I have been using the Kinvaras for my daily trainer and have liked them a lot, but I want to try something new. I want to stick to a 4mm drop and hopefully something more durable than the kinarvas. Can anyone recommend shoes that would be similar to the kinarvas?
Thanks
Kinvara**
How about the New Balance Zante or the Brooks Pure Flow.
IS the pure flow more of a racing shoe than a trainer?
Zante is actually really good. I used to use the Kinvara but I like the zante better
They make a "RunShield" weathered version of the 6 that is slightly heavier but has the exact same feel and a more durable top. I think anyone who uses the Kinvara as a trainer (and not a racer) should definitely use it instead of the normal version which has a thin top.
I have the Brooks Pureflow 4 and Kinvara 6's and they are very similar. The Kinvara's lacing system is better as the Brooks tend to come untied unless you do a lace lock. I find that I need the Kinvaras to be a half size larger.
The Asics 33-FA have similar specs but feel very different to me. There is slightly more cushioning but it is not as firm and the ankle alignment is different. The toe box is tight so some people recommend getting them a half size larger as well.
For durability, if you are talking about the sole, I think both are more durable than the Kinvaras.
Other shoes with similar specs are the New Balance 980/Boracay (sp?) and the PUMA Faas 500 which I have not tried.
If you are a Saucony guy try the Mirage 3-5 (I have pair of 3s that I haven't tried yet). Kinvara is more of a racer, the Mirage is more of a tempo shoe. Nike lunar tempo or the Hoka Clifton 1 & 2.
Kinvara and Zante guy here.
What's with the Kinvara not being durable? When I retire Kinvaras out of my rotation, I use them for around the house/light hiking/walking stuff and the still look new'ish.
I forgot to mention that I would like something heavier and durable than the kinvaras. I think it would be best to train in heavy shoes IMO.
i would recommend something like the asics 33-fa if you want something similar but with a bit more durability. it's not as fast a shoe as the Kinvara but a lot of people really enjoy it
also the zealot iso is a "heavy" shoe as per your request. 4mm drop, lots of outsole rubber, comfortable upper
Thanks!
jimmy chonga wrote:
Kinvara and Zante guy here.
What's with the Kinvara not being durable? When I retire Kinvaras out of my rotation, I use them for around the house/light hiking/walking stuff and the still look new'ish.
For many years I liked the fit and ride of many of the lighter Saucony shoes but I found that they all wore out twice as fast as any other shoe so I rarely bought them. I finally broke down and tried the Kinvara shortly after the first version came out. I have now run in four different versions of the Kinvara, and not only do I love the fit and ride, but I find them at least as durable as any of the other lightweight trainers I've tried including the Zante, which I don't like nearly as well.