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I've been curious about the existence of the Saucony Kinvara Pro. Why did Saucony create, yet another speed day shoe? The Saucony Endorphin Speed is one of the most popular running shoes in the industry and falls under a similar category but with a nylon plate. The Endorphin Speed is fast but can handle easy runs too.
The Kinvara Pro, with its 3/4th carbon plate, is intended to be quick yet versatile enough for daily runs. Why have two shoes that essentially serve the same purpose? Especially when the Endorphin Speed is so popular? Are runners really going to buy both? Frankly, this seems to be a recurring issue with Saucony. They offer so many lightweight neutral shoes that it begs the question: What's the point? Why so many?
Also, why is it named the Saucony Kinvara Pro? The Saucony Kinvara has a long history in the running world and has garnered many fans. Will these fans appreciate the Kinvara Pro or reject it?
Nonetheless, I was eager to discover how the Kinvara Pro would fit into my running routine. I've never been a huge Kinvara fan. I've run in almost every version, but it's never been my number 1. Before carbon plated shoes, I preferred racing flats for speed work and maximum cushioned trainers for daily runs.
Shoe Facts:
While it reminds one of the Kinvara 14, the Kinvara Pro's upper feels thicker and less breathable. It's "fine," but not the kind of shoe I imagine running quickly in, especially in desert-like conditions where overheating is a risk. Typically, racing shoes from many brands have thinner and more breathable uppers. The Kinvara Pro upper feels like an afterthought with no time dedicated to it.
The best running shoe uppers should disappear on your feet. Is the Saucony Kinvara Pro comfortable? Mostly, yes. The thicker upper is a confusing choice, but it is comfortable with no evident hot spots. It just seems like a basic upper and not one of a fast running shoe. It's worth noting that while the Kinvara Pro isn't overly narrow, it does lean on the more narrow side.
I usually wear a women's size 10-11 wide in running shoes. For me, size 11 in the Kinvara Pro was the best fit. If you have wider feet, consider sizing up half a size.
At first glance of the Saucony Kinvara Pro, you think: wow that's a beafy midsole. It honestly looks like the early models of Hoka where you think, is that too much shoe? Is there a thing as too much shoe?
The midsole feels like a combination of various Saucony technologies, resulting in a 42 mm stack height in the heel. It's as if Saucony couldn't decide which foam to use, so they incorporated all of them.
To my surprise, the Kinvara Pro turned out to be firmer than expected, especially when compared to the softer Endorphin Speed. However, the Kinvara Pro is versatile, suitable for a range of paces, from racing to warming up and cooling down. For me, it does still fit into a speedwork shoe but unlike many options, I'm not afraid to warm up or cooldown in it too.
The Kinvara series was never designed for longevity. Depending on the model, 200 miles might be the maximum you get. The Kinvara Pro is no different. The shoe's base displays minimal blown rubber, decreasing weight but compromising on durability and traction. Although the Kinvara Pro does feature EVA Contact foam, it's not a substitute for genuine rubber.
It's not a shoe I'd recommend for inclement weather or trail running. With a couple hundred miles on smooth terrain being its potential limit, it's still better than many racing shoes that barely last 100 miles. My guess is the Kinvara Pro will last about 200 miles.
The Saucony Kinvara Pro is a solid choice for those seeking a shoe versatile enough for both daily training and racing, capable of handling a multitude of paces. Compared to the Endorphin Speed, it is much firmer. Compared to the Saucony Kinvara, it's much faster and more responsive. Like the Mach 5 and Mach X, the Saucony Kinvara and Kinvara Pro are suitable companions for training but still a little weird they share the same name since they are more like distant cousins versus siblings.
Who should buy the Saucony Kinvara Pro? Those in search of a speedwork and racing shoe versatile across different paces.
Who shouldn't? Those who frequently run in adverse weather, those looking strictly for a daily trainer, or those who prefer a more minimalist feel.
I was paid to write an honest shoe review of my choice.
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