The Saucony Kinvara 5 From The Feet of Soon Chung

The Saucony Kinvara 5 before it's arrival here in our local shores in Malaysia has been put to great test (and torture) by among our bloggers and friends. And a week before the 5th generation of fast is release here, here's one of our Saucony friends take on the Kinvara 5 as he took it out for a test at the Brisbane Marathon.

By Lim Soon Chung

My first encounter with the Kinvara series of Saucony is the 2^nd generation that had gone through some 500kms without much issue except tearing on the upper which however wasn’t really bothersome. While the development from K2 to K5 is quite substantial, much of its good bits has been retained through the generation such as its lightweight, flexibility, stack height and heel-toe drop to name a few. 

Close up view of the new mesh.

In respond to the tearing issue on the upper, K5 is now wearing a new stretchy and flexible mesh which is very breathable as well. Upon sliding into shoe, I was instantly reminded of how good a snug midfoot feels like thanks to the PRO-LOCK system which goes around and wrap the midfoot with a piece of material. It’s so snug that I could leave the lace a little loose and yet still feeling secure.

Material of the Pro-Lock system.

Although that the K5 appear to be having the roomiest toebox across the generation, it’s a little constricted than I’d like. Perhaps I’m just too used to the roomy toebox of Merrell Bare Access 2 after having it as a day-to-day and training shoe for several month. Surprisingly, the toebox becomes more spacious on the second run and the credit should goes to the new upper mesh. Without a second thought, I’ve had decided to use it for my one and only FM which ultimately lead me to a PB.

The coupling of PowerGrid with an enhanced EVA+ midsole/outsole bring about a soft and cushy ride at walking pace but responses well on a faster run. Saucony claimed that the additional rubber iBR+ along the mid lateral side of the outsole would provide better durability and cushioning. While I can’t feel the difference in terms of cushioning but the acoustic is somewhat louder during impact. Nevertheless, it doesn’t adversely affect the performance in anyway. 

Wear and tear of the left and right pair,

The K5 has since clocked up around 80km including a marathon with no hotspot or abrasion found anywhere on the foot. The whole package provided by the K5 would totally be an easy choice for me as a long distance and marathon shoe. 

Disclaimer: The Saucony Kinvara 5 is a complimentary sample pair provided by Saucony Malaysia and will be available at Running Lab, RSH, Stadium and Studio R outlets in beginning November 2014. 

Frank Reviews the Saucony Virrata 2

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.

Frank Reviews the Saucony Kinvara 5

We had a sample pair of the all new Saucony Kinvara 5 that fits well with Frank. With his big race of the year coming back then, we without any hesitation gave him the pair for him to try on and was delighted that he chose it as his race shoe for the Comrades Marathon. Here's his review on the next chapter of "Fast", the Kinvara 5.

By Frank

My "love" affair with the Saucony Kinvara series became stronger over the two years and now the relationship continues with the fifth generation, and it became stronger than ever when it helped me to my third and best Comrades finish ever! And 2 weeks later, helped me to complete yet another 90KM at the Back 2 Endurance 2014 earning a third placing! All in the same shoe, the Saucony Kinvara 5 (K5)! And with close to 300KM of running distance in it, it’s finally time for my take on it.

The Kinvara series has retain much of its DNA since the first generation. Still at 4mm heel to toe drop with stack height of 22mm versus 18mm while retaining the same weight of 216 grams for size US8.5, minor tweaks has been made to make turn the good shoe into a great shoe. While many agreed that the K3 was the best among all with the K4 suffered some durability problem on the mesh, I must say that it isn't what you think until you try the K5!

Kinvara 5, Kinvara 4 and Kinvara 3.

I personally enjoyed the K3 very much with the first pair enjoying approximately 700KM running distance before I retired it. The second pair which was my race shoe for Comrades Marathon 2013 went through about 300KM before I decided to immortalise it due to the contribution it made towards my big race. No tearing issue and wear and tear of the outsole was reasonably good. The K4 however, though as enjoyable and performed pretty similarly to the K3, yes suffered from some tearing issues on the toe box's mesh. Mine started to show after hitting 400KM.

Saucony was quick to respond to the problem with the K4 and that gave birth to the K5. The mono mesh used in previous generations is now replaced by a new stronger but yet light and flexible mesh. And yes, it is very breathable too and one does not need to touch it to know its new. It looks different too and in a good way as it gave the shoe a very clean look. Some minor repositioning of the FlexFilm material is made to strengthen certain high wear and tear areas without making any sacrifices in weight and flexibility too.

Up close on the new mesh.

Hidden under the new mesh at the mid foot region is a new system call the Pro-Lock which is made by some plasticity spandex material, first introduced in Saucony's track and field footwear. As the name suggest, it's a system that runs at the sides of the internal bootie of the tongue to lock the foot down in the shoe while we run. And instead of going across the foot, it goes under it and it felt good as it dynamically move with the foot's movement secured by the laces.

The Pro Lock system for the arch.

Next, the minimal collar is now plush with memory foam paddings call RunDry all around it. Gone are the days when I had to take precaution in wearing mini crew socks to minimise the chances of chaffing at the Achilles region, The plushness of the new material is soft to the touch and grabs my ankle gently without any irritating issues. And I must say, this is probably the best upgrade in the "Feel" department!

New RunDry material for the collar.

