NB alternative to Kinvara

While I know it violates the unwritten Letsrun rule on shoe comments lest one sound like a poster on Runners World, you might want to try the new NB 730 at Running Warehouse. Only $65 too.

Thanks, I have that shoe and I like it. I use it for speed work but for anything more it is to minimal for me at this point. Add 1/2 inch more foam and it would be what I am looking for in an everyday trainer.

NB 1400?

This might be too minimal for what you want, but the MT110 is very comfortable for me and well made. It's made as a trail shoe, but works fine on roads. There's a bit less cushioning than the Kinvara.

I'm not sure on the feel but I run in the Kinvaras and thought about checking out the NB 730s.

The 730 certainly looks like a great alternative to the Kinvara. The heel:forefoot and general flexibility should be similar. I have the 1400. It is a nice shoe and quite cushiony for a comp/hybrid, but you will certainly notice a greater heel:forefoot drop.

Larry4 wrote:

I am trying to find the closest NB shoe to the Kinvara which is working really well for me. The shoe needs to be New balance brand. I know the minimus road has a similar heel/toe drop but seems really firm and more minimal when I run in it at the store. I have also run in the 890 and 1080 (both are version #2) The 890 did not work. It is well cushioned but seems to have a really big heel. The 1080 is okay buy bulkier than I am interested in for most days. The 1400 seems nice but I am not sure if I want it for a everyday trainer. Thanks or your imput.

You've pretty much tried everything in the NB line that would be at all similar to the Kinvara. 890 and 1080 both have 8mm drops, Minimus is 4mm (or zero), 1400 is now 8mm, and the 730 is 4ish from what I understand. In my opinion, they all feel quite a bit different from the Kinvara, but those are probably your best options.

NB 1400s dog. give em a shot. i like them better than the kinvaras, but thats just me.

2nd on the 1400. Slightly less for foot Cush than the kinvara, but for my $ it's the closest in the NB line. Great speed/tempo run in them today.

Thanks, I might have to try the 1400.

Has anyone ran in the 690?

Also what do you all think about the Minimus road? Seems firm but was thinking about trying it?

1400 has more drop than the Kinvara and is a lot more firm.

The Minumus Road has same drop and is also more firm.

I haven't tried the new 730, but they have the same drop as Kinvara and are supposed to have good cushion. It's worth a trip to a store to try them on. Probably your best bet.

The 890 v1 is awesome, but has a big drop. The v2 has less, but from what I've read the drop is closer to 10 than the advertised 8.

Can you get a look at the new 110? Those also look like a good bet.

Personally I loved everything about the fit of Kinvara but they are too soft for me and gave me knee problems.

buy the kinvara, snip off the logo, super glue an N on the side

problem solved

Kinvara has a great fit, but it's just too darn soft for anyone over 160 lbs IMO.

It goes straight from marshmallow to rock and the durability is only adequate, even for neutral runners.

BTW-- The Kinvara is the official shoe of D3 Girlz everywhere, isn't it?

Holla...

An unposted 1190...good luck getting that though!

The 730 has less drop than Kinvara, 3mm as opposed to 4mm. It's a lot firmer shoe, as well. I'm liking it so far.

Thanks for the correction on the 730. How is it compared to the Minumus Road?

Check out Runblogger's review of the 730, it describes the relationship between that and the Minimus. Same last, btw, though it's lighter. http://www.runblogger.com/2012/02/new-balance-730-preview-minimalist.html

Ah, I just saw the video someone posted in the comments section says NB touts it as 4mm, though Pete measure and got 3mm (and posters are agreeing it feels flatter than the Kinvara, which I'll attest to as well).

Guys,

Please keep in mind that even if the CAD drawings and molds are built on a 4mm drop there's some variations when the parts come out of the mold. (+ or - 1mm is pretty common and accepted as ok in the industry).

I can tell you that the 890v2 is designed to be 8mm drop and the 730 4mm drop.

So if you cut your shoes in half and you freak out because your 890s are 9mm it doesn't mean that all shoes are gonna be 9mm.

Just an FYI.