Saucony Kinvara Running Black Slime
After years of trying different types of running shoes to get back to regular exercise, and finding all manner of bio-mechanical issues along the way, I have finally found a shoe that allows running without pain in my shins and plantar fascia. I have recently tried shoes like the Kinvara 2 and two variations of Nike Free, all of which have a 4-5 mm drop from toe to heel. This allows an easing into the barefoot running style. The Kinvara 3 are my favorite!
PRO:
-extremely lightweight
-comfortable from the start
-roomier toe-box than the Kinvara 2
CON:
-I personally like the colors and design, but you may not. To each his own!
-for functionality, it is hard to find a CON
I now run pain-free 15-20 miles a week. I followed others' advice about easing into this style of running shoe: you will be more on your toes, or do more of a flat strike than the rocking heel to toe motion of traditional shoes with their higher heel to toe drop. I initially felt more of a workout for my calf and quadricep muscles but after a month, am now acclimated to the running style. The best part: no shin splints and no debilitating pain from my arches!
I am not racing and certainly would get passed by others who are more fleet-footed, but I am running in these Kinvara 3's to lose weight (20+ lbs in 5 months) and get healthier. I started in Nike Free shoes and now alternate between them and these Kinvara 3's. I find myself picking up the Kinvaras more often.
Whatever your reasons for trying these shoes, I send my best wishes for pain-free running and better health!
This is my second pair of Kinvaras, and I'm hooked. Super light, super comfortable, and no pain. In my opinion, these are the best shoes you can get!
BalasHapusI tried the 2s and they were much too narrow! 3 are amazing! I use them for my shorter runs and speed work. I've tried every company on the market,....saucony is where it's at people! They truly research and update their shoes...not just change the colors and call it a new shoe! I also run in truimph 10 and contana 2! Love saucony!
BalasHapusThis is an excellent shoe for use up to middle distance range (10-12 miles). Shoe is light and breathes well. Minimal heal to toe height difference makes this shoe good for a natural stride. Surprisingly supportive. Only downside is that the shoe is durable up to a certain point. You difinitely should'nt expect the shoe to last years...
BalasHapusI had the Kinvara 2's in a size 12 and they were always a little snug and narrow for my foot. They were still my everyday runner though, absolutely love them. Thought I'd have the same problem with these but there nicely updated with a bigger toe box and fit perfectly now. You can't go wrong with these for the mid foot striker.
BalasHapusI purchased this shoe after running in New Balance MT10's (the Minimus line trail shoe) proved too hard on my feet. I loved that shoe at shorter distances, but when running longer distances my feet would develop painful blood blisters. After trying all sorts of solutions (socks, body glide, etc.) I decided I needed something with a bit of cushion for my longer runs. I also have a wide foot which limits my options, so I was very excited that now Saucony offers this shoe in wide.
BalasHapusI LOVE this shoe. I run 20+ miles a week in these (with at least one 10+mile run on the weekend) and I have not had any foot issues whatsoever. The 4mm heel-toe drop allows me to maintain my natural running form and the cushion provides a comfortable run even at med-long distances. The upper is very breathable and keeps my feet cool and comfortable even here in sunny Florida. I have read many reviews from experienced runners who have gone marathon distances and more in these shoes with no issues. I haven't reached that yet, but I hope this will be the shoe to help me get there.
I found this shoe to run true to size for me.
After years of trying different types of running shoes to get back to regular exercise, and finding all manner of bio-mechanical issues along the way, I have finally found a shoe that allows running without pain in my shins and plantar fascia. I have recently tried shoes like the Kinvara 2 and two variations of Nike Free, all of which have a 4-5 mm drop from toe to heel. This allows an easing into the barefoot running style. The Kinvara 3 are my favorite!
BalasHapusPRO:
-extremely lightweight
-comfortable from the start
-roomier toe-box than the Kinvara 2
CON:
-I personally like the colors and design, but you may not. To each his own!
-for functionality, it is hard to find a CON
I now run pain-free 15-20 miles a week. I followed others' advice about easing into this style of running shoe: you will be more on your toes, or do more of a flat strike than the rocking heel to toe motion of traditional shoes with their higher heel to toe drop. I initially felt more of a workout for my calf and quadricep muscles but after a month, am now acclimated to the running style. The best part: no shin splints and no debilitating pain from my arches!
I am not racing and certainly would get passed by others who are more fleet-footed, but I am running in these Kinvara 3's to lose weight (20+ lbs in 5 months) and get healthier. I started in Nike Free shoes and now alternate between them and these Kinvara 3's. I find myself picking up the Kinvaras more often.
Whatever your reasons for trying these shoes, I send my best wishes for pain-free running and better health!
I'm not a running pro but I do get in about 1000 miles a year. I've used just about every brand but when it comes to running on paved roads/paths, I stick with Saucony. These Kinvara 3s are light, supportive, breathable, and comfortable.
BalasHapusThe only thing is that the Saucony brand runs small. I wear size 10 for just about every shoe but when I buy Saucony, I order 10.5.