I tried on these shoes at a local store and then ordered them online. I definitely recommend that to anyone considering them. These shoes are quite different from the others I've worn (other Sauconys, Asics, and most recently the Brooks Ravenna). Besides being relatively lightweight overall, the uppers are made of this see-through fabric and a mesh with relatively large holes. They also have a smaller heel-to-toe drop than most running shoes.

If you're looking for big, cushy shoes, these are definitely not for you. On the other hand, if you're a true minimalist runner, these won't work for you either. I haven't even attempted actually running barefoot, other than in my carpted house. I did try on the Brooks Green Silence, and they are much lighter and less cushioned than the Kinvaras. So I would consider the Kinvaras a bit of a transitional shoe--if you want to try minimalist shoes, running more on your forefot than heel striking, these would be a good way to experiment with that. It's also probably a good idea to wear these for shorter runs at first, especially if you're used to a super-cushioned running shoe.

All technical talk aside, these are some very cool-looking shoes (I got the green, which is a discontinued color) and surprisingly supportive for minimalist shoes. The box is made from 100% recycled material and is 100% recyclable. It is printed with soy-based ink.

I haven't run much in them yet, so I can't comment on that. My goal isn't really to completely switch over to these shoes, but rather to use them to help improve my running form. I do seem to land more on my forefoot anyway, so hopefully these will get rid of the draggy, heavy-heel feeling I sometimes have with more traditional shoes.