Kinvara for a fast marathon

I don't understand the fascination with the Kinvara.

I've run 1:10 in the half with them and am friends with a 2:30 guy who uses them in his races. Do you train in them on a daily basis? If so, check out the Grid Type A4. They are a little over an ounce lighter, but can be fine for the marathon.

I do train in the Kinvara for all my workouts and some long runs. I really like the A4 but was thinking they are a bit too minimal. I've worn them for a half marathon and felt ok but the marathon I'm running has a lot of hills so I was thinking a shoe with a little more cushioning might save my legs a little pounding on the downhills and keep them fresher later in the race.

Have you tried the fastwitch? I use the Kinvara as a trainer, but prefer the fastwitch for racing at all distances -- it's not as "squishy" and has slightly more support. The model that I use is also slightly lighter than the Kinvara, though I understand that the latest model is a bit heavier.

I haven't raced a marathon in one, but I've done multiple 20 milers in them with no issue.

[disclosure -- I'm female. There may be some key differences between the female and male versions]

my kinvara wore out in the forefoot where i strike the ground... literally the little triangular nob on the outside of each foot under the ball of the pinkie toe is gone after 200 miles, anyone know if the mirage is that way also?

I have a buddy that ran 2:17 for his debut marathon in the Kinvara. He uses it for longer workouts and races now.