Test : Saucony Kinvara 2

I’m sure you have noticed that some of us are « fans » of Nike Lunaracer on this blog.

Therefore, I found myself obligated to try them out throughout the season. I was ok with them. What « they » said was true !! They are super-incredibly light, great cushioning despite that very thick shoe, great for any running style (fore, mid foot or heal striker).
But there was a major issue for me, as it seems Nike have no love for feet that are just a bit wide (or even normal size) and their shoes are too thin for mine.
I don’t need the extra wide from NB, but Nike Lunaracer is the only shoe that gives me blisters on every run longer than 10k. Despite this, I kept using them, but I was in the look for a replacement.

And this is how I ended up trying the Saucony Kinvara 2, Love at first sight (or try).

When I ran a few dozen meters in store wearing the Kinvara 2, I knew I found « my » shoes ! It felt pretty much like the Lunaracer, almost as soft and as light, but with enough room in the toe box. It fits my running form (let’s call it fore/full foot running).
Off I went to the cash and on to the road.

I have been running with them for a couple weeks now and here is my little review.

The Kinvara are definitely part of those light-weighted minimalist shoes just a step above the racing flats. 7.7oz in sz 9.
The ProGrid lite foam is super-extra-super-light. With a very low heel-to-toe drop, it will not control your stride, but support a natural running style.
The impact with the ground is really soft, I was impressed.

Another interesting point is the presence of the presence of those rubber triangles, they really give a great traction as Saucony describes it on their website. It feels like no wasted energy on the pavement, the shoe stays where you landed it !

The upper is also made out of light-weighted materials. Several layers of it. At first look you think the upper will suffer from the same sickness as the Newtons, big holes in the mesh making it  loose after a short period of time.
But Saucony has added 2 layers around it. One outside the mesh and one inside. They provide strength and structure to this light shoe without compromising the breath-ability and weight.

They are doing a great job at « wrapping » your entire foot really nicely from the toe-box to the heel, the back of the shoe hides a clever foam heel collar. They call it « Hydrators » but they are in to « stabilize » your foot in the shoe rather than collecting sweat.

 

I think I found my new favorite shoe for my everyday run and eventually for longer distance races, such as half or full race (Triathlon or Running races).

Thanks for reading.

Finally I invite you to look at this video from Saucony. It summarizes all of this really well.