By Noel Paine
Welcome to my Saucony Kinvara 14 review.
I tried on a number of runing shoes over the years but never really started using the saucony Kinvara until I began racewalking a few years back, in addition to my running. I have run and racewalked in the Saucony Kinvara 11, 12, 13 and now the 14. The shoe has changed over the years but not significantly and from 12-13, very little. Now the Kinvara 14, what has changed?
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The Saucony Kinvara which debuted in 2009, has been a great option for quite a few years now (now on version 14) for those looking for a lightweight, neutral daily training shoe. Over the years the model has been a well-cushioned, but fairly soft, light and flexible training shoe.
Kinvara 14 - Men's Elliptical | Saucony
Noel Paine Wearing Saucony Kinvara 14
Fun fact: The Saucony company was founded in 1898 on the banks of Saucony Creek in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, USA and it is pronounced “Sock-a-knee”.
What Kind of Shoe is the Kinvara 14
The Saucony Kinvara has always been meant to be a fairly low-drop, neutral, lightweight running shoe. It has generally stayed a fairly flexible, soft-cushioned shoe as well, meant for people with not foot issues who want to train and perhaps even race in a shoe that is not too stiff and not too heavy. The Kinvara has fit that bill for many years. The Kinvara 14 still fits the description.
Saucony Kinvara 14
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Who is the Kinvara 14 Meant for?
This shoe is meant for someone who wants a lighter, softer shoe to train in, and who has not foot issues.
Feel of Kinvara 14
The shoe is roomy but not overly wide but does come in a wide width. The shoe is also not overly deep if you need extra depth or wear an orthotic.
Saucony Kinvara 14 Vs Kinvara 13
Saucony | Kinvara 14 | Kinvara 13 |
|---|---|---|
Stack Height | 31mm heel / 27 mm forefoot | 28.5mm heel / 24.5 forefoot |
Drop (Heel to Toe) | 4mm | 4mm |
Weight | 7 ounces/ 200 grams | 7.2 ounces/ 213 grams |
Midsole | PWRRUN foam | PWRRUN foam |
Cushion | Soft but firmer than 13 | Soft |
Type of Shoe | Neutral training shoe | Neutral training shoe |
Widths | Regular and wide | Regular and wide |
Sizes | 7-15 (Men’s) | 7-15 (Men’s) |
*Saucony also says this shoe is vegan and contains recycled materials – if that affects your decision in picking a shoe.
**There are a lot of cool colour options for this shoe – make sure you go online to check out. Not every retailer will carry every colour option.
My Recommendation
As a runner and a racewalker, I would recommend this shoe more for the running crowd. The stack height and firmer heel and feel of the Kinvara 14 does not lend itself as well to a smooth heel-to-toe transition important in racewalking.
Other Variations of the Kinvara 14?
Saucony Kinvara Pro – a chunky, heavier but supposedly more cushioned version of the regular Kinvara. It has an 8mm dop, weighs in at 9.5 ounces (269 grams) and uses a new PWRRUN PB cushioning.
Last Words
This shoe is not my favourite and I like the older model better. I don’t mind running in the shoe, but you may find more responsive neutral cushioned shoe options out there. I will not use this shoe for racewalking and now have to search for a new model to train in.
The foot is a very complex structure, and everyone has a foot that varies in length, width, structure, flexibility etc. than anyone else. Read reviews and do your research but what works for one person may not work for you.
Summed Up
The Saucony Kinvara 14, is a moderately-priced update on the last version that changes the fit and feel of the shoe but is still a neutral, lower drop, softer cushioned light training shoe meant for lighter, medium-weight runners.
Shoe Search Advise
Know your foot type, know the length of your foot (get it measured with a Brannock), the width you need and do some research. Your shoe should fit snug, not tight, not sloppy and with some room at the toe. You should not have to break in any running shoe.
I disagree. I am a forefoot runner. And I have purchased this shoe for at least the past 6 years. And it has had a low heel, light weight, and I never fit like a glove. Version 14 heel height rise created added unnecessary height to the heel, causing forefoot runner to have to lift their foot higher, creating stress on the knees. I’ve had injuries twice to my knees, both times wearing the Kinvara 14. After allowing my knee to heel, I ran in my old version 13 shoes with no issues. Yes. Why fix something not broken?