giorgitd wrote:
What Zoot model(s) did you use? Many remain plentiful - and inexpensive - on Amazon and at resellers such as Shoebacca (no relationship with any of these three companies). I run often in Solana ACR and also race and fast train occasionally in the TT. Overall, I think that the Solana are fairly similar to Saucony Kinvara - the Kinvara are generally run a tiny bit larger, especially in the toebox -
And I've been running in the Kinvara since the original and have a 4 and 7 right now (the 4 is pretty worn, but I prefer it to the 7...). But I like Zoots enough to have just purchased three more a couple of weeks ago - another pair of Solana ACR (my current pair still looks great at about 300 mi, but I expect this winter (northern hemisphere) will kill them (ACR = all conditions running, so includes a waterproof membrane - less flexibility and certainly less breathable - but great for winter!). I also bought a 'regular' pair of Solana 2 and a pair of Del Mar - the Del Mar are still neutral, but a bigger drop and more cushion / more shoe than the Solana. I've run in them three times and like them for what they are - pretty plush, maybe a bit heavy for what they provide. I don't have a good comparison for a non-Zoot equivalent of the Del Mar. BUT...the sum total of these three pairs was $105. And I had a $20 off $100 at Shoebacca. And I use one of these online cash rebates that provided 6% for this purchase (on the $105!). Free shipping. So, if you can find a Zoot model that fits your needs - about $75 for three pairs of shoes...
I just wanted to agree with your assessment of the Kinvara 4. I have run in every Kinvara from the original and the best one ever was the 4. I had three pairs of the 4 and have been conserving the last surviving pair for races only.... they are about dead.
If Saucony were to put the upper from the 4 on their new mid-sole technology they would have a hit on their hands.
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Jason
None of the secrets of success will work unless you do.