I have a pair of vomeros and a pair of saucony kinvaras. Running in the vomeros gives me pain in my arches but running in the kinvaras feels like there isn't enough cushion. I am a neutral runner, but I have kind of low arches. I also dont want newtons because they are really expensive. Can anyone recommend a shoe? Is a 10mm heel to toe drop (like in the brooks launch) enough to kill the arch pain but soft also?
Best cushion out there, bro.
I'm a big fan of the NB Minimus line. I just checked their website, and looks like they have some badass new models out. I just have the original road version, 4mm drop if I remember correctly. Those are my real easy day shoes, or for track sessions. My all time fav. marathon shoe has been the Aasics Speed Star. That shoe was super light weight, with enough cushion for distance, and I have probably have medium arches. Might be worth checking out.
I've been running in the Brooks PureFlow since October and love 'em. Heel drop is 4mm, I think. To me, they're a great midpoint between a traditional running show and the minimalist craze. I've battled heel striking forever and for me these shoes promote a mid-foot strike with good cushioning overall. Not sure if that's what you're looking for, but my two cents...
When I read your subject line the first shoe I thought of is the Kinvara. They have about the softest cushion out there. The Launch is arguably even softer and slightly higher off the ground (thicker midsole), but it's offset isn't as small as the Kinvara.
You sound like a good candidate for the Launch, though they aren't flats at all.
Also, this year's new models for Saucony's line are their regular cushioned shoes, but with a lower offset around 8mm. The New Balance 1080v2 and 890v2 (the new models) are pretty cushioned, but with modest offsets.
Help help wrote:
I have a pair of vomeros and a pair of saucony kinvaras. Running in the vomeros gives me pain in my arches but running in the kinvaras feels like there isn't enough cushion. I am a neutral runner, but I have kind of low arches. I also dont want newtons because they are really expensive. Can anyone recommend a shoe? Is a 10mm heel to toe drop (like in the brooks launch) enough to kill the arch pain but soft also?
Saucony: Kinvara 2 (4mm), Mirage 2 (4mm), Cortana (4mm)
NB: Minimus (4mm), Minimus zero (zero), 730 (3mm), 890v2 and 1080v2 (both 8mm)
Brooks: Pure Project shoes (4mm)
Asics: one of their new 33 shoes is supposed to be a 6mm. The "Lyte," I think.
Some of those have less cushion than others. I would probably go with the Cortana based on what you've described.
I know you're not keen on the Newton pricing, but they're worth trying on since they fit the description of the shoes you're looking for.
I've been doing my long runs in the Saucony Cortana. It feels like the Kinvara, but with a lot more cushion.
Cortana would work or the Ride 5 when it comes out.
890v2 would be a good choice.
Brooks Pure is more minimal, but has more cushioning that you'd expect.
Brooks Pure Flow. Like the Kinvara, but softer.
Saucony Triumph 9. Great cushioning, neutral and 8mm heel to toe drop. This is working well for me while I wait for the Ride 5 to come out, which will also be 8mm.
another shoe guy wrote:
Cortana would work or the Ride 5 when it comes out.
890v2 would be a good choice.
Brooks Pure is more minimal, but has more cushioning that you'd expect.
I'm on my second pair of Brooks Pure Flow. I've always run in stability shoes and the Flow is by far the most cushioned shoe I've run in.
I'm considering the Brooks Pure Flow for the exact same reasons: low heel drop and cushioning.
For you Flow wearers: how many miles were you able to get out of them?
Thanks!
if you are looking for more cushion than the kinvara, dont bother with minimus or any other similar shoe, because those have way less. try the Saucony Triumph, the new one they just released has a 8mm drop, but is still a high end cushion shoe. Also, you could try the New Balance 890, which is a more traditional trainer, a little ligther weight (8.5 oz) than the triumph, and also has an 8mm drop. the 890 will have more cushion than the kinvara.
Shoebacca wrote:
When I read your subject line the first shoe I thought of is the Kinvara. They have about the softest cushion out there. The Launch is arguably even softer and slightly higher off the ground (thicker midsole), but it's offset isn't as small as the Kinvara.
You sound like a good candidate for the Launch, though they aren't flats at all.
Also, this year's new models for Saucony's line are their regular cushioned shoes, but with a lower offset around 8mm. The New Balance 1080v2 and 890v2 (the new models) are pretty cushioned, but with modest offsets.
thanks everyone for the replies. I think the 890v2 and the pure flow sound great. Would the launch be a low enough offset, even though its only 10mm? I have heard really great things about it. I guess I'll have to try it to see, but am leery of buying a bunch of shoes so I thought i'd ask.
I have about 200 miles on my PureFlows and they still look brand new. They took about 50 miles to wear in a bit but I love them. I see no reason why they won't last for 500-600 miles.
The PureFlows feel a lot like Newtons with a slightly wider forefoot. At 2/3 the price they are a great shoe.
Help help wrote:
I have a pair of vomeros and a pair of saucony kinvaras. Running in the vomeros gives me pain in my arches but running in the kinvaras feels like there isn't enough cushion. I am a neutral runner, but I have kind of low arches. I also dont want newtons because they are really expensive. Can anyone recommend a shoe? Is a 10mm heel to toe drop (like in the brooks launch) enough to kill the arch pain but soft also?
I tried on my 13yo son's Nike Free 3 V3 shoes, and was pleasantly surprised by the amount of cushioning. It certainly gets you onto your midfoot.
He also has some Brooks PureConnect that he likes. I'm not sure how they compare with the other Brooks shoes mentioned, but I thought they were very narrow, and had less cushioning.
He has done a lot of running in 'minimalist' shoes along the local trails without any problems. No doubt, it will strengthen his feet for the future.
Tee Bag wrote:
The PureFlows feel a lot like Newtons with a slightly wider forefoot. At 2/3 the price they are a great shoe.
Really? I think the PureFlows feel like marshmallows compared to Newtons. Not saying one's better or worse, but they feel way different to me.