Shoe Of The Week: Special Edition Saucony Kona Kinvara 5
Saucony has continued to revise the popular Kinvara lightweight trainer without messing with any of its best features.
Saucony has continued to revise the popular Kinvara lightweight trainer without messing with any of its best features. The new Kinvara 5 has been revamped with a new mesh upper that offers a more snug, athletic fit while also serving up greater flexibility and durability than previous editions. It also utilizes a similar but slightly updated outsole and midsole package as in previous versions—made with a more abrasion-resistant enhanced EVA material and has a few more small sections of durable rubber on the outsole. Also, a new plushly lined collar helps keep the heel in place with comfort. It has the same lightweight, low-to-the-ground feel with plenty of soft cushioning and a low heel-toe offset. Like the previous versions, the Kinvara 5 feels light and runs light with a very smooth heel-toe transition and supple-flexing demeanor, but this version feels ever-so-slightly softer than Kinvara 4.
For the second year in a row, Saucony is making a special version of the Kinvara for its pro athletes and age-group competitors in the 2014 Ironman World Championship on Oct. 11 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. By reserving a pair in an advanced online sale through Kona Beach & Sports beginning Sept. 3, age-group qualifiers will be invited to an exclusive Luau Launch Party on Oct. 8 in Kona, where they will pick up their shoes and be able to share the evening with Saucony’s elite athletes. A limited amount of the Kona Kinvara 5 will also be available at Saucony.com beginning Oct. 8.
Price: $110
Weights: 7.7 oz. (men’s), 6.7 oz. (women’s)
Heel-Toe Offset: 22mm (heel), 18mm (forefoot)
Info: Konabeachandsports.com/kinvara/