I remember getting my first pair and thinking that they were so soft and flexible. Compared to the first iteration, the Kinvara 4 feels like a brick and is all slappy and clunky. Am I just too used to them or can someone, perhaps someone at Saucony, confirm that they have gotten harder and more supportive over time?
You are not alone:
http://runblogger.com/2013/11/saucony-kinvara-4-disappointing-update.html
Don't all shoe companies do that. Take a great shoe and "update" it yearly and it turns out to get worse.
I loved the Brooks Pure Flow 1 and was looking forward to the second version. Most horrible update ever.
Not your imagination. I think the switch happened between the 2 and the 3. The 2 was really cushy, almost pillow-like. The three was much firmer but I enjoyed that. I have not yet run in the 4
I just got a new pair of Kinvara 4-- time will soon tell. I really loved the 2s. The 3s ride/wore well, but were too soft and floppy in the heel cup area for me.
The heel cup area of the 4s are more similar to the 2s, which I like. Next week will start the real wear-test. I hope they won't be lemons.
Then again, it might just be another go-round in the never-ending shoe changes among Saucony, adidas, and New Balance for me. (One company makes a nice neutral shoe that works well for 1-3 versions, then I need to find another brand's model that works for 1-3 versions before I need to switch, etc.)
I just got the Kinvara 4 and it feels basically the same as the 3 except firmer. I don't notice the 4's being narrower than the 3's like the RunBlogger guy says.
I've only worn the 4's a couple of times to start breaking them in and not for anything over 5-6 miles but they seem fine so far. I'm still a bit concerned about the extra firmness for long runs.
Shoe freak wrote:
I loved the Brooks Pure Flow 1 and was looking forward to the second version. Most horrible update ever.
No, it wasn't the worst update ever dummy(look into shoes removing arch trusses and dual density foams). The upper was the only change which they transitioned to a curved lacing system and stitch pattern. The actual sole is the same as the first coming from the same exact mold.
The Kinvara 4 was updated with the Powergrid sole(internally). This is a diamond shape pattern with a different density foam. The Kinvara 3 had the old Progrid sole. This contained a square patterned foam and used to be only found in the heel.
The upper was changed in the 4 so it wasn't as "crunchy" compared to the 3.
All of the Kinvara models have been relatively flexible and light-weight compared to stability and other heavier neutral cushion model shoes that Saucony offers.
If you are looking for another Saucony shoe a little lighter and flexible than the Kinvara(7.7oz), try the Virrata(6.5oz).
For more cushioning, try the Mirage(8.9oz), but I've been using the Ride(9.9oz) or Triumph(10.8) which offer way more shock absorbance.
The kinvara 4 seemed a lot like the 2 or 3 to me. I just got 1,200 injury free miles out of my kinvara 4s and was very happy with them.
I really liked the Kinvara 4, went through 800-900 miles with them before my ankles starting hurting, Kinvara 3 was just as identical to it as well.