The Saucony ProGrid Kinvara was dubbed one of the hottest shoes since its introduction in 2010. Building upon its success is the Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 2. The Kinvara 2 is nearly identical from its predecessor, not much was altered with the latest update. The upper is tweaked. It now has an improved toe box, though fit and feel will be similar to the original.

The changes come to the internal frame that hugged the upper to the foot. It has shifted a bit and been extended over the top of the toebox, whereas the original had nothing but mesh wrapping the toebox. The small lace anchor at the bottom of the lacing system has grown a bit larger. The net effect is to give the shoe a more tailored fit and structured look.

The Kinvara 2 is still lightweight and still has a relatively low heel, only a 4mm drop from heel to forefoot. The midsole still consists of injection-molded EVA surrounding Saucony’s ProGrid Lite, which is lighter and twenty percent more responsive than EVA.

The ProGrid Lite provides a certain amount of rebound as well as a centering of the heel during the heel-strike phase of the gait.

The outsole is made up of triangular-shaped patterns that absorbs and dissipates shock upon impact. Only high-wear areas are covered with rubber material with carbon-rubber thread to lessen the weight while still providing enough durability for the shoe.

Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 2 is highly recommended for runners seeking a transition shoe for minimal running. This pair has a price list of $90 and is a great buy for neutral-footed runners who are interested in speed workouts as well. A very good alternative to speedsters or racers for training.

Is your Size Available? – Saucony Men and Women

Overall, the Kinvara 2 is mostly a cosmetic update with a few added features in the upper. The latest Kinvara 2 will definitely please many of the fans of the original version because of the unchanged state that they had loved and will continue to appeal more with the new upper design. Fans of the original version can pretty much expect the same performance with the Kinvara 2.

Saucony joins the shoe trend by designing a minimalist shoe, they create lighter and faster running sneakers. The long wait is over with the introduction of Saucony Hattori. This shoe offers a zero-drop, 10mm midsole height, and 4.5 ounces in weight for a men’s size 9. The new Hattori is the most minimal model in the Saucony line and one of the great contenders to other shoe manufacturers trying to break into the minimalist philosophy.

Following the minimal design, the upper features air mesh with soft suede overlays. It is very snug without the tied-down-to-blocks feeling. The materials also stretch and follow the shape and the movement of the foot. The lacing system from previous versions was dumped and replaced with two velcro straps; one for closure and another on the heel for additional customized fit without being too restrictive.

One thing to notice about this shoe is the sole. The sole is mostly solid EVA that is notched to provide extra flexibility much like the popular Kinvara series. Some testers are skeptical with the shoe’s durability especially with the zero-drop that means a lot of midfoot and forefoot striking. The outsole has XT-900 protective rubber on the heel and the area under the big toe, which doesn’t reinforce well because minimalists tend to forefoot strike and not heel strike.

Some testers and reviewers are bummed about the midsole’s thickness. For a minimalist shoe, 10mm is a bit thick. It loses the ground feel that minimalist runners are looking for. Nevertheless it still offers enough protection for the runners, a nice touch for people transitioning into minimal running.

For runners who are picky with styles, Saucony Hattori comes in ten different colors, 5 for men and 5 for women, plenty of options to choose from. Some reviewers find the Hattori a new alternative for flip-flops. Definitely the new Hattori will be a part of a fashion statement.

$10 Off, Check too if they have your size on discount – Men and Women.

Overall, this minimalist shoe is recommended for runners seeking a more “barefoot” running experience. The Saucony Hattori has a list price of $80, a reasonable price for running close to barefoot without the discomfort of road hazards.

The Reebok Premier Zigfly is designed to minimize work performed by the runner’s leg muscle for an easier, longer and farther run without sacrificing speed. With this update, Reebok goes toward a different end when it comes to designing shoes. Other shoe companies design their trainers in a more minimalist way, but Reebok begs to differ.

For one, this footwear features an outsole that is lightweight and absorbs more shock especially in the heel, while spreading it through the zigzags. This is called the ZigTech energy return and cushioning technology. This design helps reduce muscle fatigue on shins and leave the runner’s legs feeling energized. On the heel area of the outsole is a carbon rubber unit that gives the shoe more durability and traction especially on heel strike. From heel to toe of the outsole are flex grooves that gives the shoe flexibility throughout the ride.

The upper features ZigNano cushioning. It is a combination of synthetic and mesh that ensures comfort, support, breathability and durability. The SmoothFit smooth seam upper offers ultimate in comfort with minimal irritation, lesser risk for runners to get blisters. The SmoothFit technology is also responsible for the shoe’s slimmer profile. Reebok uses their PlayDry moisture wicking material for the inner lining of the shoe, giving the runner’s foot a cleaner, cooler and more comfortable environment. The upper is completed with reflective accents outside for low light visibility during dusk and dawn runs.

