Kinvara 3 Review
I
had the opportunity to be a test runner for the Saucony Kinvara summer
2011. I was really excited as I was a big fan of the first edition of
the Kinvara. The test version I received had a more open stretchy mesh,
but the down side was that the flex film technology didn't stick to it.
The shoe was also a lot softer. My advice to Sacouny at that point was
to rename this shoe because it was far from the first edition of the
Kinvara that I use to love. Thank God saucony changed the shoe I
tested.......
This is how
Saucony explain the shoe plus the tech data:
"So much technology, so little shoe. We’ve redesigned the look of our
most popular shoe, but kept the fit, feel and ride consistent with its
predecessor. The upper now features FlexFilm™, a strong yet pliable
material innovation that adapts to your foot and provides a lightweight,
seamless feel. Inside the shoe, anatomically-contoured memory foam
heel pods secure a perfect fit. In the midsole, ProGrid™ technology
provides a unique blend of responsiveness and cushion, and the heel
crashpad has been beveled for an even smoother ride as the runner
transitions through the gait cycle. Finally, after examining wear
patterns on hundreds of test shoes, the outsole was upgraded through the
addition of placements of carbon rubber for enhanced durability.
Weight: 7.7 oz./ 218 gm."
UPPER
Flex Film™
Thin, flexible film welded onto the upper that is supportive and lightweight, used to reduce layers
Memory Foam Heel Pods
Strategically-placed memory foam in the heel provides a heel pocket for a snug fit
Hydramax Collar Lining
A superior lining material that has great moisture-wicking properties as well as a plush hand feel
MIDSOLE
Heel ProGrid
20% more responsive than EVA, ProGrid™ provides incredible cushioning in a light weight
High Abrasion EVA (EVA+)
Saucony's extremely lightweight grade of EVA with cushioning and durability
4mm Offset
Heel-to-toe differential of the shoe, excluding the strobel board and sockliner
OUTSOLE
XT-900™
A carbon rubber outsole material that offers exceptional traction properties without sacrificing durability
Triangular Lug Design
Provides traction and durability
Upper:
The
clearly changed the mesh from the shoe I tested. Unfortunately this
mesh is not as stretchy at the one I testes. The feel is almost "paper"
like. I believe the saucony engineers had issues finding a way for the
Flex film to stay put. As pictures of the new Kinvara 4 has been
released Saucony has been changing the upper already to what it looks
like a more flexible stretchy mesh. I dont have any really issues or hot
spots but the feel could be a bit more snugger.
Midsole:
Kinvara
3 is definitely firmer then the fist edition, you find also a bit more
midsole, so the feel is that Kinvara 3 is "more" of a shoe. The midsole
softens up a bit after 50 miles but when its really cold outside the
midsole is kind of on the firmer side. The test version was to soft and
if
Saucony can get something in between this firmness it could possible improve the shoe.
Outsole:
The
rubber has been more spread out to more strategically places. This was
something that I had worries about as my background as heel striker. but
Kinvara really shines here and I have nothing to worry about. The
rubber cover the part of the outsole where you land.
Over all:
Kinvara
is a great shoe and the 4mm is a real sweet spot for me. My gait use to
be a heavy heel stiker but it look like the Kinvara is helping me to
"correct" it. The upper could have a snugger fit but as stated above it
does it job well. Kinvara 3 can be used for anything, during my first
120 miles I have done tempos, hills, intervals and 20+ mile runs. This
is where this shoe really shines, you can use to anything. The price tag
is around $100 and for that price Kinvara3 is unbeatable.
Boston Marathon training means that you have to log most of your miles during the cold winter months. The last couple of years the winter has been pretty kind to us here in NJ, USA. With only a few days were the temperature has been dropping really low and way below ZERO (thank God). Wind, snow, sun and rain are all big factors when you decide what to wear for the day. I have to admit that I have big issues finding the right clothes for my runs. I'm a big sweater so generally winter running fits me much better then the hot humid summer days, but if you get your clothes wrong during your winter running, even a easy run might feel hard as you will sweat a lot under your layers, this is my biggest issue. I like the cold weather for running but I'm also a big wimp and a "freezing onion" (Swedish saying fryslök), so I tend to over dress a lot. When you get to warm, in most of the cases its to late to get undressed as you have already started to sweat and therefor your clothes are wet. Many of the weather sites has the "true feeling temp" feature, a good tool to help you to adjust your clothing for the day. My problem might also be a northern USA east coast phenomena, I understand that other states like Minnesota and Maine (also Northern east coast but way up there...) are very cold and it might be easy to adjust clothing's before the run as it is very cold and stays that way. In NJ the temperatures varies a lot and it gets harder to adjust, just a thought.........
My hair and head gets really wet from sweat so a good wind protected that can breath hat is to recommend. All brands has them. Gore running has been working decent during the mild winter weather. For extreme cold weather I add a headband under or/and ear mufflers......
