Another shoe to try out is on the list, the Saucony Kinvara

After talking with John at Rogue Equipment I’ve decided to give another show a try, and from a totally new brand. It’s the Saucony Kinvara. I haven’t tried them on since they aren’t available yet but John got a pair to try out and described them to me and I think I’ll have to give them a go. He hasn’t done me wrong on show advice yet so I’ll have to give it a go.

Saucony Kinvara

Some of the highlights from John on the Kinvara compared to the Brooks Launch that have been my trainer of choice for over a year:

• The Kinvara is lighter maybe 1.5 oz lighter than the Launch.
• It’s a little firmer than the launch. The softness of the Launch has been one challenge with them for me from a responsiveness standpoint so the comparison will be interesting.
• The upper is made of three layers, which may or may not be something each person likes.
• It’s relatively flat. In John’s words “A standard training shoe runs 24mm under the heel, 12 mm under the forefoot.  The Launch is lower, 22/11.  The Kinvara is 18/14.  18 is low, for sure, but 14 is really unusual.  So it serves to bring the foot to a natural position.  Or closer to it, anyway.”. Note to self: be careful with the flatness and ease into wearing the shoes to avoid any issues with my my calf and Achilles.

So pretty soon my running shoes will consist of this colorful bunch.

Brooks Launch

Saucony Kinvara

Brooks Green Silence

Nike Lunarracer+ 2