Saucony Kinvara

By: Maggie

So at the recommendation of this crazy runner guy I know and love, my first pair of trail running shoes was the Saucony Kinvaras. I liked them so much, that I bought another pair (not pictured). I just bought my third pair to kick off this spring training season, and I'd like to reflect on how much I love this shoe. And I took some photos of a new shoe next to my oldies.



I started running last year, like, maybe 10 miles a week, if anything at all. I ramped it up to around 30 miles a week, eased into the 40s and peaked at a couple 50 miles weeks. Not much to some, but a big deal to me. Anywho, I'm guessing I racked up about 400 miles on the first pair of Kinvaras this fall. And even though they're a little dirtier, have some holes in the sides, and have lost a bit of traction, they still feel great.












Enough with the life story, here's what I love about them. I CAN WEAR THEM SOCKLESS. My feet like to be naked. The shoes were great from day one- no blisters, no rubby hot-spots. I still prefer to wear them sans-socks unless it's cold or wet (yeah, yeah I'm not some tough ultra shmuck). I did get a chance to wear these in the snow, and they (understandably) were a bit slippery. I have never trail run in ice and snow, so while it was fun, I felt like Bambi on ice.

I also liked that the shoes were LIGHT. Like SO light- I am used to running in shoes like the Asics Nimbus- which, while cushy and pillow-like, now make me feel like a Clydesdale. The Kinvaras remind me of soccer cleats- they are supportive and have enough cushion that the bottoms of my feet weren't sore on the longer runs BUT they still let my feet really connect with the trail. It's just me, my foot, and the Kinvara making magic out there.

One complaint, and I'm not even sure if this is really an issue. But the laces are a LITTLE short. I had a hard time tying a double-knot until that crazy runner guy showed me how to tie my shoes. So thankfully I can manage, but Saucony, if you're reading this 1) Hook a sister up with a sponsorship. If you think about it, slower running = more advertising time on the course!! 2) Make your laces like 5" longer.


P.S. Are you there, Saucony? It's me, Margaret. I'd also accept a position in your legal department in lieu of sponsorship.