You wont get a concensus. Some love the kinvara 5 and some don't.
I had Kinvara 3 and like the 5 better. I also like the Brooks Pure Flow 2. Haven't tried the 3.

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I went with the Saucony Virrata after I ran out of Kinvara 2s. While it wasn't a lateral move from the Kinvara to the Virrata (4mm drop vs 0mm drop), it ended up being a good one. Personally, I found the Virrata to be more similar to the K2 than the K2 was to the K3. I can't comment on the K4 or K5 as I haven't run in them.

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I did kinvara 2's then 3's and then 4's and now I am on the 5's. I like the 5's the best since the 2's.

I tried out the Kinvara 4s and didn't like them. They just weren't comfortable on my foot. I read about some changes with the Kinvara 5 and gave them a try and they are one of the best pair of shoes I've ever ran in. I never had any of the older Kinvara models but others have also said the 5s are similar to the older versions.

I'm also a fan of the Brooks Pure. I like the Cadence for long runs and the Drift for 5k/intervals.

Good luck.

Brooks Pure Flow for me. And just ordered a pair of Hoka Cliftons to try out for longer runs as well.

I've just ordered my third pair of Kinvara 4's, quite like them, though I appreciate opinion is divided. I may be mistaken, but I think the toe box is slightly wider than the 2's, which has been my favourite shoe I've ever ran in.

I've quite liked the Mizuno Sayonara as a in-kind replacement of my Kinvaras. Give those a try!

I liked the 2s, then went to 3's which were ok, and while i didnt like the 4's at first I really do now. I usually run in shoes a version behind to grab clearance pricing (value oriented person), so I will be going to the Kinvara 5's next season. The 5's seem to have good reviews, despite being a big change from the 2's I think they would be worth a shot. Always hear good things on Brooks Pure line too.

I really like my 5's a lot better than my 4's, but never wore 2's. The 5's have a larger toe bow, softer padding have a less firm midsole and slightly better wear/durability. That being said, I'm trying out Hoka Cliftons once I get my ITB healthy again. Same weight, a lot more cushioning that might reduce leg fatigue quite a bit on long runs. I'd probably keep the Kinvaras in my arsenal for faster runs where I want more ground feel.

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I had a pair of the 1's and liked them. When the 2's came out I bought probably 6 pairs and didnt buy running shoes for 2 years. They were my favorite of all time. Once I couldnt buy those anyone, I tried 1 pair of the 3's and they were ok, not great, but not horrible. Then I tried the 4's, terrible. I thought I was going to have to find a new shoe for sure. I HATED them. But then the 5's came out, and wow. Best shoe I have ever worn. Couldnt be happier with them.

I had the exact opposite feeling. I went from the 2 to the 4 and pretty much couldnt fit my foot inside it. The toe box seemed so narrow on the 4. Crazy who personal a shoe can be.

This feedback is great, thank you all, and other please contribute.

It's amazing to see the difference of opinions across the Kinvara generations.

4's seem to be rather despised, with 5's apparently redeeming the brand somewhat.

Does anyone know when the next generation will be released?

I have run through 2-3 Kinvara 1, 4-5 Kinvara 2, and 4-5 Kinvara 3. I didn't run in the 4 but have 3 pairs of the 5 at the moment. The 5 is fantastic - I particularly like the increase in forefoot cushioning. I have also been running in the Adios Boost and like the heel cushioning but feel that the forefoot is a little harsh for longer miles. I have run marathons in both the Kinvara and the Adios Boost. I recently tried out the Clifton and it has quickly become my standard lunch run shoe (8-12k). My only knock on the Clifton is water absorption - in heavy rain it feels like your feet are swimming.

I generally buy one pair of a shoe and then after a few runs if I like the feel and fit I will go buy a couple more pairs (at a discount - buy one get one 1/2 price, etc.)

Don't know but when they do and the 5s get discounted, I plan on picking up 3-4 pair as cheap as I can find them.

It's Brooks Pureflow for me! I haven't tried the latest version, but I am getting ready to replace my shoes with a new pair. They are light, cushiony, responsive, snug, and nice looking. You really can't go wrong with these shoes.

The Kinvara 6's are due out in May 2015. Some of the 5's have had upper blow outs on the sides so im assuming the quick turnaround for the 6's are to fix this problem that some people have seen with the 5's.

In response to what I bolded above, I have ran in 5 pairs of Kinvaras,1 Kinvara 1, 2 Kinvara 2's and 2 Kinvara 4's and I like them all the same and love running in the 4's now. I have only ran in one pair of shoes that didn't work for me (Nike Lunaracer) so maybe I can fit into just about anything. The 4's are great for me though.

