Men's Saucony ProGrid Kinvara

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

Quick and light feeling shoes that I've used for tempo and track workouts. I've put approximately 50 miles on them so can't comment on durability. My longest run in them have been 10 miles and the cushioning was fine, based on my experience these shoes would be great for anything up to a half marathon. I've used New Balance 902's for tempo and track workouts and the Kinvara's give me a better run.

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

I use these shoes for my tempo runs primarily with a bit heavier and more cushioned shoe for longer runs. I also use these as my racing shoes for distances over 10K. Overall the fit is perfect as it fits like a glove. The shoe is flexible in the forefoot but not as flexible as the Nike Free, which I prefer. There is plenty of cushioning to make the longer time on the pavement and higher tempo runs feel very comfortable, but not so much that you get a soft response on push off. However, for faster races like a 5K I would prefer something like Saucony's A3 which has a little less cushion and a more responsive feel. The uppers are very different from most flats I've run in. They are simply not as stiff as others, but do not feel cheap either. It takes a little getting use to, but it helps the shoe be very breathable. I haven't gotten enough miles on them yet to determine how long the last, but I've had them for over 100 miles and they still feel good. They have excellent grip on most surfaces. I do run paved trails but would not recommend running in them for any trails that are not clearly paved as they are low and do not provide a lot of support from uneven surfaces and the flimsy uppers can allow the shoe to moves slight side to side on uneven surfaces, making you lose your footing. Overall I have found that this is an excellent shoe and one that provides more the more cushioned feel I was looking for in a racing flat. The only true downfall I wish the shoe had a small heel loop to help make putting the shoe on faster, as I also use these shoes for triathlons. Otherwise I think anyone will find this a great shoe for their faster workouts.

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

The MINIMAL part: With a barely noticeable heel rise & flexible sole, the Kinvara lends itself to mid-foot-strike running very well. I feel the same calf muscles working as I do when I run in my bare feet. If you'd like to become a mid-foot striker, Chi or POSE runner, these are the ideal shoes. If you're looking to transition to barefoot running, you can't go wrong. Although the shoe fits like a glove, the material & sole are so flexible that my toes can still spread

The TRAINING part: Most minimal-ish shoes (like Nike Free) aren't sturdy enough to hold up during training. Many other shoes are like running in platform shoes with bindings, bolts & way too much going on. In spite of the Kinvara's minimal-ish qualities, it also provides enough cushion and sturdiness to hold up during training, w/o heel-dragging or causing my feet feel like they're on lock-down.

The Kinvara is a unique looking shoe, but not as ghastly as most Asics and not as oddball as some minimalist shoes. Unlike Nike & Asics, you don't see them everywhere.

I feel comfortable running long distances in this shoe. I plan to use Kinvaras to train for & run in the LA Marathon. It's light enough to race in, but substantial enough to train in, even for a 6', 200lb man like me.

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

I think this shoe is analogous to Nike's silo of Lunar shoes—specifically the LunaRacer. I've been searching for a lightweight tempo and marathon race shoe and I think I've found it. After two seasons of marathons in the LunaRacer, I'm happy to have found the Kinvara. I never liked the relatively narrow forefoot of the LunaRacer and find the Kinvara to be much more accommodating with an overall better fit. Additionally, I like the wider forefoot and deeper flex groves of the Kinvara—much better ride in my opinion. Note, I did size down ½ size as I have very narrow feet.

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

This is the most amazing and comfortable shoe I have ever ran in! I have been suffering from piriformis issues over the last year and after three weeks in the Kinvara's the pain is almost completely gone. The shoes are extremely light weight and provide the perfect amount of cushioning. By encouraging the midfoot/forefoot strike the impact on my knees and hips have been dramatically decreased. I feel like I can run the way my body was designed to and my stride feels much more natural. I am currently training for my second Marathon in June and these will be my go to shoes for training and running in the Marathon, in fact I just ordered a second pair. Build up your milage slowly and you will love the results!

