Saucony Kilkenny XC4

The Saucony Kilkenny XC4 is a racing spike or flat designed for cross country racing in distances ranging from 3k to 10k.  The XC 4 is a continuation of the Saucony’s popular Kilkenny XC series, which has steadily improved in sales and popularity over the past few years.

Saucony has taken great pains recently to reinvent itself to appeal to younger high school runners, as well as a more traditional market of middle-aged joggers. The bright and bold new colors of the XC4 should help them in their quest to become one of the coolest brands in cross country running shoes. As proof, just consider the fact that the XC3 was released in lime green, but the XC4 has somehow mutated into slime green. Enough said. (Pictured: Men’s Kilkenny XC4 in Slime Green)

The Kilkenny line (named in honor of enthusiastic Irish cross country runners everywhere) has sold very well and has built up a loyal following. So the challenge with this new model was basically to not mess things up. Overall, the XC4 has landed right on the money. There are enough new features to freshen up a line that was getting a little bit stagnant, yet enough features remain familiar to reassure its base of loyal fans. For example, the shoe retains its familiar feel because the midsole has not been altered.

Some of the changes include a new air mesh upper (like the Kinvara) with a lighter weight and a synthetic suede overlay. Also, in the spike version, the configuration has been changed from six pins to four, in order to further lighten the weight without sacrificing too much traction. And of course the bold new colors should attract a whole new legion of younger fans.

The upper is constructed from a blend of breathable air mesh with suede overlays. The midsole, made from  responsive low-profile  CM-EVA,  has not been changed  from the XC3.  This updated version of the Kilkenny line continues to deliver top-quality performance. It’s still an excellent racing shoe for all types of cross country terrain.

The Kilkenny XC 4 is the CURRENT model, released in June 2011.  It is available in both spike and spikeless (flat) versions, with models for men and women.

Related Shoes

• Saucony Kilkenny XC3 (previous model)
• Saucony Kilkenny XC2
• Saucony Shay XC2

Women’s Models

Colors Available

• Black / White / Hot Pink
• Slime Green / Pink
• Teal / Orange

Check out the Women’s Kilkenny XC3 at Foot Locker. (click on a picture below)

 

Men’s Models

Colors Available

• Black / White/ Red
• Blue/ Orange
• Slime Green / Royal

Check out the Men’s Kilkenny XC4 at Foot Locker. (click on a picture below)

Cushioning

• For reduced weight, this racing shoe contains no extra cushioning technologies.

Midsole

• CMEVA is a full length, industry standard foam designed for lightweight durability.

Upper

• Synthetic Overlays are intended to keep the upper snug to the foot.
• Open Mesh covers the entire upper and is a breathable lightweight fabric.
• Slip Lasting involves wrapping and stitching the upper in a bootie-like shape before it is glued to the midsole to increase flexibility and decrease weight.

Outsole

• Rubber spike plate is constructed for traction and flexibility.
• Contains 4 spike receptacles.
• Includes eight 5/16″ pyramid spikes and a spike wrench.
• XT-600 is located throughout the outsole and is a carbon rubber material that increases traction without sacrificing durability.

How It Fits

• Sizing: Fits small; purchase 1/2 size larger than standard running shoe size
• Width D=Medium
• Heel: MediumMidfoot: Medium to full volume Forefoot: Medium
• Toe-Box height: Low
• Arch height: Medium-low

Weight: Spike version 6.7 oz (men) 6.3 oz (women )

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