Comments on: Saucony Kinvara 4 – A Disappointing Update

By: Erich

Erich — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 01:05:59 +0000

Man, if you didn’t like the 4 you must hate the 5! The 4 is the best running shoe I’ve worn. The 5 is something from the Spanish Inquisition. I was airborne infantry in the 1980s using surplus combat boots from the Korean war so I know about foot torture. The 5 should be enough to put Saucony out of business.

By: dt1973

dt1973 — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 22:58:26 +0000

This product is called Shoe Armour and prevents toe holes in running shoes. I had this problem with all my running shoes. Now I use this product and I don’t get holes anymore!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TGI2JAG

By: Mike R.

Mike R. — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 16:40:09 +0000

I’m a couple years behind the current Kinvara, always buying old versions for cheap.

I’ve gone through 8+ pairs of Kinvara 2s and 3s and my newest 3s are getting pretty tired so I’m looking to upgrade to 4s. Disappointed to read this latest review, but for $45 shipped, I’ll try a pair.

Not sure if I need a wide toe box and I’m hoping the same size I’ve been wearing in the 2s and 3s fit (size 11).

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 20 May 2014 20:19:50 +0000

In reply to Maria. My wife has done well with Hoka Bondi's and Altra Torin. The Altras in particular have a nice wide toebox.

By: Maria

Maria — Fri, 16 May 2014 20:05:53 +0000

Great review of these shoes and so glad I read it! You mentioned your wife’s foot condition., and I suffer the same – have bought and returned more pairs of shoes than I can count. I wondered if you would mind sharing any brands and models of shoes that she has found comfortable. The pain I get in my toes is crippling when they feel squeezed and I limp for a few days afterward.
thanks!

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 18:06:16 +0000

In reply to Ran. Kinvara 5 is coming any day now, and supposedly that fit issue has been addressed. Hope to have a pair soon. You could try something like a Skechers GoRun Ride, NB 1400v2, or maybe one of the Brooks Pure shoes.

By: Ran

Ran — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 20:55:41 +0000

almost bought a pair of K4’s on clearance at runningwarehouse, but after reading this, cancelled and got another pair of K3’s. Curious – for someone who has loved their K2/3’s – what would you recommend for a very similar shoe…if I can’t travel down the Kinvara line anymore, I’m going to have to experiment again (ugh!).

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 15:43:16 +0000

In reply to Lauren. No problem Lauren! Apparently the K5 addresses this, we'll see!

By: Lauren

Lauren — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 10:38:15 +0000

Thank you so much for writing this. It explains exactly what I’ve been frustrated about with K4. My favorite shoe ever was K2, I ran very well in that model. I disliked the K3, and took a chance with the K4, but you are so right – that material RIPPED on both shoes, right by my pinky toes within the first month, and I was only doing about 8-10 miles per week during that snowy month! I think I may have to switch shoes, sadly, after years of being a kinvara devotee. Thanks for your article.

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 21:53:13 +0000

In reply to jena. Maybe something like the Asics Gel Lyte33, Mizuno Hitogami, or Skechers GoRun Ride 3. If you can handle zero drop, the Altra The One2 is coming next month and is another good Kinvara alternative with a huge toebox.

By: jena

jena — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 01:11:04 +0000

I found your site when I googled about the Kinvara 4 making my feet go numb. I loved the 3s, but just got the 4s about 3 weeks ago and they are awful. I’m so disappointed in their quality, yet relieved to know it’s not just me.
Is there a comparable shoe out there with a wider forefoot? I liked everything else about them (aside from relative durability), so these ones being too tight is a bummer.

By: alex

alex — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 23:49:36 +0000

Has anybody tried the K4 in 2E width yet? It seems worth a try.