Help me pick a new running shoe

I have been a adidas person for life until I tried on the Saucony Kinvara's. I wanted a light shoe for racing that could handle my long runs and speed work, but not kill my knee's like other 7oz and lighter shoes did. These have been fantastic. Good luck with the shoe hunt.

I have a pair of Saucony A4s and I really like the light weight, flexibility, relatively low heel, and moderate cushioning. Depending on where you live, however, they are a terrible winter shoe. The holes in the sole, designed to allow water to drain out, also allow water to come in. Not so great when you step into a slushy puddle.

If you generally like Sauconys but the A4 wasn't quite enough shoe, I'll 2nd the Kinvara as a decent option. I find the cushioning to be a little too soft though.

kinvara will not last you long at all...upper rips super easily, its a good shoe but is cheap and doesnt last

Brooks Launch.

NB 890.

Both still on the lighter end, but will hold up much better than any flat. Kinvara is also a reasonable choice.

dabanana wrote:

I have a pair of Saucony A4s and I really like the light weight, flexibility, relatively low heel, and moderate cushioning. Depending on where you live, however, they are a terrible winter shoe. The holes in the sole, designed to allow water to drain out, also allow water to come in. Not so great when you step into a slushy puddle.

If you generally like Sauconys but the A4 wasn't quite enough shoe, I'll 2nd the Kinvara as a decent option. I find the cushioning to be a little too soft though.

You forgot to mention they look great! But yes, I live in Ottawa so winters are a problem. I really do like Sauconys and will put the Kinvara on the list.

Any thoughts on Nike Frees? I hate how expensive they are when we all know they must cost way less than their cheaper shoes but I tried out a pair on a treadmill and really liked it. Are they durable? I'm talking 6-8 months minimum.

If you're happy with mizunos, I'd recommend trying their ronin 4s, which offer a similar fit and feel as the riders minus about 5 oz.

love the kinvaras, they last me about 400-450 miles right now which isn't too bad

The ripping upper was a problem with the Kinvara 1. The upper is sturdier on the Kinvara 2. The 3 is coming out soon but I haven't seen it.

On the wear, you will hear all sorts of ranges in the miles people have put on them. I wouldn't say they are any worse than average myself.

Kinvaras are a good choice, too, but if you're headed in that direction (low heel-toe drop, flexible minimal feel) you might want to try brooks pureflows.

NB 1400 (neutral flat) and NB 890 v2 (neutral minimized trainer) are worth looking at for dailies.

Try the Mizuno Wave Elixers...they're my favorite right now.