Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Complete minimalist shoes are only good for short runs or races as they'll fall apart during heavy training. Overly-padded and structured shoes like Asics' Nimbus make you feel like you're wearing platform shoes & your feet are on lock-down. Saucony's Kinvara strikes the perfect balance.
If you're a Chi, POSE or minimalist runner, the Kinvara will provide enough protection from the elements, a flexible sole & a barely noticeable heel rise (4mm) such that striking mid-foot is easy to do w/o scraping your heels. I can actually feel the work-out on my calves as I do when I run in my bare feet.
We often hear, 'fits like a glove'. That's only a good thing if the material is as 'flexible as a glove'. Nike's Frees fit very tightly, but my toes can't get a break. Fortunately, the Kinvara's toe box is very flexible such that my toes aren't bound together whilst pounding the pavement. They're free to expand & breathe. The shoe is snug, but it expands very easily. As it should be.
Kinvara is quite reasonably priced. Minimal-ish shoes should be less expensive than those shored up with bells & whistles. Shoe-makers like Newton simply gouge us because they didn't have much competition in this market. Using similar materials, but shaping them differently shouldn't add to cost, particularly if less material is being used. Vibram's Five Fingers are a prime example of price gouging based on niche market, not cost to produce or value. Gloves with rubber bottoms shouldn't cost $85, especially as you can't put much mileage on them.
CONS? I got two of them. For a minimalist shoe, the arch is a bit too pronounced for me. Of course, I have flat feet, so it probably won't be too intrusive for most. Secondly, unlike the inner part of the sole (under the arch), which is flat, the outer sole sort of swoops upwards which makes it wear down a bit faster than the inner part. It looks good, but I wish the sole & arch were both more 'neutral'. However, the Kinvara is still at the head of the class when taking into account minimalist features (weight, nearly flat heel rise, toe & sole flexibility, airy) coupled w/ durability of a trainer.
As for aesthetics, the Kinvara is a unique looking shoe, but not as ghastly as most Asics and not as oddball as some minimalist shoes.
I feel comfortable running long distances in this shoe. I am using 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. That's not easy to come by.
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Saucony ProGrid Kinvara Running ShoeSaucony's Progrid Kinvara offers the best combination of lightweight materials and structure to give you a shoe that feels like you have nothing on your feet. ProGrid Lite in the heel offers shock attenuation and comfort, while the minimal midsole construction delivers standard protection from the pavement.
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