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Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Saucony Kinvara 5 Review}} The [http://www.zappos.com/saucony-kinvara Saucony Kinvara 5] claims to have a 4mm drop, but my measurements (and others on the web)..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Saucony Kinvara 5 Review}}
The [http://www.zappos.com/saucony-kinvara Saucony Kinvara 5] claims to have a 4mm drop, but my measurements (and others on the web) indicate it's more like 8mm. This is more of a drop than I believe is appropriate or efficient, and the misleading advertising is annoying. However the Kinvara is lightweight (7.6oz) and it's comfortable. It's become a popular shoe for people wanting something more minimalist, but not too radical.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. The Kinvara will appeal to runners looking for something that's quite close to a traditional running shoe rather than a true minimalist shoe. I'd recommend considering the [[Hoka Clifton]], [[Altra One2| Altra One<sup>2</sup>]], or [[Saucony Virrata]] as better shoes.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Kinvara is softly cushioned and comfortable, though it's not as soft as a [[Minimax]] shoe would be.
* {{H:drop}}. The Kinvara has 8mm of drop, which is more than I'd like or recommend. However, this can form a useful transition step to a zero drop shoe.
* {{H:structure}}. This shoe uses single density of foam, with some shallow grooves to improve flexibility and save weight. Part of the foam is colored differently, but this is just a superficial paint, not actually a different density. Saucony's foam, branded "power grid" is claimed to be 15% lighter and 30% more durable than standard EVA.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Kinvara is reasonably flexible.
* {{H:outsole}}. There is hard rubber covering about a third of the surface area, which protects most of the main contact patches.
* {{H:shape}}. The shoe is does not match the shape of the human foot, so the [[Shoe Dissection| toe box needs to be cut open for comfort]].
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is fairly complex with different materials and a number of seams. The Kinvara also has something they call "ProXLock", which is designed to create a tighter fit around the midfoot. I didn't find this made any difference, either positive or negative. The upper is inflexible and generally unpatented, and breeds moderately well. The padding around the ankle opening is good.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Kinvara has a sock style tongue that is attached to either side of the upper. I found that this worked remarkably well, as it felt like a conventional tongue that stayed in place perfectly. The tongue has thick, soft padding.
* {{H:lacing}}. The flat laces work well and remained tied.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The heel counter is quite firm and pronounced. It has relatively hard edges, but I did not find any problems with the edges kicking in.
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Kinvara and Hoka Clifton==
Comparing the Kinvara and the [[Hoka Clifton]]:
* Similarities
** {{H:shape}}. Neither has a good toe box.
* Advantage Kinvara
** {{H:weight}}. The Kinvara is slightly lighter.
** {{H:flexibility}}. The Kinvara is quite a bit more flexible.
** {{H:grip}}. The Kinvara has slightly more grip.
** {{H:price}}. The Kinvara is cheaper.
** {{H:availability}}. The Kinvara is easier to find, as Saucony is widely stocked.
* Advantage Hoka Clifton
** {{H:drop}}. While neither is zero drop the Clifton drop is smaller than the Kinvara and the difference is noticeable.
** {{H:cushioning}}. The Clifton has far thicker, softer cushioning.
** {{H:trails}}. The Clifton has a lot more protection on rocky trails.
** {{H:longevity}}. Both shoes have a lot of exposed midsole, but the Clifton wears much better.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
|}
==Kinvara and Altra One2 ==
Comparing the Kinvara and the [[Altra One2| Altra One<sup>2</sup>]]:
* Similarities
** {{H:trails}}. Neither has much protection from rocks.
* Advantage Kinvara
** {{H:price}}. The Kinvara is cheaper, especially when longevity is considered.
** {{H:availability}}. The Kinvara is easier to find, as Saucony is widely stocked.
** {{H:grip}}. The Kinvara has slightly more grip.
** {{H:longevity}}. The Kinvara lasts a little longer.
* Advantage [[Altra One2| Altra One2]]
** {{H:drop}}. The Altra is zero drop, the Kinvara has 8mm (too much!)
** {{H:weight}}. The Altra is a little lighter.
** {{H:shape}}. The Altra has a much better toe box.
** {{H:flexibility}}. The Altra is a bit more flexible.
** {{H:cushioning}}. The Altra is a lot more softly cushioned.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-One2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 top]]
|[[File:Altra-One2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 bottom]]
|[[File:Altra-One2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 inside]]
|[[File:Altra-One2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 outside]]
|}
==Kinvara and Saucony Virrata ==
Comparing the Kinvara and the [[Saucony Virrata]]:
* Similarities
** {{H:trails}}. Neither has much protection from rocks.
** {{H:price}}. Cost is broadly similar.
** {{H:availability}}. They are equally available.
** {{H:shape}}. Neither has a good toe box.
* Advantage Kinvara
** {{H:grip}}. The Kinvara has slightly more grip.
** {{H:longevity}}. The Kinvara lasts a little longer.
** {{H:cushioning}}. The Kinvara is more softly cushioned.
* Advantage [[Saucony Virrata]]
