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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 found the following review helpful:
 I am a big guy and I love the Kinvara 2 Aug 17, 2011
By Jason Jackson
"Jason Jackson"
Here is the story. I am a big guy. I am 6'3" (1.9m) tall, and when I started running I was about 245 lbs (111 kg). Every time in the recent past when I had started running it caused me knee problems, particularly in my left knee. I would usually get a couple of weeks into running and then stop from the pain. This even happened on a heavily padded treadmill that had a lot of give. I then read Born To Run, which discusses (amongst other things) the scientific research that supports the notion that we humans evolved to run up on the front of our feet, not bouncing down and landing on our heels on top of gel padding. To demonstrate this, go run up and down a sidewalk with gel padded running shoes. Now take the shoes and socks off and see how our ancient ancestors would have run. You will quickly get the idea that our bodies simply are not built for running on our heels. And this can cause injuries. I spoke with a couple of friends that run, and with their suggestions and opinions on this subject I went into a local sports shop to get "looked at". There I walked and ran for a shoe expert, and she told me that I was just very slightly over-pronating with my right foot. It was so small that I could probably do with or without adjusted shoes. After looking at a few pairs of shoes and discussing the minimalistic trend, she suggested the Kinvara 2. She warned me against going into the minimalist trend too aggressively, as my legs were not used to running with such foot wear. This was recommended as a middle-ground shoe.
It has been about 3 months and I am down to 230, just got up to 10k on my weekday run, and have only had mild pain in my knee. I have pushed myself much further than I ever did running before when I had horrible knee pain. When I first got going my calves and ankles really got a work out. Take it slow if you aren't used to this type of running. But I am really cruising now, and putting a lot of wear on these shoes. In fact I can proudly say I am here on Amazon shopping for a second pair as mine are starting to wear out from all my running!
I really recommend these light little shoes. They seem to have just enough heel padding to get one into the minimalistic style of running, yet offer enough support for those of use that haven't been running for years to enjoy the experience. I can see myself maybe moving up to an even more minimalistic shoe in the future, or I might just stay with these!
13 of 14 found the following review helpful:
 Extremely versatile, lightweight and neutral shoe Aug 30, 2011
By A. Dunnigan
"ZOD"
I've worn these shoes for Ultra races (Headlands Hundred, Brazen Dirty Dozen 12 Hour), road marathons (Rome, San Francisco) and shorter events (legs of the Hood to Coast Relay) -- these shoes have never let me down. For the 100 mile event I did switch to a second pair 1/2 way through. Anyway, each pair was worn for just under 12 hours of running on fairly harsh terrain. For the 12 hour fixed time event I kept one pair on the whole time (over 100 k distance). The shoes are remarkable. I can train in the same shoes I race in. My only complaint is that the material used to make the Upper becomes brittle and then cracks and tears. This doesn't seem to effect the shoes performance but it doesn't exactly inspire confidence either. The upper cracks in the same place every time -- the crease just behind the toe box right under the point of the logo. Without the tears this would have been a 5 star review.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Great shoes, train and race in them. No issues. Sep 08, 2011
By T. Smith
Great shoes, train and race in them. No issues.
Light
Seem to stay clean (mine are white)
Grippy even on trails
Breath well
No blisters (even barefoot after a transition)
No hotspots
7 of 9 found the following review helpful:
Great shoe for those not quite ready for a true minimalistic shoe Aug 03, 2011
By PC Jones
I used to have a blue Nike Free Run+ pair of shoes, but those got to small for my feet, and I was sick of the color. While at my local sports shop, the manager, a great friend of mine, said he wasn't getting any Frees anymore other than the TR version. I still wanted a lightweight shoe like the Frees, so he recomended the Kinvara. I bought the black/white version, and I am totally in love.
I've put ~50 miles on them already, and I can tell I love them a lot better than my Frees. I run with my local high school cross country team. They are just as light, but they have more cushioning and support in the mid-sole region. On one review I read, the author calls these a "gateway" shoe, meaning that they are the "gateway" to true minimalistic shoe, like the Five Fingers, EVO, or even barefoot. They are neutral, but fit really good for underpronaters like me. These are also a lot more durable than the Frees, and I am in love with the mesh-like fabric.
I highly recommend these if you are looking for a lightweight running shoe.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Review of Saucony Kinvara 2 Dec 12, 2011
By Tom Yoder
I have a son that puts in about 65 miles a week and he loved his Kinavara (1's) and the Kinvara 2 did not disappoint. They have a bit more support than the original Kinvaras but the same minimalist approach to running and a fantastic light weight trainer. He can get about 350 miles from this pair of shoes which is a little less than the normal, full sized, running shoe but it is well worth the money when it comes to support and versatility of these shoes. I wish Saucony would provide an option for the Kinvara 2 with Sheild technology (Nike) which would make this shoe waterproof and wind proof as we enter the winter months of training.
Overall, best running shoe around for someone with a normal footstrike. This will make our 14th pair of Kinvaras......I should own stock!
See all 39 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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