Men's Kinvara TR
3.7
5
12
12
Great minimal trail runner
This shoe combines a trail shoe and minimal shoe very well, and provides enough protection on rocky trails due to the rock plate that other minimal trail shoes I have tried don't. The shoe is sturdy but you will need ankle strength to avoid injuries because there isn't ankle support (true to minimal philosophy). They are very fast and light, and manage technical trails well. I love running in them; the only thing to be wary of is the rather shallow lugs don't grip wet grass or mud particularly well, and be careful of wet foot bridges - it's like socks on marble.
May 30, 2013
great alternative
I really like this shoe, it is very comfortable and light. It has quickly become my favorite shoe even when running on the street. It provides a bit more cushioning than I had become used to but its an overall great buy.
April 26, 2013
Great shoe, but not for intended use
I retired my beloved Xodus 3's and took a chance with this shoe for trail running duties, but have since relegated them to use as casual streetwear. They look amazing, let's get that out of the way first, The styling is superb, and I have never had better looking feet in my life. However, for trail running use, I am not sure of EVER using a minimalist-type shoe, even one with the bells and whistles of the Kinvara TR. The ankle support is simply not there, and I managed to tweak my ankle slightly on my first run with these. Secondly, the tread is suitable only for dry or rocky trails. Throw in mud and these turn to ice skates, unlike the Xodus which can nahdle the slipperiest gloop and even dreaded wet grass. The "rock plate" embedded in the sole is a good idea, but makes for a harsh feel on impact, and sounds like you;re running in dress shoes. The rock plate isn't necessary if you switch to a regular style sneaker, like the Xodus, and you get much more cushioning.
April 1, 2013
Not really a Kinvara.
I currently have the original Kinvaras and the Kinvara 3's, both are great shoes. The Kinvara Trails run slightly narrower, you can really feel the difference in the toe box. I didn't mind that so much, but the shoes are too firm and have a dead feel. No where near the lively feel of the original Kinvaras. I thought the same thing about the Kinvara 3's, which have a great toe box and upper, but also not as lively as the originals (still better then the Trails). I ended up sticking with my Peregrines and am waiting on a pair of the Peregrine 2's to arrive.
January 11, 2013