** {{H:drop}}. The Virrata is zero drop, the Kinvara has 8mm (too much!)
** {{H:weight}}. The Virrata is a little lighter.
** {{H:flexibility}}. The Virrata is a bit more flexible.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Virrata-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Virrata top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Virrata-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Virrata bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Virrata-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Virrata inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Virrata-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Virrata outside]]
|}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
The [http://www.zappos.com/saucony-kinvara Saucony Kinvara 5] claims to have a 4mm drop, but my measurements (and others on the web) indicate it's more like 8mm. This is more of a drop than I believe is appropriate or efficient, and the misleading advertising is annoying. However the Kinvara is lightweight (7.6oz) and it's comfortable. It's become a popular shoe for people wanting something more minimalist, but not too radical.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. The Kinvara will appeal to runners looking for something that's quite close to a traditional running shoe rather than a true minimalist shoe. I'd recommend considering the [[Hoka Clifton]], [[Altra One2| Altra One<sup>2</sup>]], or [[Saucony Virrata]] as better shoes.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Kinvara is softly cushioned and comfortable, though it's not as soft as a [[Minimax]] shoe would be.
* {{H:drop}}. The Kinvara has 8mm of drop, which is more than I'd like or recommend. However, this can form a useful transition step to a zero drop shoe.
* {{H:structure}}. This shoe uses single density of foam, with some shallow grooves to improve flexibility and save weight. Part of the foam is colored differently, but this is just a superficial paint, not actually a different density. Saucony's foam, branded "power grid" is claimed to be 15% lighter and 30% more durable than standard EVA.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Kinvara is reasonably flexible.
* {{H:outsole}}. There is hard rubber covering about a third of the surface area, which protects most of the main contact patches.
* {{H:shape}}. The shoe is does not match the shape of the human foot, so the [[Shoe Dissection| toe box needs to be cut open for comfort]].
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is fairly complex with different materials and a number of seams. The Kinvara also has something they call "ProXLock", which is designed to create a tighter fit around the midfoot. I didn't find this made any difference, either positive or negative. The upper is inflexible and generally unpatented, and breeds moderately well. The padding around the ankle opening is good.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Kinvara has a sock style tongue that is attached to either side of the upper. I found that this worked remarkably well, as it felt like a conventional tongue that stayed in place perfectly. The tongue has thick, soft padding.
* {{H:lacing}}. The flat laces work well and remained tied.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The heel counter is quite firm and pronounced. It has relatively hard edges, but I did not find any problems with the edges kicking in.
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Kinvara and Hoka Clifton==
Comparing the Kinvara and the [[Hoka Clifton]]:
* Similarities
** {{H:shape}}. Neither has a good toe box.
* Advantage Kinvara
** {{H:weight}}. The Kinvara is slightly lighter.
** {{H:flexibility}}. The Kinvara is quite a bit more flexible.
** {{H:grip}}. The Kinvara has slightly more grip.
** {{H:price}}. The Kinvara is cheaper.
** {{H:availability}}. The Kinvara is easier to find, as Saucony is widely stocked.
* Advantage Hoka Clifton
** {{H:drop}}. While neither is zero drop the Clifton drop is smaller than the Kinvara and the difference is noticeable.
** {{H:cushioning}}. The Clifton has far thicker, softer cushioning.
** {{H:trails}}. The Clifton has a lot more protection on rocky trails.
** {{H:longevity}}. Both shoes have a lot of exposed midsole, but the Clifton wears much better.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
|}
==Kinvara and Altra One2 ==
Comparing the Kinvara and the [[Altra One2| Altra One<sup>2</sup>]]:
* Similarities
** {{H:trails}}. Neither has much protection from rocks.
* Advantage Kinvara
** {{H:price}}. The Kinvara is cheaper, especially when longevity is considered.
** {{H:availability}}. The Kinvara is easier to find, as Saucony is widely stocked.
** {{H:grip}}. The Kinvara has slightly more grip.
** {{H:longevity}}. The Kinvara lasts a little longer.
* Advantage [[Altra One2| Altra One2]]
** {{H:drop}}. The Altra is zero drop, the Kinvara has 8mm (too much!)
** {{H:weight}}. The Altra is a little lighter.
** {{H:shape}}. The Altra has a much better toe box.
** {{H:flexibility}}. The Altra is a bit more flexible.
** {{H:cushioning}}. The Altra is a lot more softly cushioned.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-One2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 top]]
|[[File:Altra-One2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 bottom]]
|[[File:Altra-One2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 inside]]
|[[File:Altra-One2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra One2 outside]]
|}
==Kinvara and Saucony Virrata ==
Comparing the Kinvara and the [[Saucony Virrata]]:
* Similarities
** {{H:trails}}. Neither has much protection from rocks.
** {{H:price}}. Cost is broadly similar.
** {{H:availability}}. They are equally available.
** {{H:shape}}. Neither has a good toe box.
* Advantage Kinvara
** {{H:grip}}. The Kinvara has slightly more grip.
** {{H:longevity}}. The Kinvara lasts a little longer.
** {{H:cushioning}}. The Kinvara is more softly cushioned.
* Advantage [[Saucony Virrata]]
** {{H:drop}}. The Virrata is zero drop, the Kinvara has 8mm (too much!)
** {{H:weight}}. The Virrata is a little lighter.
** {{H:flexibility}}. The Virrata is a bit more flexible.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Virrata-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Virrata top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Virrata-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Virrata bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Virrata-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Virrata inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Virrata-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Virrata outside]]
|}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}