Women's Saucony Virrata

Comments about Womens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

I used to love the lightweight Saucony shoes until their toe box became too narrow (even the case for the Kinvara). Finally, Saucony returned with this next to minimalist running shoe and they felt great on a 10-mile run right out of the box. Now I am having a hard time using my other running shoes...

Comments about Womens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

I am fairly new to running, and am more of a trail runner than a road runner. I have been running in Merrell Pace Gloves and Trail Gloves, and for off roading they are great. But I am training for a half-Ironman in September and know I need to get in more pavement pounding, road running to prep myself for the half marathon leg. I went into Road Runner in Tualitan Oregon, and started trying on shoes. I wanted a zero rise shoe with plenty of toe room, but more cushioning than a minimalist shoe. I tried on several shoes, and ran on the treadmill in each pair. Nothing seemed quite right (I felt like Goldilocks). The young man who was helping me suggested the Virrata, saying that it was his shoe of choice, He was right. The shoe feels great. I ran a 10.5 mile road race in them the following weekend, placed 3rd in my age group, and felt great during and after the run. I am now a loyal fan.

Comments about Womens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

Currently I am recovering from an injury. Since I have had to work from the ground up I decided to do it right and correct my running form and strengthen my calves, ankles, feet in order to run more naturally and minimally. So, I have been working with minimalist and barefoot shoes. I was originally only in the New Balance Minimus Trail (v1- love), and found that I needed something with a bit more padding to switch to every few days for road running. I am still only running 25 minutes about 3-4 times a week.

This search brought me to the Virrata. This shoe felt pretty good in the store (after I tried on half the store), so I decided to give it a try. It is marketed as a zero drop shoe. I am a little skeptical of that claim because it feels like there might be a bit of a heel to toe drop, and as the cushion in the front wears down that may become more pronounced. I am also disappointed in the quality of the construction, especially for a VIP price of about $98!. Already after the first 25 minute run I saw noticeable wear on the soles. A running acquaintance of mine (who ran in the Kinvara previously) said the front tab of the sole started separating from the upper soon after she purchased them. She also said that the Saucony decal on the sides started peeling off.

In terms of comfort, they certainly have enough padding. How long it will last, I'm not sure. After running in the NB Minimus Trail it almost felt like too much, making the run feel slightly sluggish. They are fairly comfortable, however the mid part of the shoe seems a bit narrow and even the minimal arch seems to bother me a bit. The toe box runs narrow.

A few pro's:

They are exceedingly light. The upper breathes well, and the shoes don't seem to rub, even when worn without socks (if you prefer that). The lacing snugs down comfortably.

Bottom line for me: I'll give them a few more runs before I decide what to do with them, but I'm leaning toward a return.

Comments about Womens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

I have been a fan of the Saucony Mirage series and the Virrata's blow them out of the water. The Virrata's are the best pair of minimalistic shoes I've ever owned. I am training for a marathon and will be purchasing several pairs of these shoes. Hopefully, they will come out with more colors. Only negative, the inner face label peeled off within a couple uses.

Comments about Womens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

I've been running with Kinvara 2 for quite awhile, tried the Kinvara 3 and didn't like them. Was a little worried that I would have to find another shoe, possibly another brand once I went through my Kinvara 2's until I came across these. Now I prefer these over my Kinvara 2's, they were immediately comfortable on my first run. Wasn't too sure about the colors, little too bright for me but I get complimented on these runners all the time!

Comments about Womens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

Took them out of the box for a run. Planned on running three miles, stopping back at my house to change so I could finish my thirteen miles. They were so comfortable I ended up wearing them for all thirteem miles! I love these shoes!

Comments about Womens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

I run about 30 miles a week on both roads and a treadmill. I love the freeness feeling I get from running in barefoot style shoes. They feel like I'm running on a cloud.

Comments about Womens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

I used this shoe for recovery and long runs. However, it feels light enough that I may also try it for tempo and speed work as well. Very versatile and comfortable. I'm also getting compliments on the fun bright colors.

Comments about Womens Saucony Virrata Running Shoe:

I love love love these shoes. I started running a couple of years ago and I've been running in the Kinvara 2, which felt great. When Saucony came out with the Kinvara 3 to replace the 2, I was dismayed because they didn't work for me. I decided to give the Virrata a try. I've only run in them a few times, but I had my best run ever in them yesterday. They are lightweight and super breathable, and the flexibility of the shoe makes them really comfortable. I can't say that I felt the cushioning per se, but I ran 6 miles when I only intended to run 4, and my feet (and knees!) felt great, so I think the cushioning helped (I'm used to some foot/knee pain at the end of more than 4 miles). It doesn't hurt that they look great, too!