Kinvara or Zante

Zante has a roomy toebox; Kinvara has a narrower fit in the forefoot.

I can't compare the two, but I have been running pretty much exclusively in the Zante v2 for a few months. I just ordered my third pair.

The toe box on the Zante is definitely nice. That is a big plus for me. They really straddle that line between cushion and response well. Your description of what you would like your shoe to do is exactly how I would describe the Zante. I could see someone using it for stuff ~800 and below or not. I personally don't often go below 800-1000m, but it has been great for that and fine below.

I loved the kinvara's years ago (I think they were versions 1 & 2).

I went a few years without running and bought some Zantes when I started back up (they were the best sounding shoe on clearance).

My thoughts, comparing older editions of Kinvaras to newer versions of Zantes: I like the tread of the Kinvaras better...It was minimal, flexible, and had good grip, even did okay in dirt/mud. The Zantes have a thicker tread, and will likely last a good bit longer, but watch out for rainy paint or metal grates in the streets and they don't do well if there is any mud.

I like the Zantes better on trails and running fast on the track/bends. The shoe's fabric has a bit of elasticity to it and it hugs your foot fairly well while providing room.

As far as cushiony-ness, I've purchased a number of colors and versions of the Zantes and they seem to vary in their firmness (perhaps they just break in substantially after a month or two). One pair was just as squeshy as the Kinvaras, others were a touch firmer.

You'd probably like either. I'd just by whichever is cheaper.

Skechers razor is better than both.

Zante v1 was better than Zante v2 imho

Zante, if you are trying to get over 300 miles in the shoe this shoe will hold up better. I am a huge Kinvara fan, but I never got more than 250 miles out of a pair before the ball of my foot started to hurt. A friend of mine has had 6+ pairs of Zante 1s and 2s and consistently get 450+ miles in easy pair.

Each pair, stupid phone.

I love my oldest (version 2) pair of Kinvaras, the. West one is okay, and I hate my Zantes. But since we have different preferences on cushioning, you should probably get the Zante!

I feel like the Zantes are too mushy for running. I actually just use them as casual walking shoes, now.

The newest Kinvaras hit a good balance, I think. I'm using them for my long runs as I train for a marathon. They are a bit stiffer than I would like, but I can live with them.

Whoever said Kinvaras don't last long is right: about 200-250 miles.

Not to confuse your decision making process, but I'm interested in trying the Saucony Freedom, which is rumored to be an excellent all-around shoe.

The Saucony Freedom is what you want. Like Adidas Boston Boost (my favourite) but with a 4mm drop

I like the Kinvara ok. It's a solid neutral trainer that can handle speed work, shakeouts, and long runs. I certainly wouldn't call it an everyday trainer. I typically get at least 400-500 miles out of a pair, but I have to make them last, Coor Light 30 racks ain't getting any cheaper!

I have been running in my Kinvara 6s for about 8 months now and I just ordered a pair of New Balance Zante 2s so after I run in those I'll be able to give a good comparison

Had kinvaras but they didn't last more than 250 miles.

Gggryy 143 wrote:

people are saying the Zantes are the greatest shoe ever.

The most accurate information ever on Letsrun

I love the Kinvara but like others have said you won't get a lot of mileage out of them. They're a fast, responsive shoe but doesn't offer much in the cushioning didn't.

I can't comment on the Zante but like someone else mentioned the new Saucony Freedom has a very similar feel to the Kinvara but offers some more cushioning.

Hoka makes a few models that are low profile and are by far the most cushioned shoe on the market.

The new Arahi is unreal. 4-5mm heel to toe, toe box material makes it feel like you arent even in a shoe

They cost like $100. Just buy both and see which you prefer.

I rotate between 5 pairs of shoes right now and the Zante V2 is my go to daily trainer. It fits my foot nicely in my normal size. I find them to be a very nice mix of firmness and response. It's not a shoe I choose when doing faster workouts but I don't hesitate to grab them for anything up to 15 miles. I haven't owned Kinvaras but when I tried them on I thought they might be just a tad to soft. They reminded me of a pair of Altra One2's I had, just a little to soft for me. You can often find deals on the Zante's.

Skechers Razor, same price, 4mm drop much better shoe and lasts forever.