Fair enough, "despised" may be been an overstatement! :)

Hoka Cliftons for me

I still have a few Kinvara 2, 3 and 4 but I just use them in training (I swap shoes frequently to mix it up a bit)

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I agree with the other posters about the Kinvara 5. They are much better than the 4's. I have worn every rev that Saucony has developed and believe the 5 to be the best overall for my foot (wider toe box and better forefoot cushioning). I suffer with Morton's Neuroma. The 5's help me run virtually pain free.

No thats a fair word to use, for me at least

Awesome, thank you all.

I think my plan is to order a pair of Kinvara 5's to get me through the winter.
If I care for them, then buy multiple boxes after the 6's get released.

In five years I can see my next question being "Are the Kinvara 11's as good as the Kinvara 5's?"!

On running.
Still pissed at saucony for killing off 2's.

Liked the 4s. Loved the 5s. But will probably not go back to Kinvaras after switching to the Hoka Clifton. Ended up buying 3 pairs after trying them.

Virratas. Love them, very similar to the Kinvaras but zero drop. I also picked up a pair of Topo ST's and I really like those too. Less cushioning than Kinvara/Virrata but they fit like a glove.

Did two IM's with the Kinvara 2's. Same deal where I bought a couple of them all at once. I have since switched to the Altra Provisions and couldn't be happier. The only complaint is that they are a bit heavier than the Kinvara's were.

I loved the Kinvaras but converted to the Cortana last year. More cushioned version of the Kinvara. Everything you love about Saucony with a low drop.

This thread has given me a lot of food for thought, just had a phone call to say the Kinvara 4's I ordered are no longer in stock, rather than shopping around for another pair, I'm tempted to try something new...or just go with the 5's? They aren't cheap though- £90+ in the UK!

I was looking at the Kinvara 4 on the http://www.sportsshoes.co.uk website today and they have lots of stock from 7-12 minus a couple of half sizes so may be worth a look. They are fifty quid.

Second this...Went a little more padding with the Cortanas for a better training shoe. Still have the kinvaras to race in but rarely grab them because the cortana is the perfect blend for me! Great family of shoes though

This is where I shop for them, and I'm a size 11.5
The Cortana is on my shortlist

Hmmm... maybe I'll have to have a look, although a Cortana, isn't that an old Toyota model? ;)

Mizuno Sayonara's are pretty sweet and similar. Brooks pureflow. Asics is coming out with a new shoe similar but I forget the name. Nike LunarRacer can also be another choice.

So just a quick update to resurrect this thread.

I ended up buying three pairs of Kinvara 5's today for US$150 with free shipping. I'll post again to give my thoughts.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback, any thoughts about the Kinvara 6's?

Let us know how in your opinion the 5's compare to the 2's.
In similar situation.

Thanks!

I can't notice any difference between the kinvara 5 and 6.

I just got back to training after taking a year and a half off due to our first kid, move and job change all within a year. I just bought the 6s after running in the 3s for a few years. I'm very happy with them and they are very comfy! I think running without socks will be much better, but havent tried it yet.

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Looks like the Zealot is sockless? Anyone confirm this?

I still wouldn't go sockless in Kinvara.

I love the Zealot. But, for me, it's not a sockless shoe. I felt around the inside of it and pointed to where the tongue is attached and told my sister (she manages the running store), it won't be a sockless shoe. Nevertheless, I did a sprint aquathlon and wore them sockless. Sure enough, it put a hole right on top of my big toe's first knuckle.

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That's how I felt about the Brooks Green Silence. Bought 4 boxes and last year went through my pair. I haven't seen the Kinvara 2 on any outlets like RoadRunner either, sucks! Those were great shoes.

Hoka - Like running with de-boned kitten insoles. Turn feet into veal, not very responsive, induce poor form, feet hurt after 8-10 miles.
Newtons - Actuator lugs irritating after 7-8 miles, before that I love them.
Saucony - Peregrines are my fave all-time trails shoes, tempted to use them on road.
Asics - Best fit for me, ugly and expensive. Tempted to try their new Tri shoe?
Nike - Look good, fall apart fast, don't fit well and mostly just wear because they're sexy.

So I guess I'm also wondering what to get for half-Mary's and longer training runs on road?

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“Bloom wherever you are planted"

really cool to see on the kinvara fans here!

i've been dedicated to them for the past few years.

i've had the kinvara 2s, 4s, and now 5s.