Testers and reviewers love the comfortable ride this shoe gives and highly recommends it to other runners looking for a cushioned ride without the feeling of too much bulkiness. They also find this shoe very reasonably priced for the kind of performance they are getting for the pair. Not only on performance, but many testers love the shoe’s style. The zigzag outsoles, although a little unconventional, and the various color options gave the shoe some thumbs up from runners who also values fashion. One thing to worry about though, is that little rocks can get lodged through those wedges, but it can be easily removed.

The Reebok Premier Zigfly retails for $99.99 but can be found cheaper online.

We saw it on sale for as low as $70 for Men and $75 for Women.

Overall, the Reebok Premier Zigfly is a smart choice for runners who want performance (specifically that of the shock absorption kinds) of a non-traditional good looking cushioned shoe.

“Running is nothing more than a desire to be faster and to enjoy the freedom of finding one’s natural rhythm”. This ideology comes from the world’s fastest runners, the Jamaicans, and this is the principle Puma has in mind in developing the Faas series. The latest addition, the Faas 500, features the Puma technologies to make runners run faster without restrictions.

The Puma Faas 500 boasts of its BioRide Technology. It has three biomechanical and performance-enhancing categories: rocker, flex and groove. The rocker is the shape of the midsole for a smoother touchdown and an effortless toe-off. The flex is the grooves in key zones for natural feet movement and added responsiveness. Lastly, the groove is the line around the midsole for stability that responds to each runner’s needs. The three combinations give the shoe a natural and comfortable ride.

Users commend the Puma Faas Lab at making the Faas 500 comfortable compared to their running shoe before. Testers that are not used to the Puma ride were a little skeptical at first but they are won over after trying on the trainers for a few miles. The responsive ride of the Faas 500 is immediately notice. They shoe is true to its size and is comfortable right out of the box.

Puma Faas has a cushioning scale ranging from 100 to 1000. The lower the number on the scale, the more shoe is on the minimalist side. This pair is a 500 on the scale, therefore it has more cushioning. This is especially good for runners looking for a transition shoe, especially those who used highly cushioned trainers before.

Wear-testers and testers also appreciate the trendy Puma trainers. During the use of this pair, they are getting a few glances from other runners because of the vibrant colors of the shoe and its overall design. The shoes are very great for everyday use as they are very fashionable.

Check if you size is available where we found it for less. Check Men’s and Women’s.

Overall the Puma Faas 500 is a fantastic running shoe without the familiar rings and whistles of a traditional running shoe. This racing shoe retails for $100 USD but can be bought cheaper in online stores. It is recommended as a casual trainer for efficient runners. The Puma Faas 500 is a smart choice for runners looking for a comfortable running shoe with a natural responsive ride or those seeking a lightweight minimalist shoe.

A new addition to the neutral shoe market is the New Balance 890. New Balance seeks to stay competitive by stripping down the shoes without sacrificing the quality.

With the advent of the New Balance 890 is the debut of a new cushioning technology, the RevLite. Wear-testers appreciate the responsiveness of RevLite, with the balanced softness and firmness. Testers agree that the RevLite adapted very well with the foot strike.

The NB 890 is light enough to assist in speedwork and tempo runs. Wear-testers agree that the shoe feels like a racing flat. Even if it’s lightweight, the cushioning is substantial enough to hold up during the constant pounding of a long run

The shoe has a heel to toe drop of 12mm giving the runner more protection on the rearfoot. Compared to the traditional design of previous models, New Balance dropped the sides of the heel and raised the back slightly for a more secure heel.

The sole of the NB 890 features a thin carbon rubber outsole which is very durable and the diamond grooves designed to save weight do not pick up rocks when training on gravel or trails. The arch is made flat to assist with forefoot or midfoot striking. Instead of a plastic bar running across the midfoot, New Balance created a diagonal lines in the sole. Not only does it reduce the weight of the shoe, but it also adds up to the gait efficiency.

The upper of the NB 890 consists of overlays that keep the shoe’s snug fit yet not uncomfortable for long distances. It also gives the wearer the impression of being tied down to the shoe. Another great thing is the flat laces, which keeps the laces tied, without putting much pressure on the topline of the foot.

Moreover, young runners will be enthusiastic about the sport because of the New Balance 890. The company tags the platforms to professional athletes who would be gracing the line. Namely, they are British Olympian Andrew Baddeley for the men’s line and American Olympian Jenny Simpson for the women’s.

10% Sale Check Sizes: Men’s and Ladies.

Overall, the New Balance 890 retailing for $100 is a great choice for high-mileage runners looking for lightweight trainers. It can also be a transition shoe for runners looking for a minimalist running shoe. This shoe has the perfect blend of lightweight and construction technology.

