Saucony Women's Kinvara 4 Running Shoe

I had read on several blogs and websites that the Kinvara was a good running shoe. I was able to try one on in a nearby store and really liked how they felt so I went ahead and ordered a pair. From the moment I put them on, I knew these were gonna be great! They are really comfortable and I've run several times in them and love love love them!! The only issue I have is that the back part where the heel is comes up higher than my other shoes, so it took a couple times to get used to the shoe hitting me higher up on my heel (I had a small blister). But now that my feet are used to the higher reach, it feels great, no problems.These shoes are really light, they have plenty of cushioning, but are more flat from heel to toe than other shoes I've worn. My calves were a little sore the first couple times I wore them but I think that's great, means I'm using muscles I didn't have to use before. These are the best running shoes I've had so far...love them! And they come in fun colors :)I would definitely suggest ordering a half size up from your regular shoes.

First ordered the 8.5, which is the size I wore in the Exite 5 shoe by Saucony. As soon as I put it on, I realized it was really tight in the toe box. It was just long enough, but the pressure on the sides of my foot was uncomfortable. Returned the shoe and bought the size 9, which was a better fit. They felt a little snug in width at first, but after a few runs they feel perfect. The material of the shoe upper is not stretchy, so I can't totally explain why they'd feel different, other than that they are capable of being broken in slightly. They are very light, comfortable, and perfect for transitioning to forefoot running. Go up a half size if you are moving away from a cushy running shoe!

Take this review with a grain of salt since I've only owned about 3 pairs of running shoes in my life, and bought these after my old ones literally started falling apart (like parts of the sole were disintegrating and falling out onto the street during my runs). Have only used these to run 5-10km on asphalt jogging paths and treadmills, can't vouch for longer distances.Lightest and airiest pair of running shoes that I have ever owned. Feels more flexible and less rigidly structured than my old shoes, which I actually like, but they still seem to provide a solid amount of arch support since I'm not noticing any foot pain in comparison to my old shoes. Slightly less shock absorption, but not a substantial difference.I'm not a crazy hardcore gung-ho runner, I just needed a pair of shoes that work and these have held up well for half a year so far. Colour is bright but not obnoxious, kind of a nice coral/salmon. Quite satisfied for the price.

I just bought my second pair of Kinvara 4s and will continue to buy them until they are no longer made. Both this pair and the last one I bought required virtually no breaking in - one or two runs and they fit like a glove. They are light, don't rub, and any joint pain I used to experience while running disappeared when I switched to these shoes. I am a forever fan.HOWEVER! It should be noted that if you are a long-distance runner, these shoes do not last very long. I've just barely hit the 300-mile mark since buying my first pair and they are pretty much done. I know you're supposed to change that often anyway, but I've had shoes that have made it nearly to 400 miles just fine. I think it's worth it, but that's just me. Also, buy a half-size up - these shoes run a bit small.CLIFF NOTES:- Comfortable fit- Light- Runs small- Little breaking in required- Lasts ~300 miles

I purchased some men's Saucony's at a discount store years ago. Don't know the model, but I'm sure they were old. The support and fit were fantastic! I have been hooked on Saucony's ever since. I ordered a pair online from a major mall retailer and they didn't fit. It was a nightmare trying to return them. I had not been able to find any I could try in walking into a store since I wear a women's 12.It was awesome to find Saucony Kinvara 4 at a discount on Amazon. I was sure of my size. The package arrived the day before my race. I know you are not supposed to wear new shoes to a race, but these were good to go right out of the box. OMG! I cannot tell you how good they feel on my feet in words. The support at the arch and heel is amazing! The toe box is roomy so you have no rubbing on your big toenail. Although not scientifically proven these make me go much faster. The reviews on Kinvara 4s were high. I was not disappointed. I will be buying another pair or two from Amazon.Coming home from the race I made a stop and had an old European runner stop me and tell me what a nice shoe it was. The color is fantastic! Not as cartoony blue as the photo.