Saucony Men's Virrata Running Shoe Reviews

Customer Ratings:

As a minimalist marathoner who keeps switching between Five Fingers, Hattori (most < 14mi runs) and Kinvara (on long runs and very high volume weeks) my first reaction to the Virrata was "Hallelujah!" and I immediately bought a pair.

After a week of running in them I can't say they're a clear winner however, I feel the sole is too thick (i.e. soft) and would have preferred a ground feel that's more similar to the firmer feeling grid type A5 (which has a 12-16mm sole compared to 18mm end-to-end on Virrata). I also don't like the goofy (thump-y, a bit like gymnastic shoes) sound the soles makes on hard even surfaces, which Hattori owners will recognize. Durability of the upper mesh has been the biggest issue I've had with Kinvaras, not sure if the Virrata's 2-mesh design will be any better. It does feel more breathable and airy than the Kinvara's and certainly the Hattori's.

The difference between 4mm (Kinvara) and 0mm (Virrata) heel-to-toe drop is immediately noticeable feeling more natural, but I could also feel my calves getting tired at the end of a 21mi long run. Not sure what I prefer for those type of runs yet.

In short I think it's great to see Saucony continue to release minimalistic shoes in general and fill the gap between Hattori and Kinvara specifically, but the Virrata is too soft and cushiony for me. I would have preferred a beefed up version of the Hattori. Considering the commercial success of similar shoes to the Virrata (like Newton's MV2), I'm sure many others will prefer the softer ride for long runs.

EDIT June 2013: I retired a pair of these after about 500mi. Like Kinvaras I owned before, the EVA sole under the balls of my feet gradually starts to compress which gradually caused the middle of the sole to push into my arch and irritate.

I raced my spring marathon (Rotterdam) in Saucony Grid type A5s, still my favorite street racers (excellent grip, response and breathability).

Toes pierced one layer of mesh but the upper mesh is still intact.

Won't be buying a new pair.

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I have been through 5 pairs of Saucony Kinvaras, and eagerly awaited this shoe as one with more forefoot cushion but zero drop. That's a perfect combination for neutral runners I can't believe this is the first shoe to include that combination. I was definitely not let down. I train heavily for triathlons and religiously monitor my heart rate and pace. These shoes are the first shoes I've ever worn that actually make me run faster over long distances. I'm not sure if it's the low heel profile that helps keep turnover high, the light weight, or both. Either way I typically 20 seconds per mile or 10 BPM lower in this shoe than in any of my traditional (non-zero drop) shoes. Unlike Vibram Five Fingers, you can run 15mi in these on pavement and not feel beaten up. Fantastic shoes!

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If you love zero drop but always wanted some cushion and not feel the road so much, this is the perfect shoe. Very confortable and breathable. Toe box could have been wider and I had to order a size 1/2 bigger than my usual Merrell (sp?). The other review is probably more spot on if you want to feel the road as a minimalist but if you are a zero drop person, you will love this shoe.

The only other shoes I can compare it to with minimalist is Merrell Road Glove and Bare Access.

Honest reviews on Saucony Men's Virrata Running Shoe

I've been running in Saucony Kinvaras for two years and have been very happy with them. However I decided to try out a pair of Virratas for road half marathons because of the extra padding. I was not expecting to like the Virratas so much. While the shoe is super light, I experienced no foot or leg discomfort in making the switch and my training pace became faster, although this could be for any number of reasons.

Instead of returning to my Kinvaras I think I'll migrate completely to the Virratas. The only slight negative in the Virratas is that the deeper tread picks up a lot more small rocks when running on dirt trails but that is to be expected and I wouldn't want the tread redesigned for that reason.

If, like me, you like your Kinvaras I think you will love the Virratas.

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This shoe makes my running feel smoother and easier on pavement or on the beach.

Very affordable price. Highly recommended!