{"id":43037,"date":"2023-09-03T09:57:09","date_gmt":"2023-09-03T13:57:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.runningshoesguru.com\/?post_type=reviews_road&p=43037"},"modified":"2023-09-03T10:11:34","modified_gmt":"2023-09-03T14:11:34","slug":"saucony-kinvara-pro-review","status":"publish","type":"reviews_road","link":"https:\/\/www.runningshoesguru.com\/reviews\/road\/saucony-kinvara-pro-review\/","title":"Saucony Kinvara Pro Review","author":95,"featured_media":43055,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"brands":[129],"shoes_type":[257,781],"shoes_family":[647],"_stcr@_rolfkleinfeld@hotmail.com":null,"review_3_website_name":null,"test_trail":null,"_test_trail":null,"usd":null,"_usd":null,"aud":null,"_aud":null,"cad":null,"_cad":null,"gbp":null,"_gbp":null,"eur":null,"_eur":null,"shoe_brand":null,"_shoe_brand":null,"shoe_name":null,"pros":"5","cons":"3","verdict":"The Kinvara Pro is an exciting new, stiff speed trainer with a carbon plate. It performs well at a variety of paces due to its stable ride and its snappy forefoot. It\u2019s a great training companion for the Endorphin Pro and Elite if you want a similar ride at a cheaper price point. While it doesn\u2019t have as much bounce or energy return as other speed trainers, it still has a fast, propulsive ride. ","weight":null,"heel":null,"toe":null,"heeldrop":null,"reccomended_for":null,"rrp":null,"review":null,"keywords":"Saucony Kinvara Pro , Saucony running shoes review, best Saucony running shoes, Racer running shoes,","description":"The Kinvara Pro is an exciting new, stiff speed trainer with a carbon plate. It performs well at a variety of paces due to its stable ride and its snappy forefoot. It\u2019s a great training companion for the Endorphin Pro and Elite if you want a similar ride at a cheaper price point. While it doesn\u2019t have as much bounce or energy return as other speed trainers, it still has a fast, propulsive ride. ","professional_image":"43043","_professional_image":"field_5d9574dae3414","usage":["speedwork","daily_training"],"_usage":"field_5943593f1d1c2","rsg_subtitle":null,"subtitle":null,"_subtitle":null,"introduction":"[caption id=\"attachment_43056\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1920\"]\"Picture<\/span>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIf you are wondering about the Kinvara Pro and why it exists, here is my take on it. The Endorphin Speed 3 <\/a>is supposed to be the training companion of the Endorphin Pro 3<\/a> and the Endorphin Elite<\/a> but if you\u2019ve ever run in it, you would have noticed that it feels nothing like the Saucony super shoes. It has a nylon plate in its midsole so it\u2019s very flexible. The midsole foam is also very soft and it feels like a daily trainer, not a speed trainer. \r\n\r\nMany runners use the Endorphin Speed 3<\/strong> for daily training because it has a comfortable ride with relaxed transitions. I feel that it\u2019s too relaxed for my speedwork<\/strong>- I prefer something stiffer and more propulsive when I want to pick up the pace. \r\n\r\nSaucony must have realised that there\u2019s a gap in their product offering, so they created the Kinvara Pro, a stiff, cheaper, more durable version of the marathon racers<\/strong>. The Kinvara Pro doesn\u2019t have much in common with the regular Kinvara 14<\/a>. They both have PWRRUN outsoles with not much outsole rubber but that\u2019s where the similarities end. \r\n\r\nWhy the name Kinvara Pro? The Kinvara has been one of the most popular Saucony running shoes over the past decade so it makes sense for them to ride on a name that\u2019s already well-known in the running universe rather than build up a brand new name. \r\n\r\nThe Kinvara Pro is equipped with Saucony\u2019s high end technology like PWRRUN PB midsole foam, a \u00be length carbon plate and SpeedRoll geometry. It weighs 9.5 oz (269 g) for a men\u2019s US 9 which is much heavier than the Kinvara 14. The Kinvara 14 weighs only 7 oz (198 g). It also has a massive 42mm\/34mm midsole compared to the regular Kinvara 14\u2019s 31mm\/27mm. \r\n\r\nThe Kinvara Pro costs $180, the same price as other premium speed trainers like the Hoka Mach X<\/a> and the New Balance SuperComp Trainer v2<\/a> but it costs $10 more than the Endorphin Speed 3. \r\n\r\nCould this be the Saucony speed trainer that bridges the gap between the daily trainers and the racers?