Men's Saucony Virrata

Comments about Mens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

Very comfortable, light and cushioned in the forefoot, unlike most other shoes. I tried these after using Brooks PureCadence for the last year and a half. Fit and weight are similar but comfort is much better in the Virrata than the PC.

I did notice some minor wear after just the first 10 miles but reduced life in exchange for added comfort is a tradeoff I'm ready to make.

Comments about Mens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

Even though I haven't worn this shoe out yet, I have a feeling it won't last long. Know what? Don't care! Throw away the factory insole for one with some resilience in the forefoot (my advice for most shoes) and this shoe is my all time favorite speed-work/race-day shoe. Got one hot spot on a very long, very steep downhill - otherwise it's awesome as a fast trainer and everything from 5K to half (still like Kinvara for full). Sure wish an American company would by Saucony, but I'm sure the Chinese are enjoying McDonald's too.

Comments about Mens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

I get in 30-50 miles a week when I am training. I am starting this season off with this shoe and I have put only a dozen or so miles on it - so reader beware.
I actually love the shoe. The only negative I can find is that there is narrowness around my mid foot (I wear a size 14) and looseness in the forefoot. I love the looseness, the narrowness I need to get used to.
The weight of the shoe is extraordinary. I wish I had gone to zeros years ago. The mesh upper is super airy. Since I land on the mid to forefoot, the lack of cushioning feels like a single guy going from a Buick Roadmaster wagon circa 1974 to a BMW M3 (any year). I.e. no junk in the trunk. You don't miss what you don't need.
I have worn it on bike rides and don't recommend that.

Comments about Mens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

I like my Kinvara's, but I like the Virrata better. The zero drop combined with the cushioning, flexibility and lightness are what I need, and they just feel so right on my feet. I've enjoyed each run I've had with them.

Comments about Mens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

I really enjoyed my first run in the Virratas. They were fast and unlike some zero-drop or near zero-drop shoes these did not leave me with any calf soreness. My only negative comment was that when running on gravel trails I would get alot of gravel stuck in the grooves of the outsole. This was not noticeable until I got back onto asphalt. I am considering using these shoes for running my next marathon.

Comments about Mens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

I can't agree with the comment about early wear. I just wore the Virrata for a 50k race on gravel, rocks, sand, and asphalt, with no signs of wear. That said, I bought the Virrata as a road shoe and have found it performs well on the roads. Good mix of cushion and responsiveness. It feels as responsive to me as my Adidas Adios 2's.

Comments about Mens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

So far so good. They feel great, my only concern is the rowing machine straps may wear the tops out early.

Comments about Mens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

I was looking for a trail shoe that would be the Saucony Kinvara for trail running. The Saucony Virrata is it- I feel even a closer match than the Saucony Peregrin! With the Virrata's, having the 0mm heel to toe drop and allowing my toes to move around and splay, I don't have ankle pains like I have had from past shoes because these shoes allow my feet to move around more naturally. These shoes really give good room for my toes to move around which is a huge plus for me. Having the 0mm drop gives my ankle the ability to move more naturally. The shoe cushioning is great (at 18mm across the bottom of the shoe front toe back) and the rocks do not hurt my feet. At the same time, the cushioning is not mushy and I don't feel like I am working against myself when running, like I would with cushy/mushy running shoes. The shoe is super light at 6.5 ounces, which I can hardly tell they are on my feet. Also, the shoe really gives me a sense of traction and stability, having a wide sole. Additionally, the shoe breathes really well and keeps my feet cool. I have run a couple 30 mile training runs on trail and really, really like the shoes. I have also ran 10k's on the treadmill and have performed some of my fastest times. I will mention that if you are not used to running with 0mm heel to toe drop shoes, work your way up in your mileage to get your legs used to the new form- my achilles tendon was a bit tender after my last 30 miler (have done 2 30 milers so far in the shoes). I have never written a shoe review before, but felt I really needed to for this shoe as I don't know how a shoe could get better for myself.

Comments about Mens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

I have had Kins in the past so was curious when these came out especially as I wanted to transition to zero drops. Based on my first few runs I'm highly impressed with these shoes, held up nicely with good cushioning (semi-soft as opposed to firm), but wouldn't recommend them for track-type racing. I can't comment as to the wear yet but for the price I paid so far it's a real bargin.

Comments about Mens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

Ran a 5 mile tempo run at the local track in these the day they arrived. Very nice colors. Light and fast. Seemed a little narrower in the forefoot than the Kinvaras but not enough to create a sizing issue. The cushion seemed as good or better than the Kinvaras and I really like the 0mm heel to toe ratio. My first pair in that specific range. I'd really like to see Saucony use the EVA foam for the strobel board in these and the Kinvaras to add a little cushion and better conformity to the foot.The uppers are fine, but I'm sure Saucony will add flex film and eliminate the feaux leather in the lacing area with the first update and drop a half ounce or so. The outsole showed noticable wear after one run even with a fairly light runner- 145 lbs. Overall I really like the shoe. The durability probably won't be an issue because it will be time to replace the shoes because of mileage long before outsole wear would cause any real problem. Besides I don't want to run in the same pair of shoes for the entire year or anything close to that.