BUILDING on its award-winning pedigree and the success of previous Kinvara models, global running brand Saucony has launched one of the most anticipated running shoes of 2013 - the fourth-generation Kinvara 4.
Saucony Philippines on Tuesday presented the Kinvara 4 to local media and members of the running community at the 100 Miles Café in Bonifacio Global City. Brand ambassadors John Omar Paredes and Laarni Anenias-Paredes were on hand to share their initial experiences with the latest iteration of the Kinvara.
Kinvara 4: A Synthesis of Celebrated Design Elements
Weighing only 7.7 ounces (based on a men’s size 9), the Kinvara 4 is a performance training shoe with a 4mm heel-to-toe offset that positions the runner’s foot to better take the impact of striking the ground. This creates a greater range of motion than traditional running shoes (with a 12mm heel-to-toe offset), allowing for a more powerful stride.
According to Saucony, the Kinvara 4 is "a perfect synthesis of celebrated design elements" from previous versions with the most apparent change being the shoe’s redesigned upper. FlexFilm™ technology, a lightweight, highly dynamic flexible film welded onto the breathable mesh upper has been readjusted to allow for more ventilation while still maintaining enough structure. Conversely, more FlexFilm™ was added to the midfoot and heel area to better frame and secure the foot through all phases of the gait cycle. Memory Foam heel pods along the collar add to the ultra-secure ride.
A total of six distinct colorways will be available for men and women sizes.
The Kinvara 4’s midsole cushioning technology has also been upgraded from ProGrid™ to PowerGrid™, a premium engineered foam that’s 15% lighter and 30% more durable than standard EVA foams. Located in in the heel landing zone, the PowerGrid system absorbs impact and transmits energy back into the runner’s stride with maximum efficiency and minimal impact.
XT-900™ premium carbon triangular rubber pods are strategically placed on areas of the shoe’s outsole for enhanced durability and exceptional traction. A beveled heel facilitates a natural rolling movement from heel to toe.
Saucony is a leading name in running, an authentic performance footwear brand. Throughout the years, Saucony has become legendary with its trailblazing innovations and cutting-edge technological expertise, including pioneering the natural motion shoe category.
The Saucony Kinvara line, launched in early 2010, has been recognized with numerous industry awards including: “Best Debut” (Runner’s World magazine, Summer 2010); “Gear of the Year” (Outside magazine, Fall/Winter 2010); “Best Shoe in the Performance Category” (The Running Network, Fall 2010); “Best Debut” (Endurance Sports Media Group, Fall 2010); “Best Buy”- Kinvara 2 (Runner’s World Awards 2011);“Best Update”- Kinvara 3 (Runner’s World UK 2012), among others. Its new Kinvara 4 already has reaped another recognition for the brand as it was named “Best Update” by Runner’s World in the publication’s 2013 Summer Shoe Guide. With the Kinvara, Saucony furthers its stronghold in the running community, with many runners around the globe switching to run with the award winner.
Test Run
Triathlete John Omar Paredes said he tried out his pair in a 15 kilometer run and was impressed by their light weight, responsiveness, efficiency and flexibility. He added he was excited to try out his Kinvara 4s under triathlon conditions without socks since it dries fast and wicks sweat effectively.
Being partial to cushioning in her running shoes, Laarni Anenias Paredes said she found it a constant struggle to combine lightweight footwear with cushioning to address punishing tri events. After she took her Kinvaras on a 28-kilometer run right out of the box, she noticed they effectively combined the two major qualities that were important to her.
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