Saucony Kinvara 2?

Molly Jean

Based on a recommendation from the guy at my local running store, I purchased the Kinvara 2 today.  I had planned on getting the Nike Free Run instead but he pushed me in this direction. He was very passionate about them. 

Does anyone run in these?  I'm excited about the shoe but afraid that the transition to a more minimalist pair of running shoes is going to be too extreme.  Can anyone tell me their personal reviews?  Is there any potential for injury when switching to a "minimalist" shoe?  I'm a novice runner but log about 25-28 miles a week.

Sorry to post and leave... have to hit up a birthday dinner.  I'll be back.  Thanks gals!

epphd

I have a pair and I use them from time to time.  I run in saucony usually, so I liked that the fit was basically the same.  I could tell right away that running in them changed my gait.  I have no interest in transitioning to minimalist shoes, but liked the idea of something lighter (so faster) and something that would slightly vary my stride and mix up my muscles.  The advice I've been given is to start slow with low mileage - like a 2-3 mile run to start.  I don't run as much as you do (closer to 15 miles a week, 20 on a good week) but have a friend who does and who said she never runs more than 4-5 miles in the Kinvaras.  I've done 4, and it took a while to warm up but I was a tad faster in them.

 

jerseygirl81

I run in those and the Brooks pure connect. While they're more minimalist than other shoes, they're still a lot more cushiony than running in something like the merril pace glove or vibrams. The take it slow advice us definitely sound, my form changed for the better when I started running in them, but it took some time for my calves to get used to them. I've done multiple 20+ mile runs in them, including a full marathon, and I love them. They're by far my favorite running shoe.

Molly Jean

Thanks ladies, I appreciate the advice. I'm sure I'm over-thinking this but terrified that my next run will stink because of wearing them.  I've hit a good stride with increasing distance and turned off by the idea that this might deter that.  

epphd - I'm with you.  Being a minimalist runner is not my intent, but a lighter runner shoe is necessary. 

jerseygirl - how long did it take for you to feel like your form was changed?  Are we talking a few weeks or a few months?

I feel like this was an impulse buy and I'm debating returning them   I hate that feeling....

jerseygirl81

It was within 2 weeks. I bought them a few weeks into a marathon training cycle, so I wasn't going to back down on distance. I used them for shorter mid-week runs, first. I actually didn't haves any problems with the transition other than sore calves at first, but maybe i'm just lucky.

gumiberg

I LOVE THIS SHOE!!!

its my racing shoe, though.  I do speedwork in one pair and race in another. i have a more cushioned pair (Brooks Ghost) for long runs and an older pair of Brooks Ghosts for non-speedwork/non-long runs (like stroller runs).  And I have yet different shoes for trails.

It sounds like a lot, but Kinvaras are not good for off-roads or dirt (they slide back on dirt).  And also since they are so light, you are not going to get as many miles frmo them so you will need to buy new shoes more often.

Its nice to actually run in a heavier shoe and race in a lighter shoe so that is my suggestion.