Attention all Saucony Kinvara haters: Forget everything you knew about the traditional Kinvara: The new Saucony Kinvara Pro is completely different. Attention all Kinvara lovers: Forget everything you knew about the traditional Kinvara: The Saucony Kinvara Pro is completely different. There was definitely a better way to state that, but I like to be dramatic. While the name of the shoe may be confusing, one thing is clear: both Kinvara stans and detractors should enjoy the Saucony Kinvara Pro. Hmm, maybe I should have just used that sentence instead. Here’s my Saucony Kinvara Pro review.
Background
Although the design of the original Saucony Kinvara always caught my eye, I was never interested in trying the shoe. Despite its light weight, the Kinvara has a lower stack height, is quite firm, and has a low 4 mm drop – that’s three strikes and it was out…of the question for me to purchase.
But when I saw videos of the Saucony Kinvara Pro at the 2022 The Running Event, I was intrigued. Not only did it look cool, but the shoe added two additional foams for a gigantic stack, switched to an 8 mm drop, and added in a carbon fiber plate. I couldn’t wait to get this new and improved version of the Kinvara on my feet. But did the super trainer rise to meet my expectations? Or did the shoe hit the pavement with a thud?
Saucony Kinvara Pro Review
Weight: 9.5oz, 269g (US M9) 8.5oz, 240g (US W8)
Stack Height: 42/34 mm (8 mm drop)
Price: $180
First off, I have to credit Saucony for producing this super trainer in my size 15. Most companies’ super shoes only go up to size 13 or 14, like the ASICS Superblast, New Balance SC Trainer, and HOKA Mach X, to name a few. The Kinvara Pro is also available in wide. Companies should take note of Saucony’s inclusive shoe offerings; it opens the door for more runners to get introduced to the brand, and for current Saucony runners to grow a deeper affinity for it.
Midsole
There’s no greater place to start the review of this shoe than with the midsole. This shoe has got not one, not two, but three (!) different foams with a 3/4-length carbon plate sandwiched in between. You’ve got a PWRRUN+ sock liner, PWRRUN PB super foam, and then a heaping helping of PWRRUN foam on the bottom. The only Saucony foam missing is PWRRUN HG, found in the Endorphin Elite super shoe.
Ride
I would not consider the ride of this shoe to be soft — which really makes me question why I like this shoe so much. Call me a softie, but I don’t like firm shoes. I’ve never been a fan of the PWRRUN foam found in Saucony shoes like the Ride, Kinvara, and Axon. It’s the main reason why I’ve never tried the Endorphin Shift. By itself, PWRRUN is just too stiff for my liking.
And then I remember the addition of the PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN+ foams help offset the firmness of the PWRRUN foam while adding a little bounce to my step. Oh, and it certainly helps that the Kinvara Pro is equipped with the SPEEDROLL technology, found in the excellent Endorphin Series. As advertised, the technology really helps you roll forward. Saucony claims the shoe provides 90% energy return – I believe it!
Despite the shoe’s very high stack, (42 mm in the heel) the shoe provides a very stable ride. I would think this shoe would work well for those who typically run in stability shoes.
Upper
I’ve ran in a lot of Saucony shoes, and I’ve never experienced an uncomfortable upper. Good news: that trend continues with this shoe. There’s a lightweight, breathable mesh upper and the laces are the perfect length, helping provide a secure lockdown. Tie it and forget it!
Outsole
I’ve never ran in a shoe that didn’t have rubber on the outsole. After 60 miles, there’s no noticeable wear and tear on the bottom of the shoe, but without any rubber, I can’t help but wonder how long the outsole will last. I would think (and hope) at least 300 miles, but that’s just a guess.
Weight
With the shoe only a half ounce away from the dreaded 10 oz weight (for US M9), it’s certainly not one of the lighter super trainers. But, while I’d prefer the shoe be closer to 9 oz, it feels light enough on the run to go for miles and miles. In fact, during my runs, I remark to myself how light the midsole and outsole of the shoe feel. The foam is not dense like in a lot of other similar shoes. Which leads me to believe the bulk of the weight lies in the comfy upper.
Looks
This shoe just looks awesome. It’s one of the nicest-looking midsoles I’ve ever seen. My dislike for all-white shoes has been well documented, but the White | Infrared colorway of the shoe was so eye-catching that I had to choose it. It doesn’t hurt that it also features my beloved red and black pairing in the design. I never thought I could pull off wearing a white shoe, but this shoe enhanced the aesthetics of my running shoe rotation.
Price
I think $180 is a fair price for a carbon-plated super trainer of this quality, that is, if the shoe lasts at least 300 miles. If this shoe was priced any higher, it’d be hard for me to justify purchasing it.
Conclusion
Despite not providing one of the softer rides out there, with the Saucony Kinvara Pro’s mix of three types of cushion, a carbon fiber plate, and a comfortable ride, the shoe has become one of my favorites of 2023 and my new long run shoe. I’ve taken the shoe for 18 and 20-mile runs and had no regrets hitching my feet to the shoe for upwards of three hours.
I wouldn’t pick this shoe to do speed workouts beyond strides, but it’s relatively easy to pick up the pace in without exerting too much effort. I frequently find myself running faster-paced miles than I was expecting, and have to force myself to slow down a bit.
With the introduction of the Kinvara Pro, Saucony further bolsters their already top-tier running shoe lineup. It’s one of the best in the industry and I see no reason why that will change anytime soon.
I purchased the Saucony Kinvara Pro with my money and Saucony had no input or influence on what I wrote.