Now with the upper and cosmetic department heading towards a positive change, next will be the outsole. The top of the range PowerGrid foam continues to cushion off the impact. And while I had no durability issues on the K3 and K4's outsole, Saucony decided to add additional rubbers on the lateral side of the mid foot area. Not that I can feel any difference but perhaps the outsole can last longer. One thing that I do feel or rather say hear the difference will be the suction sound from K3 and K4 whenever I walk on mosaic tiles. Gone is the sound from K5 and I suspect is due from the tread design of the rubbers which literary gives more traction especially on tile pavements.

Outsole of the fourth (above) compared to the fifth (below).

Many including Peter Larson aka RunBlogger has said that the K5 is the best Kinvara ever made. While I've not worn the K1 and K2 before as I find them too soft, I do believe Saucony is heading at the right direction with the K5 and it is much a superior shoe over the K3 and K4 and I am starting to see that some changes are made based on the racing heritage especially the Type A series. Hey.. After all it's the shoe that smashed by Comrades time!

The Saucony Kinvara 5 should be available nationwide at authorised Saucony dealers suchs as Running Lab, Stadium, Studio R and Royal Sporting House beginning September 2014 and will retail at a recommended selling price off RM399.00. And there may be even a special water resistant version call the RunShield series coming to our shores too which was reviewed by Jamie recently.

Colours galore for the Spring Summer collection of the Kinvara 5.

Disclaimer - The pair of Saucony Kinvara 5 reviewed here is a complimentary media sample pair given as part of my sponsorship program with Saucony Malaysia.

Saucony Kinvara 4 Review

The Saucony Kinvara 5 may be soon to be release in the United States (we folks at Malaysia will have to wait till about August or September 2014), but the Kinvara 4 is still a performer that is highly sought after. The following review written by Frank back in November 2013 is worth the read once again in case you have miss it. We thank Frank for his contribution.

By Frank

Sorry that my review for the Saucony Kinvara 4 (K4) took this long. I had my reasons you see. Besides being busy as usual, I was trying to figure out the difference it has as compared to its predecessor, the K3. And after having to run at different pace in numerous distance with a max single run of 72KM from a DNF at the Craze Ultra 2013, I guess I've spotted at least a few upgrades to the K4 which is rather noticeable.  But before I continue on, you may want to re-read my review on the K3 (here) back then to have a slight recap on it as I will just keep it short on the K4 since I will only be highlighting the major changes. Another read will be my first impression of the K4 (here). So yeah, let's go...

The Saucony PowerGrid Kinvara 4

The K4 was launch on back in May 2013 during the Boston Marathon but only arrived on Malaysian shores early September 2013. Together with RSH (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and together with new ambassadors Jason and Zijill, we had a successful launch for the highly anticipated shoe.

The official unveiling of the Kinvara 4 during its launch day

The K4 shares most its DNA from all its past 3 predecessor. At 4mm off set with a 22mm heel stack height and 18mm forefoot height, it hits the sweet spot for those who are looking a natural running shoes combined with reasonable cushioning. It looks pretty much the same since the first version was released and weights in at about 220 Grams for a size men US8.5, the same weight as compared with the K3. Every generation, small changes were made based on feedback gathered and I am pleased to know (and feel) that most of the changes made to the 4th generation has been a positive one, at least for me.

Let's start with the upper. The most obvious change here at least to our eyes will be the re-positioning of the FlexFilm layers. Gone are the "zebra stripes" at the front which resulted in lesser films hence allowing a slightly more flex and also air intake. Try putting the shoe on without socks and swing them in an air-condition room. You will feel a slight increase gush of of air entering the shoes compared to the K3. As for flex, it was not really noticeable until you really pay attention to it.  However, with the "zebra stripes" gone, I felt less secure on the toe box which resulted some swaying of my feet. A slightly thicker socks solved my problem though.

Repositioned FlexFilm on the toebox

FlexFilm pattern on the toe box as seen on the Virrata (left), Kinvara 4 (middle) and Kinvara 3 (right)

Moving to the rear of the shoe where the collar is, is where the"zebra stripes" new home is. The FlexFilm layers are now concentrated around the collar which gives the ankle a very secure fit. I really adore this new change as it held up my ankle securely especially when I take sharp turns during my runs. And with the HydraMax foam within the collar and a new improve collar which is said to be a bit softer and less irritating on the Achilles region (not that I can feel over the K3), my ankle felt great!

FlexFilm "zebra stripes" around the collar region

The next major change will be the midsole, an upgrade from ProGrid to PowerGrid, a lighter, bouncier and more durable foam. Honestly speaking, this is rather a protection feature for those who strikes the ground on the heel. A 4mm heel to toe offset encourages mid to forefoot striking but do not forget that one does loose concentration at times especially when fatigue sets in. And that is when heel striking will generally come at times. With a cushy rear, it may just help with it. Personally for me, I didn't find this upgrade useful for me as I weight pretty light. However, it may come in handy for those who weight heavier. So yes, it's a positive upgrade here.

Midsole upgraded to PowerGrid

Same outsole pattern from the K3

So there you have it. Only some slight upgrades to a already magnificent shoe, a legend of its class in Saucony's stable. Nothing much has changed from the K3 and I certainly hope the successor K5 will retain most is DNA from here, perhaps securing the toe box a little.

I've used the K3 for my Comrades Marathon 2013 which fared really well and the K4 will most likely be my shoe of choice for the 2014 "Down" run edition. Just hope that next year's colourway which I've targeted will arrive just in time. *grin...

The Saucony Kinvara 4 is now available at all Saucony authorized dealers such as  Running Lab - Tropicana City Mall, selected RSH, Studio R  and Stadium stores nationwide retailing a recommended selling price of RM399.00.

This review pair of Saucony Kinvara 4 is given complimentary to me by RSH (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd as part of my sponsorship program with Saucony.