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

I am 5'8, 162lbs, just purchased these and ran about 10-15 miles on them, excellent so far, highly recommend them, comfortable, super light. I have black/yellow style which is excellent look/style.

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

I use this shoe for my weekly track workouts and weekly long runs (15 miles+). If you have good mechanics there is no reason to run in any more shoe than this. It is lightweight and allows your feet freedom to grow stonger but is also stable, providing plenty of cushion without sacrificing response. I have been training in this shoe for 4 months, ran a half marathon in them last month and will run another in them this month. Some have made comments about concern of durability, at 150 lbs, I have probaby 500 road miles on these shoes and they have plenty of life left. If you are looking for a minimalist shoe but don't want to feel like you are running in your bare feet, this is a great choice.

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

I have run every day for the last 40 years. I participate in many triathlons over the last 20 years. I buy 3 to 6 pair of shoes every year since they started selling running shoes.(when I started running, I had to run in Converse Tennis shoes 1970
For about the last 20 years, I have stuck with Saucony as my main running shoes. The KINVARA is nice running shoe for short distances. It can double as a pair of race shoes for a 5K. The Saucony Ignition (first generation)was also an awesome shoe. Have a great day :)

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

If you run marathons you know you need a shoe that is comfortable, light and one that preforms. My last marathon I ducked taped my shoe so it would hold together,but I did not want to give them up. I now have two marathons I will be running, 2/20 & 3/20. I bought this pair of shoes and only ran 30mins at a time in them. Knowing I did not want to have to duck tape my shoes again I tried these shoes on my long runs. I took another pair of shoes in case they did not work out, but after a 14mi run I loved them and then I ran 23 miles in them. Afterwards I was so elated because I have found my marathon shoes, so now I own 2 pair.

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

This is a great, fast, lightweight shoe without sacrificing cushion too much. They do not have the cushion that a trainer has, but enough to keep your knees from hurting. They are incredibly light weight, and have intense breathe-ability that is good for summer; they are even comfortable without socks (no blisters or other problems).

Overall great shoe for the money. Use it for training, racing, or just everyday. No matter your need, they will provide for it!

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

Highly recommend the shoe for those that have knee and joint problems when running. I have arthritis in both knees and bone spurs in right knee. Ran half marathon in Dallas, TX last April and experienced extreme joint and knee pain running in Brooks running shoes. Switch to a Nike Free a few months ago and discovered joint and knee pain went away. Decided to try the Kinvaras after studying reviews on Road Runner website. Bough a pair a couple of weeks ago. Put them on and ran 6 miles in them over a week ago. No joint or knee pain! The shoes are super light and have a fantastic feel and contact with the pavement. Increased my distance to 8 miles, then to 9 with same results. Plan on running a full marathon in Dallas, TX in April running in the Kinvaras. Highly recommend those runners that are starting out from a regular running shoe to a minimalist shoe to ease in to the distance they run to get their muscles in their feet built up to running in these or any minimalist shoe. I believe I will be able to achieve much quicker times in these shoes and have virtually no fatigue running in them.

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

I'm a frequent half- and full marathoner, currently training for Boston in April. Thought I'd give the "minimal" thing a try after 5-6 years in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS series. I was a bit worried about the transition from a big heeled shoe to one with a lower heel, but it's been great so far. I rotated the shoe in slowly over a month or so, and I'm now running in it full time. It's held up really well so far through track workouts, tempo runs, and long runs of up to 15 miles on pavement. I've got about 90 miles on 'em without much sign of wear. Definitely lightweight and comfortable, even in the Colorado winter. If it gets below 25 F, I'll throw on the heavy socks. The only negative is the fit - for me, the toe box is just a bit too wide. Otherwise, great shoes!

