Just ran my first run in these shoes and I really like them.
I typically focus on shoes that are lightweight but provide support for a slight overpronator. Softer shoes tend to feel like they are absorbing some good energy from my stride (whether real or precieved), so I tend to run in firmer shoes. As a benchmark, I have done most of my training in the New Balance 905s for the past year and a half, and I have raced in the Brooks ST4 and more recently the Mizuno Musha. The NB 905 is the right amount of stability, in a fairly lightweight package.
I have only done one run in them, but so far, it feels like the Saucony Mirage has a very similar amount of stability to the NB 905, is noticably lighter, but also provides quite a bit more cushioning. As previously noted, I feel like a lot of softer, more cusioned shoes feel like they are taking energy out of my stride, but these shoes do not give that feeling at all. The cushioning actually gives a very positive rebound of energy rather than absorption of energy. Not sure how to explain this, but this is the first time I have really felt it in a shoe and I really liked the feeling.
Other observations are that the shoe is a bit higher volume than most shoes that I have been wearing. I have the correct size, but the toe box in particular is very roomy. This is going to take some getting used to for me, but it should not be an issue. The lack of heel rise is also quite noticable in this shoe as compared to the NB 905. I got used to this very quickly while running and didnt really notice it after a few miles, but it was very evident when standing in the shoe. I am also wondering about the durability of the shoe. The sole is quite exposed and it remains to be seen how long it will hold up. It will also be interesting to see how long the cushioning retains the positive rebound feeling.
Good info. I noticed you have run in the both the ST-4 and the Musha. Do you have any feedback on these shoes? I currently have the ST-4s and was thinking about switching to the Musha.
Musha is quite a bit less shoe than the ST4 and the heel drop is very noticeable. As I said, I like a firmer shoe, but the Musha is about as firm as I would go. Almost no cushioning, so if you run with any heel strike or get sloppy at longer distances, the Musha is probably not meant for you. Personally, I need just a little bit more stability and cushion than the Musha offers and I wouldn’t go longer than 10-15k in them, but it is a fast shoe for shorter distance.
Let us know how long they last. A big issue I had with the Kinvara (and others did based on posts) was that the cushioning would break down too early. This just put fire on injuries I had. I thought I got about 250 miles on them, but looking back at my training log, it was 150 before they started break down…and I’m a smaller guy (5’9 145 lbs).
I take it you have run in both shoes. Does the Speedstar 5 have a similar amount of support as the Mirage? I was under the impression that the Speedstar was more minimal.
Also, I hate to categorize a whole brand of shoe, but I have generally not liked the feel of Asics. Just a personal preference, but they always feel mushy to me. Asics are the worst offender in terms of absorbing positive energy of my footstrike (whether real or precieved) that I mentioned in my original post. Is the cushioning in the Speedstar’s different than the DS Trainer / Racer (neither of which I have liked)?
Just looking for a bit more feedback to support your assertion that they are superior in every way.
i’ve been waiting to try these on for a few months. the running team i train with doesn’t have them at their stores yet. there’s a couple stores in town that have them but i won’t buy from them. so i’m still waiting. i really like the kinvaras. i also have not had much luck with asics as a whole. i can never wear the ds trainers yet can wear all the similar shoes from other brands.
Nice, thanks for the info. My Mirages are arriving UPS tomorrow; I’ll do a short run in them on Saturday. From everything I’ve heard/seen this is going to be a great shoe for me, I really like a smaller heel/toe drop. However I ran about 10 miles over two runs in the Kinvaras and they just about destroyed my feet, so I’m a little skeptical. Right now I’m in the DS-Trainers and I love them, but would like a little less, if you know what I mean.
I was really looking forward to these. Got them a few weeks ago to determine that there just isn’t enough support in these to counter my overpronation. Not a knock against the shoe…just my feet.