Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you.
Osaga Shoes: The Golden Age Returns
Few brands captured the heart of America’s Running Boom quite like Osaga. Born in Eugene, Oregon, aka TrackTown USA, Osaga stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest names in running during the 1970s by focusing on biomechanics, comfort, and pure running efficiency. Now, decades later, the company is once again lacing up history with the launch of the Osaga Retro Reissue Collection, headlined by two of its most legendary silhouettes: the Osaga 80 (formerly Moscow 80) and the KT-26.
These reissues are not mere remakes, they’re historically faithful reconstructions enhanced by modern materials and technology, bridging the craftsmanship of the 1970s with the comfort standards of today.
Osaga 80: The Evergreen Classic
“...a shoe that is among the best in sole cushioning and comfort.”, Runner’s World, 1979
The Osaga 80 vintage running inspired sneakers
The Osaga 80, originally known as the Moscow 80, was praised for its superior cushioning and light-on-its-feet feel. The reissue, affectionately nicknamed The Evergreen, stays true to that spirit, offering a heritage running-flat silhouette with updated details for everyday wear.
Modern Updates Meet Retro DNA
Comfort Lining with Aegis® Anti-Microbial Treatment – keeps feet cool and fresh through long wear.
Premium Suede, Leather & Performance Mesh Upper – lightweight, breathable, and era-authentic.
Removable Molded PU Footbed – modern support that adapts to your stride.
EVA Cushioned Midsole & Rubber Outsole with Osaga Tread – inspired by the brand’s original multi-stud sole pattern.
Metal Aglet Laces – a subtle nod to mid-century craftsmanship.
Available in White & Green and Black leather color ways, the Osaga 80 perfectly captures the vibe of 1970s runners while adding the plush, flexible comfort expected today.
Osaga KT-26 vintage-inspired retro sneakers
The KT-26: The Revolution Returns
“The KT-26 incorporates the Cantilever Principle... for better foot protection and greater control.”, Osaga Performance Ad, 1981
“It’s for the challenge of the 80s, and Osaga Performance wants you to win.”
If the Osaga 80 represented grace and cushioning, the KT-26 embodied engineering and endurance. Marketed as “the ultimate in protection for training shoes,” the KT-26 introduced the world’s first cantilever outsole, a system that absorbed shock and returned energy through kinetic leverage, decades before “energy return” became a buzzword.
Engineering Ahead of Its Time
Osaga’s 1980s campaign described it best:
“Bio-kinetic construction… dissipates shock upon impact and deflects it away from the foot and leg.”
The KT-26 reissue brings that same biomechanical brilliance back to life with:
Re-engineered Cantilever Outsole for multi-directional shock absorption and stability
Supportive Rigid Heel Counter & Arch System for balance and motion control
Breathable Nylon and Mesh Upper paired with Suede Reinforcements
Durable Rubber Outsole patterned after Osaga’s original “kinetic levers”
Modern Cushioned Midsole & Ortholite Footbed for day-long comfort
Originally built for bigger runners and high-mileage trainers, the KT-26 was awarded a Runner’s World 5-Star rating, a badge Osaga proudly wore across its ads. Today, the reissue arrives ready for both serious runners and collectors who value authentic, biomechanics-driven design.
Why These Reissues Matter
In an era where “retro” often means surface-level nostalgia, Osaga’s revival cuts deeper. Both models were re-engineered by the same family-run company that created them, preserving the ethos that defined 1970s performance footwear, comfort, science, and humanity in motion.
The tagline remains timeless:
“Osaga… for the human race.”
Explore the Full Story
Discover how this Oregon-born brand inspired generations of runners in our in-depth editorial:
The Untold Story of Osaga: Eugene’s Homegrown Running Brand
Shop the Osaga Retro Reissue Collection
Osaga 80: a faithful reissue of the 1970s Moscow 80, refined for modern comfort.
KT-26 Reissue: Osaga’s legendary cantilever trainer for serious runners and design purists.
Both models are available now in limited quantities at Osaga.com.
Affiliate Disclosure
The Deffest participates in affiliate marketing programs and may earn commissions on purchases made through our links. These funds help support our independent coverage of sneaker history and culture.
