The original Saucony Virrata which was released in Spring 2013 became an instant hit for those wanting to run naturally "barefooted" but seeking protection from the harsh pebbles on the roads. Extremely flexible and superior breathability, The Virrata 2 continues the tradition where it left off and here is Frank's take on it.
By Frank
The
Saucony Virrata 2 (V2), the only zero drop shoes from Saucony after the
discontinuation of the Saucony Hattori continues to do what it does best, to
perform and to help strengthen the feet. My longest run in the first generation
was a good 77KM while it also help me achieve some pretty good timings at
certain runs. As the second generation did not change much from the first, it's
better to go back in time to have a read on the first generation first over HERE.
My first
Virrata lasted me 488KM worth of running while the second pair at about 400KM
(some uneven wear and tear on my right pair). Pretty good when comparing value
versus cost. With the same outsole on the V2, the durability should be the
same. 24 EVA+ pods build on a 18mm GRID midsole foam, the V2 retains the same
build and ride over its predecessor, something which I am glad Saucony did. And
yes, it maintained at the same weight of 184 grams too . A "barefoot"
ride with just enough cushioning and protection is how I describe it. Deep flex
grooves allows super flexibility and giving freedom of movement to the feet.
The only downside probably from all these goodness is that the grooves tent to
pick up small pebbles along the run, probably also caused by our dirty roads!
Nothing's change for the outsole of the Virrata (top) compared to the new Virrata 2 (bottom).
The upper
is where the V2 sees most the changes from the the first. But luckily, only
minor tweaks which
"almost" did not affect anything at all. The upper is now replaced
with a new mono mesh. I did not experience any problems at all with original
Virrata, no tearing what so ever, but Saucony chose to replace it with an
entirely new one which they claim is stronger and more breathable. Frankly
speaking, I do not feel any difference and I do personally feel that the
original does look nicer and "neater" as the newer mesh looks a bit
rough in appearance. The internal bootie remains which give a sock like feel to
the feet and besides it, hold the tongue together.
One major
aspect I noticed is that there is additional seams not seen on the original.
Don't be mistaken though as the internal is still seamless. It just makes me
wonder the purpose of it on both lateral and middle side at the mid span of the
shoe. Not that I can feel any purpose of it as there was no structural feel
added to it. Perhaps FlexFilm can help in this department and save weight at
the same time?
Seams on the mesh.
The
next minor change will be the eyelets. The eyelets of the original Virrata is
built as individual knots which on top of it, acts as a reflective too. Saucony
chose to revert back to normal eyelets design found on general shoes like the
Kinvara which sacrifices the reflective. Perhaps not as important as reflective
on the back of the shoe, but it does help in a way to have reflective at the
front to have incoming vehicles see the runner under low light conditions and
hence this will be sorely miss.
The mesh on the original (left) and new (right). Notice the eyelets too.
And
finally, the biggest change or shall I just say an additional feature will be
the inclusion of a plastic heel counter to support the Achilles region. The
original heel counter on the Virrata was soft which I kind of like it. However,
there were feedback saying that it causes Achilles discomfort. Therefore, the
new TPU heel counter is a nice touch for those affected by the original and I welcome
it for it may help in going the distance.
The TPU plastic heel counter.
And
as usual, the V2 comes available in a wide array of colours, most of them
absolutely stunning to look at which gives the shoe its fast looks. And
foresee that I will continue to enjoy this shoe very much like its
predecessor especially in fast runs whether during trainings or races.
The
Saucony Virrata 2 is now available at Running Lab, Stadium and selected RSH and
Studio R stores nationwide retailing at a recommending selling price of
RM299.00.
Disclaimer.
The Saucony Virrata 2 reviewed here is given as part of my sponsorship program
with Saucony Malaysia.
