 2024, Saysh collaborated with the Connecticut Sun of the WNBA to promote maternal health programs.

Saysh Spike One

The Saysh Spike One, the brand's first offering, was introduced in 2021 in anticipation of the Tokyo Olympic Games. Created in collaboration with footwear designer Natalie Candrian, this product was tailored specifically for female athletes, emphasizing an anatomical fit and minimal weight. Weighing only 3.9 ounces per pair, including ceramic spikes, it ranked among the lightest sprint spikes used at the Olympics.

Allyson Felix showcased the Spike One at the Games, earning a bronze medal in the 400 meters and a gold medal in the 4 × 400 meter relay while wearing these shoes. This achievement attracted worldwide recognition as Felix became one of the rare athletes to win Olympic medals wearing footwear from her own brand.

Founders and leadership

Saysh was co-established by Allyson Felix and Wes Felix, along with early collaborator Darren Breedveld. Allyson, an 11-time Olympic medalist, holds the position of President, while her brother Wes, a former All-American sprinter and her previous agent, acts as CEO. Wes also founded the sports management firm EVOLVE and played a key role in managing Allyson’s transition after her Nike tenure.

Their drive originated from Allyson’s public disagreement with Nike regarding maternity protections, leading to a company dedicated to addressing women’s unique footwear requirements. Allyson brought athletic authority and visibility to the venture; Wes contributed business acumen and industry relationships. The leadership team includes Tiffany Beers, formerly an innovation engineer at Nike, serving as Head of Product. Felix regards Saysh as a platform for proactive change rather than passive waiting.

Products

Saysh specializes in women's footwear and apparel, deliberately moving away from the conventional industry practice of merely resizing men's designs ("shrink it and pink it"). Its exclusive FemiformityFIT technology incorporates lasts crafted to accommodate female foot anatomy characteristics such as a narrower heel coupled with a broader forefoot. The design of the Saysh One takes cues from the elegant drape of a wrap dress and the fluid curves found on a running track.

Product	Launch	Category	Description
Saysh Spike One	2021 (prototype)	Track racing spike	Custom spike developed specifically for Allyson Felix's Tokyo Olympics performance; not released for mass retail.
Saysh One	2021	Lifestyle sneaker	The brand’s initial low-top casual sneaker engineered exclusively on a female last featuring a secure heel fit and spacious toe box.
Saysh Two	2022	Lifestyle sneaker	Second iteration of women's sneaker inspired by classic running aesthetics; designed by an all-female team focusing on adaptability.
Felix Runner	2023	Running trainer	A high-performance neutral running shoe designed for "everyday women who run," incorporating a one-piece molded heel and cushioned midsole built on a women-specific last with biomechanical expertise.
Evelyn Runner	2024	Running trainer	A lightweight and responsive shoe intended for daily training, expanding Saysh’s performance footwear collection.
Apparel & Accessories	2021–present	Athletic apparel	Select apparel and accessory lines including themed releases such as the "Paris Collection" aligned with the 2024 Olympics.

All footwear from Saysh is promoted as ethically produced with sustainable practices focused on women. The company also provides a Maternity Returns policy that permits complimentary exchanges if shoe size changes throughout pregnancy.

Branding and marketing

The company’s tagline, women deserve better, embodies its dedication to offering women superior footwear choices, increased visibility, and expanded opportunities. Central to the brand’s narrative is Allyson Felix’s advocacy work, particularly her efforts to challenge unfair maternity policies and her decision to compete wearing her own shoes.

The brand name "Saysh" originates from the French word "Seiche," which means a wave that moves rhythmically back and forth, symbolizing equilibrium. This concept aligns with the company’s mission to empower women through sophisticated, adaptable designs that merge athletic performance with style. Wes Felix highlights this symbolism as a pledge to address industry disparities and promote a future where female innovation and athleticism confront inequality.

Sponsorships and endorsements

Saysh initially capitalized on Allyson Felix’s Olympic endorsements by demonstrating product authenticity through her use of Saysh spikes in competition. In June 2021, the brand finalized a distribution partnership with Athleta—Felix’s apparel sponsor—which also invested in Saysh and showcased its footwear on their platform.

On May 8, 2024, the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun announced a sponsorship agreement with Saysh, representing the brand’s inaugural team collaboration. Throughout the 2024 season, Saysh supported multiple Sun events, including those focused on Maternal Health Awareness. Felix emphasized the alignment of values concerning representation and responsibility for women in athletics.