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

I switched to a midfoot strike about 10 months ago. These shoes are the best I've tried so far. Lightweight and with a LOW HEEL! There are too few shoes out there that cater to midfoot strikers. The high heel always gets in the way. Not with the Kinvara. I wish that the outsole was more durable though. Don't try any trails with this one either. No traction or protection. Also, the upper became more roomy as time went on. I had to cinch the laces down more and more. I'd be happy with an extra ounce or so if it meant a little more structure in the upper and an outsole that could adapt to pavement AND light trails. But still, the best I've found so far. Still looking though.

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

I'm on my 3rd pair of Kinvaras since May. I retired my first pair after 450 miles (5'11" and 165 lbs). They do look worn, and the EVA in the forefoot is starting to break down. The little triangles (outsole) right in the middle of the shoe are worn through on the edges.

I really like them for tempo work and the long run, but have not tried them on the track.

What i like best about the shoe, is the relatively narrow heel with a wider forefoot, and the lack of a rigid plastic heel counter. I had been struggling with retrocalcaneal bursitis for six months, and i believe switching to the Kinvara (no pressure on the back of the heel) helped me get past that.

After training exclusively in these for several months, i tried to do a long run in my Fastwitch 4's, but felt like i was running in high heels. I was mixed whether the Kinvara would be a good marathon shoe, but I'm going to try them next Sunday (11/21/2010).

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

I ran my second marathon last week and over the course of the last year tried all of the other minimalist shoes (Nike, Brooks, Pearl Azumi, Newton). Kinvara was the clear winner for comfort. Newton was a close second, but they weren't as comfortable (nor as minimal), and they cost more than twice as much. I went a little overboard comparing the shoes so thoroughly to every comparable shoe, but in the end I feel like I got a shoe that far exceeds all the others. Plus I can finally write an online review that I can feel has a lot of value for everyone else.

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

As I have been doing more and more running I have gone with lighter and lighter shoes. These have been the lightest so far. They surprised me by how much cusioning they offer considering how little they weigh. The lower heel hight tends to make me want to take longer strides which has encouraged me to pick up my pace a little. I was very impressed. Since I am a bigger guy (225 lbs) I have a little concern with how durable they will be. Over the winter they will probably see a lot more treatdmill time so I will find out more next spring when I get back outside. But just in case, I bought a second pair when they went on sale.

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

Wonderful shoe. Have 2 pairs now. Perfect for 6-10 mile runs. So light but still provide exceptional stability. Love the colors. How about guy's pink in the future to promote the Komen's Race For The Cure.

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

After moving to more of a natural running style over the past couple of years, this is the best minimalist I've found to match my personal needs. I loved the Newtons (very comfortable to put on), but didn't like the fore-foot hump (felt like I had a pebble in my shoe!).

This one is very comfortable just putting it on, let alone running. And it's absolutely great for my runs thus far... I've run up to 21 miles in a single run and up to about 55 in a week, and so far they feel great and hold up to the miles. (BTW... 155 lbs male, neutral, 3:10 marathoner)

And they're so comfortable that I've done with these what I've NEVER done with a pair of active training shoes... wear them for every-day use. Especially like them as my travel shoes... wear 'em on the plane for both travel and traveling runs. I love these shoes!

I've been an avid Asics-guy for many many years and will never go back... unless perhaps A comes up with a comparable shoe... we'll see. I hope this starts a new movement in the "big" brands creating minimalist shoes. These are great!

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

If you are a neutral runner than this shoe is made for you and your arches. Not recommended for normal to no arch.

Comments about Mens Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running Shoe:

Up until a year ago I used lightweight shoes for training and flats for racing. My love of the Nike Lunaracer cushioning got me to wear them for full time training over the last year. I was looking for a shoe with a low heal rise, but a bit more support for fast training. The Kinvara fit decently so I tried them out. The motion is okay. My main complaint is the cushioning feels very harsh (non-resilient, plasticy) compared to the softer feel of the Lunaracers. This doesn't make the Kinvara a bad shoe, it just doesn't surpass the Lunaracer for my training perferences. It is worth a try. My only other quibble is the upper feels a bit loose (sloppy), but that is the price you pay to have more room in the forefoot.