For the last year+, I’ve been on a quest. For what? The perfect running shoe.
When I started wearing minimalist shoes, I found that I run too heavy and on too much pavement to run major mileage with little or no cushion. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Vibrams and my Pace Gloves, but my feet and calves were not at all enamored of them once I started half marathon training. My trashed feet at the end of last spring’s half convinced me I needed to find a new solution.
I decided I needed a cushioned, zero drop shoe.
Apparently Saucony was listening and designed the Virrata with me in mind.
From the Saucony website:
The Virrata is our lightest and most flexible training shoe and allows your foot to move naturally. We removed everything that isn’t helping your run improve. What remains is a feather-light, ultra flexible shoe with advanced cushioning that promotes a powerful stride and allows your foot to move the way it was meant to. Built on a 0mm offset, this shoe lets your feet do the work while providing plenty of protection from the road. The breathable mesh upper makes the shoe incredible lightweight and quick-drying to run in wet weather conditions.
I gave these shoes a run for their money. I wore them for three of the five half marathons: the first day on packed dirt/gravel, the third day on asphalt, and the fifth day on trails. I’ve continued to wear them at home where I train almost exclusively on pavement.
Verdict? I love them!
They are super light weight, but still cushiony. They performed well on all of the surfaces. I had zero issues with them in any of the races. Considering I’d only run a few 5-7 mile runs in them before the trip, I’d say that’s pretty impressive. Now my biggest problem is deciding which color to buy next.
Disclaimer: I bought these shoes because I wanted them. All opinions are my own. (And I’ll be the first to admit that I can’t commit to just one shoe. Stay tuned for reviews of some of the other shoes in my stable.)
I agree – I absolutely LOVE my Virratas!! So light on my feet – I feel fast. My only downer is that they are wearing down just as fast as I run in them. I’ve only got 50 miles on them and the bottoms look worn out + the inside Saucony labels peeled off. I guess I’m hard on shoes… LOL
Run With Jess recently posted…Wrap on the Week
I have never run in Saucony’s but I keep hearing great things about them. Glad you’ve found another pair that you really love!
Suzanne recently posted…Frostbite Half Marathon
I’ve read some great reviews of these, and I’ve asked for a pair for my upcoming b-day!
Jess recently posted…On Teething, A DNS, and Pushing a Dbl Jogger
I recently picked up a new pair of running shoes with breathable mesh as well! It feels like you’re running barefoot since you can feel the wind between your toes, lol!
I’ve never been a big runner, but hopefully this will cause me to get out there a bit more :).
I have also had a ton of friends rave about these shoes!!
I will def consider these when i am shopping for my next pair of shoes
Stephanie recently posted……MY fitness Journey: Being “Skinny Fat”…
That’s great that you’ve found the right shoe. Now you just have to convince Saucony to continue to make them and not mess around with the model too much.
Char recently posted…No Monday-itis Here
I keep hearing good things about these shoes – may have to break down and buy a pair 🙂
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Gearing up for Week 9
I haven’t tried them yet, but it’s on my list. I am a Saucony fanatic and have been running with them for a few years. I currently run in Kinvara’s which I am overly in love with. They are very similar to the Virratas, so I think I would have an easy transition between the 2 models! Thanks for the feedback!
Laura recently posted…What’s up Wednesday 4/10
Thank you kindly for your review of the Virratas, I was curious how well they’d hold up in a half marathon distance and you quashed all doubt! I currently run in the Kinvara 2 and I can’t wait to get a pair!