There are 3 basic keys to becoming a better athlete: proper nutrition, appropriate shoes, and constant motivation.  Keeping your mind and body healthy will allow you to train more consistently and effectively, which makes you better.  These weekly reviews aim to educate readers on product available to fullfil their key requirements.

 Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 2

This could be the easiest review of all time: the first Kinvara was great, and this year's update is great.  Period.

The Kinvara 2 is a unique member of the minimalist catagory of running-specific footwear.  It is a neutral shoe with the life-span and impact-cushioning of a full trainer, but checks in at 7.7 oz (about  30% lighter than comparable choices).  The 4mm drop from heel to forefoot is a third of what a normal shoe would measure, meaning it is flatter under the foot and will allow you to run more naturally by complimenting a middle or forefoot strike.  The Kinvara's excellent cushioning, which is normally non-existant in any minimal shoe, also accomodates heel-strikers.

I personally use this shoe for all types of trail running and racing and find the ride and traction to be more than sufficient.  It lacks the rubber to grip effectively on wet rocks, but be honest, can any shoe really keep you from falling if you hit a wet rock wrong?  So that shortcoming is hardly a sticking point, especially compared to it's stellar performance on dry trail.  Interestingly, this shoe can be worn with or without socks depending on how much rain or water you expect to encounter on the run.  That could save you some soggy weight during the run but if you have a history of blisters grab some Vaseline or BodyGlide before going sock-less.

My initial concern with the original Kinvara was the lifespan, but one of my pairs has eclipsed 300 miles and still feels just fine out on the run.  The last on the Kinvara 2 is essentially unchanged so I expect the same longevity from the newest offering from Saucony. 

This shoe can be worn for speedwork or long runs, whatever you feel like.  I've worn Kinvara in everything from 800m track repeats to the road Marathon, and ran them through the jungles of Hawaii to a 4th place overall finish at the XTERRA Trail Run World Championships.  This shoe can do it all if you use them as a minimal shoe should be used (up to 45% of total weekly milage).

Bottom line, if you're in the market for a lightweight trainer the Kinvara 2 should be on your testdrive list.  It is racing-flat light with full trainer life and cushioning, and minimalist mechanics... what's not to love about that?

*All past reviews are archived in my blog history.

*The opinions expressed in my reviews are scientifically and pragmatically founded, but are solely my own and should not be taken as the position of the manufacturers, authors, or representatives of products/prints/companies reviewed by me.