Adidas CC Chill got its name from the new Adidas Technology called Climacool. The Climacool Technology is basically made up of a breathable air mesh 360 degrees throughout the shoe’s upper. It lets runners feet breathe easily stride after stride in this running shoe.

The Climacool ventilation system is really appreciated by runners who run on warm weather. The upper has synthetic leather overlays on the medial and the lateral side of the shoe that keeps it sturdier. And if that is not enough, the fabric lining of the shoe is non-woven that means it provided runners with extra comfort.

The Climacool Chill received great feedbacks because of the maximum breathability. It keeps their feet cool, a huge plus for users who have sweaty feet or those who tend to run when the sun is up. Literally, they feel the air on their foot for every transition. Because it is lightweight and highly breathable, some users even wear these shoes for everyday use.

The adiPRENE+ on the forefoot is responsible in giving the runner added propulsion and responsiveness. With this kind of material, the shoe is more bouncy and it returns more energy back to the runners’ legs for every stride, one feature of the CC Chill that wear-testers and reviewers love. The Adidas CC Chill has a perforated sockliner that increases the overall breathability of the shoe. Lastly, the outsole is made up of a non-marking adiWEAR outsole that has enhanced traction and durable properties. These incorporated technologies make the CC Chill very flexible.

Users and testers reported that the CC Chill needs breaking in. It is recommended to patiently and gradually transition with the shoe. Because of the minimalist design, less cushioning is used therefore some runners may feel the consequences of their improper form when running. They also recommended buying the shoe a half-size up. The shoes are a little narrow, a little snug especially for those with wide feet.

Deals we Found
Men’s – 19% OFF – Check if Your Size is Available
Ladies – 15% OFF – Check if Your Size is Available

The Adidas CC Chill retails for $75 USD, a bargain price for a very comfortable ride. These shoe features a minimalist design, bringing runners to a more barefoot experience without the danger of road injuries.

The New Balance 759 is a favorite of the high mileage runner seeking a true cushioned trainer. With the latest update, 880, New Balance maintains the great fit, performance and ride for this version with only slight reconfigurations.

This update has an increased blown rubber on the outsole near the forefoot area to create a longer-lasting durability and more cushioned ride. A small shank is added to the outsole to keep the foot in contact with the ground longer. The midfoot area is also restructured by reducing the Stability Web on the midsole for a smoother transition through each step. To disperse shock more efficiently through midstance, the crash pads on the heel unit are slightly tweaked. The materials on the Achilles notch are reduced for a more snug midfoot wrap keeping the foot from slipping and sliding. The New Balance 880 offers N-ergy gel units in the heel for plenty of cushioning that disperses impact forces. The upper is made up of a larger open mesh for breathability and strategically placed overlays for midfoot hold. Finally, the overall weight of the 880 has been reduced from its predecessor.

The 880 still features the full-length ABZORB that maximizes shock absorption. The C-CAP on the midsole provides excellent cushioning and support. The heel is made up of Dual Density Collar foam for a snug yet comfortable heel fit.

Testers would love the 880’s transition. The Stability Web aside from reducing the weight of the shoe really delivers the midfoot support and gives the 880 a smoother ride. Also, this shoe has a generous amount of cushioning which means plenty of protection for runners. Testers find the 880 cushioned and plush enough without feeling too bulky.

The New Balance 880 retails for $100. Overall, this is a good buy for the neutral or supinating runner who seeks plenty of protection with just a little bit of support. It is also highly recommended for intermediate to advanced runners looking for a durable trainer. It is best for runners with a medium build and medium to high arches because they provide a light yet comfortable ride through the entire range of motion.

10% OFF – Men’s 880 and Women’s 880

The New Balance 880 deliver plush ride without the plush price. Again a top choice in the cushion running shoe category. This shoe is one of our favorites in today’s generation.

The Asics GEL-Pulse 2 was a very successful shoe. Building upon this success is the latest installment of the Pulse line, the Asics GEL-Pulse 3. The third version is almost an ounce lighter than its predecessor while enhancing the comfort, fit and performance and still offering the same fast ride and cushioned platform that runners love.

The reduced weight comes from the GEL-Pulse 3’s profile being leveled out. For more protection, Asics added an extra layer of padding to the forefoot. The result, testers with traditional gaits are skeptical with the update, it takes a while for them to break in, but nevertheless after a few miles they get used to it. On the other hand, midfoot and forefoot strikers love the additional cushioning and the energy turn out. The GEL-Pulse 3 acquired more fans for the series.

The upper is a combination of mesh and a supportive overlay material for a great fit and comfortable environment allowing runners to take greater distances. The Comfort Dry sockliner provides cushioning performance and anti-microbial properties for a cooler, drier, healthier environment. Also, the GEL-Pulse 3 still features the both the Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning System with exceptional shock absorbency at point of impact. SPEVA, occupying the full-length of the midsole, increases the energy return.

