By Noel Paine
The Saucony Kinvara has always been a fairly popular model for the brand. It has been a relatively flexible (no extra stabilizers), lower drop shoe that is decently light and responsive without being a race shoe and with a midsole that is right in the middle in terms of softness. Its on version 15!
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I have run and walked in the Saucony Kinvara 11, 12, 13, 14 and now the 15. I liked all the versions except for version 14 that came out last year. The last model was changed just enough in terms of stack height, feel, upper and durometer of the foam (a touch firmer). The changes did not sit well with a lot of runners who were quite happy with very minor tweaks to a shoe design that seemed to work well for so many people.
Stats
Saucony | Kinvara 15 |
|---|---|
Best for | Fast training Racewalking |
Support | Neutral |
Cushion | Moderate cushioning |
Stack Height | 29mm heel 25mm forefoot |
Drop | 4mm |
Weight | 7.0oz / 200g |
Suggested Retail Price | $119.95 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 8.6/ 10 |
What Type of Shoe is it?
The Saucony site describes the shoe as light, flexible and good for speed work or daily runs. I would agree. I like this shoe for speed training or daily walks/runs but it is not a high mileage shoe and something like the Saucony Ride would last longer for high mileage runners.
Sacony Kinvara 15
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Parts of the Kinvara 15
How Does the Shoe Feel?
I like the feel. I like the shoe to run or racewalk in. The heel stack on the 15 may be higher than versions 12 and 13 but feels okay and softer than the firm version 14. The 14 was a few millimetres higher at the heel than the 15. I find the shoe is really comfortable, responsive and fits well.
A fairly simple cushioned shoe for daily training runs or speed work and maybe a race shoe for some.
How Has the Kinvara Changed from it's Previous Version
If you liked version 14, this one will feel different. If you liked versions 11, 12 and 13 – it will feel more familiar.
The weight has remained the same and the drop is also the same – but it’s the feel of the shoe that is the main difference. The 14 had a firmer feel (cushion) than its predecessor, the mesh on the upper was more breathable but rough not as comfortable, the heel cup padding was thin and there may have been more rocker but it felt stiff.
The 15 has gone back to its roots and feels a bit different from version 11, 12 and 13 (especially at the heel) but the soft mesh is back, the ample heel cup padding and laces that work better.
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