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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Saucony Kinvara 8 Review}}
The latest version of the Kinvara is quite different to its predecessor, even though it looks almost identical. The eighth iteration is far more softly cushioned, and I would classify it as a maximalist [[Maximalist]] shoe. While it's midsole is nowhere near as tall as the [[Hoka Bondi]], which is half as thick again, I found the Kinvara to be more softly cushioned. I've really enjoyed running in the Kinvara 8, far more than any of its predecessors, but I feel for the many fans of the Kinvara line who may be looking for a more direct replacement. If you liked the [[Saucony Kinvara 7]], then you may want to check out the [[Topo ST-2]] for a successor. I've rated the Kinvara 8 as "Highly Recommended", and it's a strong competitor to the outstanding [[Hoka Clifton]] and [[Altra Escalante]], which is exalted company. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
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* {{H:heelcounter}}. The [[Heel Counter]] is hard heel counter that remarkably hard edges, but it doesn't come up overly high, and the padding that's between the heel counter and your foot pretty much negates it.
{{FastBlr|saucony/kinvara-6-952|952|Saucony Kinvara 8}}
=200 Mile Update=
The Kinvara 8 has proved a great companion over the last 200 miles. It's been a shoe I've instinctively reached for, and its provided a nice combination of soft cushioning without being squishy. While it's not as light as many of the other shoes I run in, it's still remarkably light for the cushioning provides. The Kinvara 8 has worked well at faster paces as well as providing some comfort when my legs are weary. The "pro-lock" as proved to be an annoyance, but only when I'm putting the shoes on, as it makes lacing just a little more tedious than it should be. There is a little more wear on the sole than is perhaps ideal. I've worn down the hard orange outsole pads in the forefoot, and the blue midsole there is starting to abrade slightly. I'm generally pretty easy-going on my shoes, so if your running style is a little more abrasive you may find this Kinvara will wear quicker than you'd like. However, as I usually find, the outsole is not a limiting factor, and the midsole has started to compress quite noticeably under the ball of the foot. This is partly the removable insole, but mostly it's the foam midsole. It's possible that [[Replacement Insoles]] might help, but I think about only extend the life fractionally. I was hoping that the Kinvara 8 would last a little longer than it has, especially given how much I've enjoyed running in them. I tend to be rather more conservative in the life of my running shoes, as I found that the compression of the midsole can noticeably change my running form, so I'd rather replace my running shoes sooner rather than risk an injury. Overall, the last 200 miles has confirmed my belief that this is an outstanding running shoe and highly recommended.
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|[[File:Kinvara8-200 (2).jpg|none|thumb|300px| Here's an overview of the soul after 200 miles.]]
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|[[File:Kinvara8-200 (3).jpg|none|thumb|300px|This is a close up of the outside hard rubber outsole, showing only the slightest signs of wear.]]
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|[[File:Kinvara8-200 (4).jpg|none|thumb|300px|The rubber outsole under the forefoot has worn rather more, which may not be surprising given how little there is in this area.]]
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|[[File:Kinvara8-200 (5).jpg|400px|none|thumb|300px|The insole is showing significant signs of wear, and the part of the under the ball of my foot is compressed quite a bit.]]
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|[[File:Kinvara8-200 (1).jpg|none|thumb|300px|Here you can see the TPU layer that is just under the removed insole.]]
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=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
