My Running Shoe Search…

I have primarily ran in Saucony Kinvaras for about 2 years now.  I have a couple other shoes in the rotation, but Kinvaras are my primary distance and race shoes.  I am always a little nervous/excited when a new model comes out.  I started in the Kinvara 3 and loved the changes and have worn through about 5 pairs of the Kinvara 4.   The Kinvara 5 just came out at the beginning of May.  I got a pair and was excited to give them a try since I was in need of a new pair of running shoes.

I love the lightweight minimal style of the Saucony Kinvara, but that also means they wear out a lot quicker.  I feel happy if I can get 200 miles out of a pair.  I put on the Kinvara 5 and was getting ready for my run and I noticed they were “eating” my socks. (Meaning my socks were getting pulled down the heel).  I was a little worried and thought that maybe it was those socks so I changed to a different pair and it still did it.

I immediately took them off and put back in the box to return them.  The heel area of the Kinvara 5 is completely different than the Kinvara 4.  While I’m sure some people like this change, I am really bummed about it.  I am now starting the process of finding a new shoe to wear.

I got the lost pair of Kinvara 4s in my size at my running store to hold me over in the mean time.  I’m sure I could stock up on them from buying online, but the reality is I need to find a new shoe so let the process begin.  I have a pair of the New Balance 1600s on their way to my home.  I’m also hoping thinking it might be fun to change it up and play around a little bit.  I am going to be trying the Brooks Ghost 6.  I still love the Asics Gel Lyte 33 3 that I have and will probably be getting a new pair of those soon.

Has anyone else run into serious issues with changes to “YOUR” shoe when the new model came out?