RUN – Supportive Stability
Building on the success of the award winning Kinvara, Saucony invites the mild pronator into the minimalist category with the introduction of the ProGrid Mirage. The addition of a midfoot support bridge provides motion control, while still allowing the runner to enjoy the advantages of a minimalist shoe.
What I think of the Mirage…
The first time I saw the Saucony Mirage was at the New York Marathon Expo. It wasn’t on display, one of the Saucony employees was wearing it. I interupted his conversation as politely as possible, asked him what he was wearing, and if I could see the bottoms of the shoe. Why did I want to see the bottom of the shoe? I loved my Kinvaras but, I found out that after two pairs they wore out too fast along the lateral of the outsole. (see image below) I was disappointed that the Kinvara 2 wont be adding rubber to the lateral edge. I can understand why Saucony didn’t, it is an amazingly popular shoe. If it ain’t broke… well you know.
Other than the issue I had with wear and tear, I am a big fan of the Kinvara. So when I saw the Saucony Mirage with more rubber on the outsole I was excited to try the shoe.* (see bottom of the Mirage at the top of the page)
After my first run in the Mirage, the shoe gave me the impression that it was more of a cross between the Kinvara and a traditional trainer. Kinda like if the Kinvara and a trainer had a baby. It is a much firmer ride than the Kinvara. Running Times said about the Mirage “…felt both smooth and considerably more stable than its sloppier and softer Kinvara cousin.”” I don’t agree with them with regards to the Kinvara being “sloppy.” Nontheless, the Mirage has a terrific fitting upper, I have experienced no hot spots when running in the shoe. The midsole is much firmer and less pillowy than the Kinvara. Sometimes, I felt like I was running on a platform. That may be as a result of running on more and more minimal shoes as of late. Mirage’s outsole is holding up great after 100 miles. The stability of the Mirage is more pronounced than in the Fastwitch 5 stability racing flat. The Mirage fits great, feels light, and treated my feet well over long runs. They don’t have the fast feel of the Fastwitch or Kinvara in my opinion. I would like to see a shoe that has less stability, more flexability, and that can outlast the outsole Kinvara. I think Saucony has room for one more shoe between the Kinvara and the Mirage. I don’t see this shoe as an improvement over the Kinvaras, I see it as a totally different shoe that shares some materials and some looks. As far as looks go, I love the look of the Mirage.
The more miles I put on the Mirage, the more I liked the shoe. It is a solid trainer that is lighter than most other trainers that I would put in the same category. I don’t need stability control, however, for someone who does, I would totally recommend this shoe. As a matter of fact, I have recommended the shoe to whom ever I see with stability control trainers on. I have recieved positive feedback from the ones that have taken my advice. This is a good fit for any runner in stability shoes that wishes that they could have a good looking lighter performance shoe. The 4 mm heel to toe drop keeps your foot on more of an even plane. That is important if you are looking for a shoe that can encourage midfoot to forefoot striking.
Check out Peter Larson’s (AKA Runblogger.com) review of Saucony ProGrid Mirage too. Also check out our friend Peter in this month’s Runner’s World Magazine in an article on proper running form. (June 2011)
*Saucony and or a marketing company representing Saucony provided me with Saucony ProGrid Mirage with the understanding I would be providing a review. Other than the shoes there was no other compensation for this review.
Have something to say? Leave a Comment
Great review, T! I'm with you…would love to see something between the Kinvara & stability. Looking for that perfect long distance trainer still.
Thanks for the review. Right now i’m running in NB 760’s but i want to move to a lighter shoe so i’m thinking about trying either the mirage or NB 890. In your opinion do you think a shoe like this would have enough cushioning and support for a marathon?
Both of the shoes would be more than enough shoe for a marathon in my opinion. It would really depend on your preference.
I got a pair of these to train for my first marathon in October. I live near Manchester in the UK, not known for its dry weather. These shoes are great in the dry, but in the wet they are a nightmare. On two wet runs now I have had to remove the insoles completely as they slide around when the shoe gets wet. Great shoe, but not for wet weather.
Hi
I am an average runner (around 2 :20 for a HM)… i have been using the Asics Gel Kayano 17 for training and bought the Mirage from a point of view of having it as my HM racing shoe. I would love to have a lighter shoe for the race and so this decision.I have slight over pronation over longer runs and thought that Mirage would be better than the Kinvaras. Could you please provide your views.
I think the Mirage would be a great shoe to try. I would order a pair from Zappos and try them out for a run. If you don’t like them you can return them. With the 4 mm drop it may take some time getting used to a shoe with a lower heel to toe ratio. You will feel it in your calves. If you like the Mirage, work them in to your runs. Alternate between your current shoe and the mirage until your calves get stronger. The bonus is, stronger calves faster legs.
Just re-read your question, if you need help with pronation stick with the mirage over the Kinvara for sure. If you want to try a support shoe that is light and fast give the Saucony Fastwitch 5 a shot. Which half are you doing?
I two have worn out both pairs of Kinvaras on the lateral midfoot area although I did get about 500 miles out of each pair. I thought my wear pattern was a little unique but I guess I am not alone. I also have tears in the uppers as well but this is less of a concern to me. I am tempted to try the Mirage just because there is more outsole material and maybe I can squeeze a few more miles out of them. I am currently trying out the Brooks Pure Connect as they seem to place some outsole on the lateral side. Time will tell.
I am a mild pronator. After a year off from running (bad case of PF) I bought Kinvara. I did stick my Super Feet insole in it…felt great to run again and felt fast and light. It did wear out as yours did as well as tears in the fabric and a rubber triangle popped out (glued it back in though.) Early in spring I bought Brooks Pure Cadence; didn't like it nearly as much as Kinvara. I left the Brooks behind after doing a Tough Mudder. Now I have a pair of Mirage and Peregrine for trails. I love the Mirage and can run without my Super Feet insoles. The Peregrine are ok, but I still slip an insole inside. It is lovely to be running again and free from foot pain.
That’s great Susan, I am glad you were able to find a shoe that works for you. Keep those miles coming.