Question for Saucony shoe wearers

Saucony has decided to drop the heel-toe offset in the Guide5 from a 12(I think) to an 8mm offset. The Mirage has a 4mm offset, which is in line with the Kinvara and the "natural running/minimalist" ideas. This reduction in the heel I believe is what has allowed them to reduce the overall weight of the Guide 5.

As for yourself, if you have had any recent calf or achilles problems I might look for an alternative. If you have been healthy give it a try, you should be able to make the transition to a lower heel rather easily.

They're throwing out some pretty good shoes now actually... Wearing a pair of guide 5's now and have been for the last 6 weeks. Working out great! Haven't worn lower profile shoes before and haven't had any problems.

thanks for the replies.

So, given that i used to use the Tangents for tempos/marathons, which shoe should i look to for that?

Should i use the new Guides for both training and racing??

I'm on my 3rd pair of Kinvara2's. I use them with the orange Superfeet inserts, which I like a little more than the green. I run most of my workouts in them, except for speed workouts and races (Type A4) or sometimes spikes on the track. I have run a HM in them but only run 45-50 miles per week (probably much less than you).

I was alternating the Kinvaras (easy days), Fastwitch (fast stuff) and Tangents (tempos, long runs) - and now I've started wearing the Mirage to replace the Tangent. Its a really nice shoe. Can't go wrong with it.

I was a little skeptical of the new Guides as well but after a couple of weeks in them I've decided that I love them. Lighter, but not like a racing flat. I find that they still have enough cushion for a normal training shoe.

Runnerrer wrote:

thanks for the replies.

So, given that i used to use the Tangents for tempos/marathons, which shoe should i look to for that?

Should i use the new Guides for both training and racing??

The Guide 5 reminds me quite a bit of the old Tangent (like, the original Tangent)in that they're fairly light and soft. I don't like them as much for under the HM, but for Halfs and longer, they make a fine option if your feel get too beat up in racing flats.

The Mirage is an excellent shoe as well, though it is much lower to the ground and firmer than the Guide. A very solid option for someone who can get away with less shoe under their foot, but doesn't want a slipper like the Kinvara.

I have worn the Mirage for a while now and have gone through about 15 pairs.

It is a fantastic shoe - light, soft but not squishy and fits very well.

I find that it does wear down a bit after 300 miles or so, but is still a great shoe.