Running Warehouse just posted three new video previews of soon-to-be-released shoes from Saucony: the Saucony Kinvara 3, Saucony Kinvara TR (a trail Kinvara!), and a lace up Saucony Hattori LC. I was fortunate to receive a pair of the Kinvara 3’s earlier this week, and runners will be pleased to hear that it retains the same great feel of earlier versions of the Kinvara, while adding a touch of durability to the sole (and it looks really nice…). Of these, I have to say I’m probably most excited about the Hattori – loved the feel of the original, but the upper just did not work well for me – hoping the laces improve the fit. Anyway, here are the videos:
Saucony Kinvara 3
Saucony Kinvara TR
Saucony Hattori LC
About Peter Larson
I’ve been intrigued by the Hattori for a while. The original felt pretty good to me, but I’m wondering how breathable the upper is and how necessary are the reinforcements on the sole. Considering that the shoe is zero-drop and meant for short distances, is the pad on the heel meant to protect against an accidental heel strike?
I think it’s meant to accommodate people who will never run in them – walking can do a number on exposed EVA.
hmm mixed feelings about the Kinvara3 looks =/
Been using Kinvara 2 (now 2nd pair) for a while partly thanks to you praising them so hard. A really nice shoe, but sad they’re not lasting that long..! So the 3s are told to be more durable, but as the 2s doesn’t do it for me on other than asphalt really, it seems the TR could be the perfect shoe, all around.. Looking forward to your review ;)
I’m not too happy about this. I have finally found the perfect shoe for me (Kinvara 2), and now being a typical shoe company they can’t help themselves but take their winning formula and go and change it. Time to stock up on 2’s at clearance prices!
You won’t see a huge difference in the feel of the K3 I don’t think. Only one run in them so far for me, but they feel great.
I’ve been seeing conflicting dates for the release of the K3. Anyone happen to know the real date? I’ve heard May, but the videos suggest Fall 2012. The Kinvara TR looks interesting as well, but I’m wondering with the rock plate, how flexible it is. Pete, have you tried the La Sportiva Vertical K’s?
No, have not tried the Vertical K’s. I do like the La Sportiva X-Country though.
I’m surprised they didn’t change up the sole on the Hattori’s after all the criticism they got from the minimalist crowd on where they put the rubber.
I actually don’t have too much problem with the rubber location – heel pod helps if you plan to walk in the shoe, and the pod under the big toe helps with friction at pushoff (it’s where I tend to see most of my wear these days). Lateral forefoot is highly variable – I know some people who destroy that area, but I’ve discussed the lack of rubber in this are with several companies and they all tell me that wear testing does not typically show excessive wear in the lateral forefoot. Now, that could be because their wear testers are not forefoot strikers, but I can say that even when I do forefoot strike I tend not to wear down this area. It all depends on how the foot is moving relative to the ground just before contact. I also worry that adding harder rubber in this area might make for a harsher forefoot landing…
Well, if you like thé Peregrine, why considering thé kinvara tr?