I’ve had my Saucony Kinvara’s for a couple of months now. When I bought them I also tried on a pair of Innov8 minimilist trainers which fitted well and felt really comfortable. I chose the Kinvaras in preference as they were the ones that I’d had my eye on and I’d heard lots of good things about them.
I am really enjoying running in the Kinvaras – they are light and comfortable and yet my feet feel very stable in them. I am however suffering from achey Achilles tendons – to be expected during a transition to minimal trainers – but it’s meaning that I’m having to be careful about how often I run and do extra stretching etc.
The Innov8 trainers that I tried on had a slightly higher heel drop of 9mm compared to the Kinvara drop of 4mm. I had started to wonder whether or not it might be worth getting a pair so that I could rotate between them and the Kinvaras and see if that helped my Achilles at all. But at full price that was just a bit too expensive and seemed a bit unnecessary given how new my Kinvaras still are.
So imagine my excitement when Sportspursuit had a 24hr flash sale on Innov8 trainers. I logged on with my fingers crossed hoping that they’d have the model that I’d tried on and sure enough there they were – the exact ones that I’d tried at nearly half the price they were in the shop. It was like it was meant to be!
So today I took delivery of a new pair of trainers. They’re not quite as pretty as the Kinvaras but I still really like them.
I’m looking forward to giving these a spin this week and hoping that they might help my Achilles to feel a little less achey.
From Strength to Strength 
How many pairs of trainers do you own?
I have two old pairs of Brooks that I don’t use anymore, the Kinvaras and now these. So only 2 that I actually use. How about you? Do you alternate or stick to one pair?
I stick to one pair, I bought a pair of Mizuno wave rider 15’s a couple of months ago which I’m really pleased with.
Hope your achilles feels better with the new trainers! I’d be interested to know if it helps you!
Thank you – not had a chance to try them yet as I’ve been ill with a cold/bug all week. Hopefully tomorrow. Will keep you posted.
Oh, hope you are feeling better!
Hey Becca. I’m a reader of your blog and was surprised and excited to see your shoutout to SportPursuit – I’m lucky enough to work here 🙂 Thank you so much for the love and let me know how your purchase works out for you and if you need anything. Keep Posting!
Hi Jessica – how funny that you work at Sportspursuit! I think it’s a great concept and have always been really happy with my purchases from you and the customer service. I once had a package that got lost by Royal Mail and the people in your team sorted everything out with no hassle at all – very impressed.
I like the trainers a lot – not sure I’ve fully broken them in yet but they’re comfy and provide me with a good alternative. Looking forward to some more amazing value flash sales!
Thank you for your kind comments! I passed the note on to customer service, who don’t always get the love they deserve.. I’m sure it will make their day.
Ah, that’s good to know. Just placed another order for some Ronhill running tops – fantastic prices!