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Test and opinions: Saucony Kinvara Pro
The latest from saucony!
A little news in Saucony's running range with the arrival of the "Pro" version of the Kinvara! Let's face it: it's got absolutely nothing to do with the Kinvara of yesteryear. It's much thicker, a carbon plate has been added to the sole and the running feel is radically different too. Just like the price. Here's our review!
272 grams
POIDs
8 millimetres
drop
220 €
price list
SAUCONY
KINVARA PRO
A much more powerful Kinvara than before!
(Testing product written based on questions received by our subscribers)
Technical features: this model features a carbon-fiber plate over the entire sole - 8-mm drop - PWRRUN+ foam and all with good grip even on wet roads.
The comfort of the footbed gives an excellent idea of the shoe's overall comfort from the outset, so much so that it's a success from the moment you slip your foot into it. The mesh wraps the foot very well, the tongue is comfortable and lacing is easy. Running sensations are pleasant, even if the shoe is rather narrow. No rubbing, no blisters. You feel good in them.
Cushioning: It's pretty stiff, even after about 50 kilometers of use. Impossible to characterize it as "soft". But it's this stiffness that allows a good return of energy, and it's not disturbing for a model used for long or intense training sessions. The thickness of the sole makes them feel quite high.
information to remember
Weight: 272 grams - a bit heavy for a performance model. It also feels quite imposing and bulky on the feet. But that's not particularly disturbing for the use we're going to make of them. We're not looking for the lightest possible shoe for training, because that's not necessary. It's in competition where you need the most efficient model on your feet.
SAUCONY
KINVARA PRO
In terms of durability: the outsole wears aesthetically rather quickly (due in particular to our jogging on trails with stones), but this does not alter the performance of the foam or the cushioning. As it's quite "heavy", it seems really resistant over time, and it's possible to rack up the miles with it.
Kinvara Pro pricing: 220 euros is expensive for a training model like this. But if you're counting on the fact that it's fairly durable over time, that it helps you save muscle and that it brings a real plus to your training: then it's the price to pay.
Feedback & use
We ran with it on our endurances, long outings, threshold sessions and fartleks. In other words, from endurances to races. Whether on the road or the trails, you can feel that the shoe performs well and that there's a good return. It's responsive. The carbon plate + foam combination saves muscle power when running in them. So it's easier for us to keep training going. Without necessarily going faster, but with less muscular fatigue. That's this model's strong point.
SAUCONY
KINVARA PRO
But for us, it won't be a model we'll be using in competition. At Saucony, we prefer the "Endorphin Elite" for competition, as it offers better performance. On the other hand, for a runner who does 10 kilometers in 40 minutes or a marathon in over 3 hours: this model is 100% compatible for road racing. In fact, it's far more suitable than a carbon top model, where you won't necessarily get the full benefits of the shoe.
Track use : We don't run in these shoes on the track, as they lack stability, mainly due to the thickness of the sole. The foot is well supported, but the stability is questionable. It's better to be cautious on bends to avoid poor support and a lost ankle.
General opinion on the shoe
It's an excellent training model with its strong points (cushioning and muscle saving) and weak points (lack of stability and price). It has become 100% part of our shoe rotation since we received it at the end of July. We give it priority on our endurances (short and long) because it's an ideal partner on all levels (comfort, shock absorption and dynamism) for mile after mile on all terrains and in all weathers.
Highlights
Weak points
Similar models from other brands : the Zoom Fly 5 from Nike - adizero Prime X from adidas or the ASICS Superblast.
Size: the shoe fits perfectly normally. We took exactly the same size as usual: i.e. 42.5 as at Nike, HOKA, ASICS or adidas (42 2/3).
SAUCONY
KINVARA PRO
I don't think you have to run a marathon in under 3 hours to get the benefits of a lightweight, high-performance shoe like the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, for example. If you take a runner who runs a marathon in 3 hours 15 minutes (for example), he'll lose a lot of time if he wears a heavier, less high-performance shoe like the Kinvara Pro.
Hello, can you clear up the Saucony range as I'm a bit lost between this Kinvara pro and the saucony endorphine elite. Which one is more dynamic (and comfortable)? I already have 2 Saucony and I didn't know this Kinvara range.
Hello, this Kinvara Pro is totally different from the Endorphin Elite. The two models are complementary. The Endorphin Elite is designed for long-distance competition, for dynamism and muscular economy.