Comments on: Saucony Mirage Running Shoe Review

By: Steven Baskett

Steven Baskett — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks Pete, good to know, always good to check about the weight, not all runners are 70 kilo gazelles ;o)

By: Cindy

Cindy — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I have always worn cushioned neutral shoes. I tried a pair of Merrill minimalist shoes and they were too hard on my legs. I then tried Karhu Fast Fulcrum. That were even worse. So today I go to buy a pair of shoes and they recommend the Saucony Mirage. But reading the reviews it looks like another minimalist type shoe. I think I need more cushion. Will this shoe give me that ? Thanks

By: Andystreit

Andystreit — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I have just bought this shoe, indeed with the intention of making this "transition." I tried this shoe against the Green Silence which I wish I had also bought (funds are short!!). The rep didn't recommend the Silence based on my mileage and half marathon goals (it felt sooo nice-but it is a flat!!). He also didn't even let me look at the Kinvara (I pressume based on the fact that I am currently may be quite neutral but a heal striker nonetheless).

Having now done a run in them they feel quite firm obviously and less responsive than some Triumph 8s I had, but a pretty quick shoe nonetheless. I therefore have some questions.

1. Is the Kinvara more responsive and flexible vis-a-vis the Mirage?
2. Does the Mirage become more responsive once fully broken in?
3. Do you think the Kinvara would cause more problems were I still transitioning to more forefoot striking? I understand the heel to toe drop is similar but is the heel bigger in the Kinvara?
4. I also didn't really notice the medial post in the Mirage tbh. What are your thoughts on the necessity of this and is it more of a marketing tool to entice reluctant traditionalists into the market?

My conclusion: Why didn't I try the Kinvara!!

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Matt.

You may want to check out the inov-8 RoadX 233 or the NB Minimus Road. Both
have a wider toebox, but are a bit firmer than the Mirage.

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I like the mirage. It is a very comfortable feel, with a little more support than the Kinvara. It would be great for work where I am on my feet all day. The toe box is a little narrow, though. Do you know of a shoe with similar structure, but with a wider toebox?

By: Greg

Greg — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hi Pete

I am onto my second pair of Kinvaras (just bought the Kinvara 2s). I love the flexibility and midfoot cushioning (am a midfoot striker) and the ride is so very plush!

I am a lightweight at 60kgs but I do land on the blade of my foot where no lugs cover the EVA, so they wear quickly. I have used my Kinvara2s for a 5km and for my first marathon, and they have already started to shoe signs of wear.

I am thinking of buying a pair of Mirage's for training and saving the Kinvaras for races. I have tried on the Mirage's and they feel pretty close to the Kinvara's but they look like they are more durable. Otherwise back to my Lunar Racers.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Cenk.

If you're not having any problems with them on long runs, I think
they'd be fine in a marathon.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks for the review.

What is the heel-toe drop with the insole on the Mirages?

By: Cenk

Cenk — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hi Pete,
I've been running with the Asics GT 2160s but recently switched to the Mirage and they feel great. As an inexperienced runner I wanted to learn if the Mirage is enough shoe for an upcoming marathon (1st) or should I stick with a beefier shoe like the Asics for the marathon?

Thanks

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Steven Baskett.

IT's a pretty mild step down, if you take a gradual transition from one shoe to the other you shouldn't have too much trouble I don't think. Maybe some calf soreness due to the lower drop initially. Probably fine to mix the two shoes on different days at first.

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By: Cindy

Cindy — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Pete Larson.

Thanks. Am trying them tomorrow !

By: Steven Baskett

Steven Baskett — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hi Pete, I have only just come across this blog and wanted to ask your opinion about switching from Saucony Guide 5/6 to the Mirage instead.

I over-pronate but I suspect not as much as I use to, I have incorporated weight training and core training into my runs, I also swim and bike (Triathlon lover now). Are these shoes suited for someone over 84 kilos (185 lbs)? I really do feel like a stronger runner, I also have orthortics, so am I able to switch you think?

I am no longer a heel striker, more a mid foot striker.
The low heel drop sounds appealing to me.
Any help would be appreciated.