Anyone run in the Launch or Bostons that has run in the Kinvara or Pureflow in the past? If so, a comparison or opinion would be helpful.
All the reviews I'm reading the new Pureflows and Kinvaras are negative.
Just looking for a daily trainer to add to the rotation(50mpw).
I have run in the Kinvaras, which I personally think are absolute shit. Feel really bulky, upper is super rigid IMO. I'm running in Bostons currently, and love them, however I caution you to ease them into your shoe rotation since the drop is substantially increased from the Kinvaras and I tore my knees up jumping right into a 70 mile week with them.
Buy as many PureFlow 4s as you can before they're gone. Brooks messed up the 5s. I split my week between the PureFlow 4 and Launch 2.
I've ran in 3 out of 4. Love the Launch 3, Like the Boston 5, Hate the Pure Flow 4. The Launch 3 is almost like you are running along on a cloud without the mooshyness. The Boston is somewhat narrow, otherwise they feel very fast. I don't know where to begin in my hatred for the pureflows.
The narrow midfoot is the only negative to the Boston 5, IMO. I'm dying to try on a pair of the 6s to see if they altered the fit at all. The midsole is the best performance trainer I've ever worn, barring (maybe) the Nike Skylon.
I run in the Launch. They are my go to neutral, cushioned trainers for longer and easy runs when I want a little more cushion. I heal strike and run on the roads/sidewalks a lot so I like a little more cushion for longer/easy runs. The weight is about 9.5oz and heel drop is about 10 or so so I use lighter models for faster running and races. I've tried a few different models of the pureflows and never liked the cushioning or responsiveness so gave up on the "pure" line. Always felt the Kinvara's were a little too stiff and not the best for heel strikers. I really like the NB 890s as a slightly lighter version of the launch with good responsiveness and lower heel drop but NB discontinued them. I think the Vazee Pace replaces the 890 but haven't tried them. I'm currently rotating in the NB Zante 2 for tempo and faster runs up to 10 miles or so - little lighter with less heel drop than the Launch - but for me I don't think they are cushioned enough for long runs. Haven't picked my race shoes for upcoming half or full marathons. Maybe the Zante 2 or last pair of 890s for half and 890s for full marathon.