Struggling to decide on the following 'minimalist' shoes.

I have been using a pair of Nike Tailwind 2009 for the past couple of years:

http://reviews.nike.com/9191/344758/nike-air-max-tailwind-2009-mens-running-shoe-reviews/reviews.htm

they have worn well but its time to buy a new pair of shoes.  

I have been drawn to the whole minimalist concept and its something I would at least like to try.  I am a neutral runner and I more or less land on my mid foot.  I tend to run about 20 - 25 miles a week recreationally - an average of 6 miles a run, sometimes 8 miles.  Occasiaonlly I run longer 10 - 13 miles.

I have been concentrating on running faster and I can comfortably run 8 miles at a pace of 7mins30 a mile (or less).  I am hoping I can improve on this still and a new pair of trainers might 'inspire' me

Anyway, I seem to have narrowed it down to the following choices and have been reading tonnes or reviews on each:

Nike Free 3.0 V4 (would go for the V3 if they were available anywhere)

Saucony Kinvara 3

Brook Pure Cadence/Flow/Connect?

And for some reason I have the Adidas Adizero Adios 2 on my list?

I'm not sure what to expect in terms of responses, basically hoping to rule out any of these or settle on one and try and find the best price.  Price might be a consideration as £85 is a lot to spend on trainers and I would like something that would last a while (I have read that the Brooks Pures do not last long, where as the Nike Frees do).

Thanks for any comments/observations

I haven't tried the Kinvara 3's but recently got a pair of Kinvara 2's from Start Fitness for £50 (think they are now £60) and they are fantastic. Great fit and feel, very comfortable and responsive.

Haven't tried any of the other trainers you mentioned but I have heard good thinks about the Brooks Pure Cadence.

I think that SS12 stands for a spring/summer 2012 model, AW would be autumn/winter.

That's what I always assumed anyway, i could be totally wrong.

Thanks for the help.

I am now down to the Nike free 3.0 v4 from Wiggle, or the Saucony Kinvara 2 from sportshoes.com.  This is based on price and both of these are coming out roughly the same price(although colours are limited on the Kinvara and I would have to opt for the black/red).

Any comparision between these 2 shoes?  The Kinvara are more cushioned it seems?  Any ideas which would last longer?

Nike frees are really flexible and the soles don't look like they will last as well as some others

I haven't tried the kinvara but I did try the Mirage which are supposed to be similar and found them to be pretty stiff, more like a standard shoe despite the low weight and small heel to toe differential, not minimalist enough for me, I like my shoes to be able to flex! No experience of the Nike free though

I use Nike frees for treadmill running but haven't used any others so can't really compare, and I use different shoes outdoors, so not sure why I mentioned it.  But I love the lightness of them.

Thanks all - I am going to try both on today and see if I like the feel of either - should help me decide.  Not sure how minimal I would be willing to go since I have no experience of it.

I have a pair of kinvara 2 and love them! You may also want to look at Inov8 f-lites - I've just got a pair of the 195 for short races and find them very responsive!

Good choice Bingo, I am sure you will love the kinvara's. After running in something so light and responsive I don't think I will ever be able to go back to more structured shoes.

My Guide 4's feel like bricks when I try them on now.

Been out the past couple of days with some short runs in the Kinvara 2's (4-5 miles).  

I'm impressed -  these shoes are really comfy.  I've had no problems with them out of the box.  They feel light and fast but still cushioned - you can feel the ground underneath a bit more but the shoe generally has a soft feel.  I wouldn't call them particularly 'minimist' but they are definately lighter and faster.

I didn't really notice the lower heel to toe drop much - maybe because I run mid-foot anyway, and I havent had any calf/achilles problems after my two runs.  Might try a 7-8 mile run in them later this week.

Still interested to try the nike frees to see how they compare. 

I have the free + 2's. They are excellent. Very light and comfortable, no issues at all. I have used them up to 1/2 marathon distance and I strongly reccomend them. I guess the  +3 would be similar.

Ever considered Luna Sandals? Or do you just want to stick to trainers??

I'd second the recommendation to give huaraches a try.  I'll never go back to "normal" running shoes.

Luna Sandals are one option.  Invisible Shoes (now known as Xero Shoes) are a cheaper but equally good alternative.

Simon.