Specs and takeaways:
- Name: Saucony Kinvara Pro
- Weight (men’s size 11): 10.8 oz / 305 g
- Stack height: Heel – 42 mm // Forefoot – 34 mm // 8 mm heel-toe drop
- Sizing: True to size. Classic Saucony fit.
- Pros: Good weight (for its size). Comfy. Good cushion.
- Cons: Completely exposed outsole foam which could affect durability.
- Best for: Long, steady distance
- Price: $180
Where to buy
In the world of lightweight daily trainers, the Saucony Kinvara has long been a favorite for runners seeking a balance of speed, minimalism, and just enough cushioning to get through long miles. But what happens when you want to go faster and longer without sacrificing that lightweight feel (for the size)? Enter the Saucony Kinvara Pro. The Kinvara Pro takes everything runners love about the minimal, responsive nature of the Kinvara 15 and adds a performance-enhancing twist by introducing higher stack heights, carbon plate “Speedroll Technology”, and a premium, dual midsole makeup. But is this enough to distinguish it from the classic Kinvara series? Let’s see.
Saucony Kinvara Pro Outsole
The outsole of the Kinvara Pro is constructed entirely from Saucony’s PWRRUN foam, with no rubber components, which is a significant departure from the traditional use of rubber for traction and durability. The design features strategic, wave-like grooves that allow for flexibility and natural movement, while the foam itself offers some grip through its texture and layout. A midfoot cutaway helps maintain the lightweight feel of the shoe, reducing overall bulk.
[Our Take] On the run, the all-foam outsole performs surprisingly well on dry, paved surfaces, providing sufficient grip for road running and light track sessions. However, on wet surfaces or more rugged terrain, traction is noticeably compromised compared to shoes with rubber outsoles.
Durability is also a concern for those who frequently log miles on rougher paths, as exposed foam tends to wear down more quickly than rubber. When comparing the Kinvara Pro to the Kinvara 15, the outsole offers a similar lightweight, flexible feel, but the lack of rubber means that it may not be as suitable for runners looking for extra grip and long-lasting durability on varied surfaces.
Saucony Kinvara Pro Midsole
The midsole of the Saucony Kinvara Pro is where the shoe takes a significant step forward from its Kinvara predecessors. It features a triple-layer construction made of PWRRUN PB Superfoam on top, a 3/4 carbon plate sandwiched in the middle, and a softer PWRRUN layer underneath. The combination aims to provide a responsive yet cushioned ride that can handle tempo runs though longer distances at slower pace is very much in the sweet sport. The stack height sits at 42 mm in the heel and 34 mm in the forefoot, giving the shoe an 8mm drop – and the highest stack of any shoe that Saucony makes.
[Our Take] On the road, the midsole feels lively, thanks largely to the PWRRUN PB layer, which adds a reasonable amount of bounce and energy return. The carbon plate adds noticeable propulsion without feeling overly stiff, striking a balance that is more forgiving than Saucony’s Endorphin series but still stiffer than the Kinvara 15, which features no plate. While ground feel is reduced compared to the Kinvara 15, the increased stack height provides more protection, allowing the Kinvara Pro to shine over longer distances or in recovery runs where cushioning is paramount.
Saucony Kinvara Pro Upper
The upper of the Kinvara Pro utilizes an engineered mesh that feels premium and lightweight, with a series of overlaid lines for structure and support. The tongue is gusseted across the midfoot, ensuring it stays in place, and the flat lacing system helps secure the foot without causing pressure points. The heel collar is cushioned with medium-density foam, giving a comfortable and snug fit around the ankle. Saucony kept the upper design sleek and minimal, in line with the Kinvara’s ethos, but with a more refined and performance-oriented look.
In terms of feel, the upper is breathable and offers great lockdown, especially in the midfoot. The engineered mesh ensures good ventilation, and during warmer runs, the upper didn’t cause any noticeable hotspots. The heel cup, while slightly more structured than the Kinvara 15, still offers flexibility and comfort, allowing for a smooth fit without any rubbing or irritation. The overall durability of the upper seems strong, and while it is light, it holds up well during longer runs, providing a stable feel even after extended use.
Saucony Kinvara Pro Fit
[Our Take] The Kinvara Pro fits true to size. The toe box has a decent amount of room though for those with the need for a wide fit, there is a 2E wide version of the Kinvara Pro available. The midfoot locks down well, aided by the gusseted tongue and a snug lacing system, ensuring there’s no slipping during runs. The heel fits securely without excessive padding, contributing to the shoe’s lightweight feel.
Comfort is key here, especially for longer distances. The fit of the Kinvara Pro feels cohesive across all foot zones, from the forefoot to the heel, ensuring a snug but non-restrictive fit. On longer runs, the shoe remains comfortable, and while the form-fitting midfoot may be a bit tight for wider foot shapes, a bit of give in the upper helps accommodate this.
Saucony Kinvara Pro Ride
[Our Take] The ride of the Kinvara Pro is where this shoe shines – but for us it was at a particular speed zone. The combination of the PWRRUN PB midsole and the carbon plate creates a propulsive ride that feels fairly springy yet controlled. While heavier than the Kinvara 15 (thanks to all the midsole this shoe has going on) at 10.8 oz / 305 g in a men’s size 11, the Kinvara Pro still maintains a relatively lightweight feel for a shoe with so much stack. The plate provides noticeable forward propulsion, especially when picking up the pace, but it’s less aggressive than what you’ll find in Saucony’s Endorphin series.
This shoe excels on long runs, tempos, and even race day, with the carbon plate adding efficiency without sacrificing comfort. For shorter, faster workouts, the ride might feel a little over-cushioned compared to the Kinvara 15, which retains a more connected, minimal feel. That sweet spot mentioned above is really on the longer, slower days (though I guess you don’t have to go long to go slow!).
Saucony Kinvara Pro Overall
The Saucony Kinvara Pro, priced at $180, successfully merges the lightweight DNA of the Kinvara line with the performance benefits of Saucony’s top-tier racing shoes and has the price tag to match. While it’s heavier than the Kinvara 15 and loses some of that stripped-back feel, the addition of a carbon plate and higher stack heights makes it a great option for runners who want more cushion and propulsion over longer distances. If you’re looking at the name “Kinvara” in this shoe and you’re thinking this is an adaptation of that legacy standby, you’re going to be surprised.
What are your thoughts on the Saucony Kinvara Pro? Have you run in them, or are you looking to add them to your rotation? Let’s hear your thoughts below!
Where to buy
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