The Trusstic System, a thermal plastic located at the bottom of the midsole, reduces the weight of the sole and decreases the torsion between the Rearfoot and the forefoot. Asics High Abrasion Rubber or AHAR is a lightweight yet durable rubber compound on the outsole, enhances traction and the durability of the shoe. These technologies put together make the GEL-Pulse 3 a tank of a shoe.

The Asics GEL-Pulse 3 retails for $90 USD but can go as low as $79.95 online. Check to see if the 30% sale we found is still valid – Men’s and Ladies. These platforms come in men’s and women’s sizes and come in a variety of colors. It is an excellent shoe overall, highly recommended for runners with gaits ranging from neutral to mild overpronator who seeks enhanced cushioning and an exceptional ride. The GEL-Pulse 3 is an entry-level-shoe with a great balance of support, comfort and stability with a price that is hard to beat.

With Asics main focus on weight reduction, this thirteenth update continued the reputation of the Nimbus series for providing runners with comfort, cushioning and stability. The GEL-Nimbus 13 dropped three quarters of an ounce compared to the previous model definitely the lightest trainer in the series.

One of the factors that add up to the weight reduction of the GEL-Nimbus 13 is the AHAR, a high abrasive rubber outsole material that is lightweight but doesn’t compromise durability. Another factor is the removal of the interior heel counter and replacing it with an exterior heel counter, not only reducing the weight but also giving the shoe a sleeker design and lessens heel slippage. A full-length vertical groove that has decoupled the outsole has been added to improve gait efficiency and promote an efficient toe-off.

According to some reviewers and frequent users of the GEL-Nimbus series, another of the GEL-Nimbus 13 is the enhanced side-to-side balance. The new design of the shoes has a more snug yet comfortable feel compared to the previous version, thus offering a little bit more of stability.

What’s really nice with the GEL-Nimbus 13 is how Asics addresses the biomechanical differences between genders. This footwear is female friendly in three ways. First of is the Gender Specific Space Trusstic System, which responses to the normal periodic changes to the woman’s arch. This system also provides extra stability for women who run stronger.

Second is the Plus 3 Technology. This is basically an added 3mm material on the heel of the women’s model to take the pressure off the Achilles tendon. Lastly, the women’s model is softer in the forefoot compared to the man’s model, for a more plush feel on the road.

The GEL-Nimbus 13 retails for $130. Check to see if your size is on sale. Men’s and Women’s.

All in all, Asics GEL-Nimbus 13 is a perfect choice for heel-strikers that needed a touch of added stability. It is also a great buy because it can accommodate a broad range of gaits, from neutral to mild, mild to moderate overpronators. This pair is also ideal for endurance runs or those who run heavy, because of its superior cushioning. All in all a grade A entry into the cushioned running shoe category. Definitely Highly Recommended.

As the latest model of the GEL-Kinetic Series, the Asics GEL-Kinetic 4 continues the hallmark with a running shoe designed with exceptional forefoot cushioning and a solid and stable heel structure. This pair features the new update, the Clutch Collar System. This system added an interior heel collar that works with the exterior heel collar that cinches down the foot for a snug fit. More so, the nested heel collar opens up the ankle window and allows the heel to move independently from the upper. Two layers of memory foam lined the collar and helps lock the shoe down.

The GEL-Kinetic 4 also features the Discrete Heel Unit Technology which enhances the IGS (Impact Guidance System) to ensure maximum shock absorption. It is the red GEL units attached to a plastic cradle. It is independently placed in the heel therefore it isolates impact. It is also very resilient and can take a lot of pavement pounding. Heel-strikers love the durable cushioning in the heel because it holds up to the heavy footfalls of large runners. It gives runners more energy return thus giving them greater running distances. However, a drawback for this design is the weight, a little heavy for some wear-testers.

Testers also love the Asymmetrical Lacing Design that follows the natural outline of the foot since it enhances the fit and comfort and helps reduce irritation. In addition to the comfort is the open air mesh upper, keeping the feet cool but doesn’t sacrifice stability. A stretch material is also strategically placed throughout the upper to reduce buckling and keep the snug fit and feel of the shoe.

Biomechanical differences between men and women are taken into consideration by Asics. This footwear features the Gender Space Trusstic System for the women’s model which recognizes the normal periodic changes in the shape of the woman’s arch.

Check to see if your size is available: Men’s Sizing and Women’s Sizing

The Asics GEL-Kinetic 4 is one durable trainer. It is suitable for neutral to mild overpronators and is highly recommended for heavy heel-strikers seeking a more durable comfort and fit. Overall, for $160 this is a good buy for a shoe with durable impact protection in the heel.