Saucony Mirage or others

Runningwarehouse.com has a nice 'Shoe Finder' feature where you can include heel drop in the search options. In the 3-4 mm category -- further divided into Support shoes where the Mirage is classified -- they list only 3 other comparable shoes:

Brooks PureCadence

Newton Motion

Saucony Fastwitch 5

Increasing the drop to 5-6 mm only adds one more model: Newton Sir Isaac S

I'd be interested in others feedback as well on any of these models. I got a pair of the Mirage this fall and have been slowly transitioning to it. Went to midfoot striking last year and although not landing on my heel, have found my heel wanting more cushioning after finishing short runs in the Mirage ... only recently has this started to feel better.

Would really wish that Asics would start making some models with reduced heel drop. Some gel in the forefoot and heel of a shoe like the Mirage would be perfect. Currently 12 mm is their standard heel drop in shoes like the Kayano and 2160....

ASics isn't too interested in dropping the heel. In fact, they claim it's not too important and don't think dropping the heel in a shoe should be as hyped up as everyone says it is (and I agree).

Even though I may now sound like a hypocrite, I do really like the Kinvara and have been running on it for 2 years now. Great, simple shoe, and very comfortable.

I would reccommend the Pure series because they are a little more substanial than the Kinvara and not quite as stiff as the Mirage. The Cadence and FLow are good options, even though I'd prefer the Connect (The Connect is a little lighter).

Saucony also is changing all of their shoes around in their regular trainers to make it an 8mm drop instead of the standard 12-14. I'd reccommend the Guide 5 in that line (a little support, 8mm drop, fairly light weight, still should get you a good amount of mileage.)

Hope this helps.

FYI, Saucony shoe sale -

https://www.nationalrunningcenter.com/Comical/?p=C1212

The Pure Cadence is probably the closest to the mirage. 4mm drop, similarly cushioned, enhanced arch support, and lightweight.

Asics does not believe in a lower drop and used 10mm across their line.

When I find a pair of shoes that I like, I buy them in bulk. My local guy just stopped carrying them, and is having trouble locating anyone else who is. A few years back I bought a few pairs of ASICS Gel DS Trainer 12's (or also looking for 14s). They have moved on to newer styles which I am not a fan of. I am looking for a place online, or a store, that is selling older versions of the DS Trainers. Help me out!

When I find a pair of shoes that I like, I buy them in bulk. My local guy just stopped carrying them, and is having trouble locating anyone else who is. A few years back I bought a few pairs of ASICS Gel DS Trainer 12's (or also looking for 14s). They have moved on to newer styles which I am not a fan of. I am looking for a place online, or a store, that is selling older versions of the DS Trainers. Help me out!

loved em...sadly they were stolen from me and I have yet to purchase a new pair

Although the drop is not 4mm, I'd suggest the Mizuno Wave Musha. It's basically a racing flat, with a slight touch of support. I've run in the Mirage... but found the Musha to provide a better "road feel"

Not sure why you don't like the Mirage, so it's hard to provide too much insight. I like the Mirage much more than the Pure Cadence. The Cadence fits great but there's just something about it that feels 'off' when I'm running. It might be the heel design...I don't know. Another Saucony option is the Cortana. Slightly more shoe than either the Mirage or PC, has a 4mm drop and but is a little heavier.