"Like most (maybe all -- New Balance looks to be entering the fray themselves soon) running shoe manufacturers, Saucony was looking to make a marquee entry into the minimalist running shoe category to capitalize on the barefoot running resurgence, inspired in large part by Christopher McDougall's book. Shoe tech geeks will tell you that Kinvara offered some surprises, with a bit more heel-to-forefoot than some expected, at 18:14. But, from the feel of the shoe, it does wear very naturally. Just putting it on I get a second skin sort of effect, and while I continue to do some training in more traditional performance training shoes, I really prefer and enjoy these. At over 200 pounds, I am still concerned about the question of cushion, and when I am training for a longer race and my mileage goes up into the 40's weekly, I am a little concerned about wearing a shoe like this, but I am hoping to ramp up some more mileage in the Kinvara and see if it returns results consistent with what I am getting right now wearing it for speedwork and on race days (5 and 10Ks). I agree with a previous review that the shoe fits a size or so small. My 13's were very snug. In a minimalist shoe, I want some extra room in the toe so that I get the benefit of wearing less cushion and my toes can splay and move and find solid ground. For me, the transition to 14 would be tough, but I would say you should buy these at least a half-size up. "