<\/strong>\r\n","introduction_text":null,"conclusions":"[caption id=\"attachment_43054\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1920\"]\"Picture<\/span>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nSaucony markets the Kinvara Pro as a daily trainer but that's just to appeal to a wider audience. There are far better Saucony daily trainers which are more relaxed and more flexible like the Ride and the Triumph series. The Kinvara Pro is more similar to a racer than a trainer<\/strong>. \r\n\r\nIn the Saucony lineup, you previously had to shell out $225 for the Endorphin Pro 3<\/a> or $275 for the Endorphin Elite<\/a> if you wanted a stiff, carbon-plated ride. Now with the Kinvara Pro available, it\u2019s a much more affordable option at only $180. <\/strong>\r\n\r\nI prefer the Kinvara Pro to the Endorphin Speed 3 because it feels less like a daily trainer. It\u2019s much easier to pick up the pace in the Kinvara Pro and the ride is a lot more stable. It will definitely stay in my marathon training rotation. \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_43047\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1920\"]\"Picture<\/span>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nCompared to the Hoka Mach X<\/a> and the NB SuperComp Trainer v2<\/a>, currently my 2 favourite speed trainers, the Kinvara Pro has a firmer and stiffer ride. \r\n\r\nIt also doesn\u2019t have as much energy due to its firmer midsole foams but it has the most stable ride. It slots right in between the other 2. \r\n\r\nI prefer the Mach X for fast paces<\/strong> (racing & intervals), the SuperComp Trainer v2 for slow paces<\/strong> (easy & recovery) and the Kinvara Pro for moderate paces<\/strong> (steady & long runs). \r\n\r\nIf I could only pick one, I'd pick the Mach X because it's the best all-rounder<\/a>. \r\n","model":"Kinvara Pro","_model":"field_5c1600ad0113f","who_is_it_for":"If you find the Endorphin Speed 3 too soft or flexible for speed training, the Kinvara Pro is a good option which delivers a more similar feel to the Saucony super shoes. It has a more stable, snappier ride. ","pros_0_pro_line":"Stiff ride, similar to the Saucony racers","_pros_0_pro_line":"field_5c16011c4fed6","pros_1_pro_line":"Stable ride for such a thick midsole ","_pros_1_pro_line":"field_5c16011c4fed6","pros_2_pro_line":"Energy-saving forefoot rocker ","_pros_2_pro_line":"field_5c16011c4fed6","cons_0_cons_line":"Midsole foams feel a bit flat ","_cons_0_cons_line":"field_5c16011c70a57","cons_1_cons_line":"Low outsole durability","_cons_1_cons_line":"field_5c16011c70a57","cons_2_cons_line":"Narrow fit ","_cons_2_cons_line":"field_5c16011c70a57","water_resistance":null,"_water_resistance":null,"pros_3_pro_line":"Comfortable upper ","_pros_3_pro_line":"field_5c16011c4fed6","pros_4_pro_line":"Highly cushioned ","_pros_4_pro_line":"field_5c16011c4fed6","cons_3_cons_line":null,"_cons_3_cons_line":null,"cons_4_cons_line":null,"_cons_4_cons_line":null,"in_page_subtitle":null,"_in_page_subtitle":null,"image":null,"_image":null,"cushioning_type":"balanced","_cushioning_type":"field_594357fba24e6","cushioning_amount":"Highly cushioned","_cushioning_amount":"field_5c1a16c4d4c23","sizing":"0","_sizing":"field_59435b58fd832","heel_fit":"normal","_heel_fit":"field_59435bbc45b07","midfoot_fit":"normal","_midfoot_fit":"field_59435d1684838","toebox_fit":"normal","_toebox_fit":"field_59435d1484837","flexibility":"rigid","_flexibility":"field_59435d1284836","stability":"very stable","_stability":"field_5944aca41583c","midfoot_fit_copy":null,"_midfoot_fit_copy":null,"best_for":"","pe_timestamp":null,"ds_query":"+saucony +kinvara +pro","_ds_query":"field_5c1600ad01052","release_date":"","_release_date":"field_5c176d6fffe21","weight_oz":"8.4","_weight_oz":"field_5c176d34ffe1f","heel_drop_mm":"8","_heel_drop_mm":"field_5c176d57ffe20","intro_to_the_shoe":null,"_intro_to_the_shoe":null,"main_text":null,"_main_text":null,"protection":null,"_protection":null,"durability":"7","_durability":"field_6272de0b5fdf5","responsiveness_&_speed":null,"_responsiveness_&_speed":null,"comfort_and_fit":null,"_comfort_and_fit":null,"lugs":null,"_lugs":null,"rockplate":null,"_rockplate":null,"good_for_running":null,"_good_for_running":null,"previous_model":"","_previous_model":"field_5c1a17279c9f9","usage_these_shoes_for":null,"_usage_these_shoes_for":null,"rrp_us":"180","_rrp_us":"field_5c176dba632ff","rrp_au":"","_rrp_au":"field_5c176dd363300","rrp_ca":"","_rrp_ca":"field_5c176df863301","rrp_gb":"","_rrp_gb":"field_5c176dfe63302","rrp_de":"","_rrp_de":"field_5c176e0d63303","purchased_from_name":"Running Warehouse","_purchased_from_name":"field_5c374d8cdb87d","purchased_from_url":"https:\/\/www.runningwarehouse.com\/Saucony_Kinvara_Pro\/descpage-SAKIPM0.html?from=guru","_purchased_from_url":"field_5c374d9bdb87e","heel_mm":"42","_heel_mm":"field_630506e911fdf","toe_mm":"34","_toe_mm":"field_630506f011fe0","carbon_plate":"half","_carbon_plate":"field_63065e4848c57","360":"","_360":"field_630662fb826e3","_video":"field_63066304826e4","who_should_buy_it":"If you find the Endorphin Speed 3 too soft or flexible for speed training, the Kinvara Pro is a good option which delivers a more similar feel to the Saucony super shoes. It has a more stable, snappier ride. ","_who_should_buy_it":"field_63132fa733767","who_should_not_buy_it_":"If you prefer minimal rides with a lot of ground feel, look elsewhere because the Kinvara Pro is a firm, maximalist trainer. If you like flexible, natural rides, the Kivara Pro is also not for you.","_who_should_not_buy_it_":"field_63132ff0865f5","build_quality":"8","_build_quality":"field_6272ddc1b33de","comfort":"8","_comfort":"field_6272dd6fa6b88","value_price":"8","_value_price":"field_6272de0a5fdf4","third_shoe":"42898","_third_shoe":"field_630bbf8341294","upper_rate":"9","_upper_rate":"field_6272de2a5fdfb","sole_unit_rate":"7","_sole_unit_rate":"field_6272de295fdfa","landing":"8","_landing":"field_6272de285fdf9","transition":"8","_transition":"field_6272de285fdf8","toe_off":"8","_toe_off":"field_6272de275fdf7","traction":"8","_traction":"field_6272de265fdf6","first_impressions":"[caption id=\"attachment_43049\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1920\"]\"Picture<\/span>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI was lucky enough to see a sample version of the Kinvara Pro back in April this year. I didn\u2019t get to try it on back then but when I held it in my hands, I was surprised how stiff it was- it didn\u2019t flex at all, even with a lot of force. \r\n\r\nThis was surprising to me because it only has a 3 quarter-length plate in its midsole. Other shoes with 3 quarter-length plates like the Reebok Energy X<\/a> and Skechers Speed Beast<\/a> are much more flexible. \r\n\r\nMy first run was an 11km easy one and although it was a slow run (not what it\u2019s designed for), I enjoyed it thoroughly. Transitions felt super smooth, it felt stable and the fit was perfect.<\/strong> I could feel the SpeedRoll rocker assisting me during transitions. \r\n\r\nThe shoe that it reminded me of was the Under Armour Velociti Elite because both shoes are stiff and don\u2019t have any outsole rubber. \r\n\r\nLandings felt very padded in both shoes however the Kinvara Pro had more cushioning depth due to the extra stack height. The Kinvara Pro also had a more prominent forefoot rocker than the Under Armour super shoe. \r\n","_first_impressions":"field_6313304ba000e","sole_unit":"[caption id=\"attachment_43046\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1920\"]\"Picture<\/span>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe Kinvara Pro is everything that I want from a speed trainer<\/strong>, that the Endorphin Speed is not. The Pro feels stiff, propulsive and snappy so it\u2019s suitable for speed workouts and uptempo runs if you enjoy the stiff feeling of a super shoe. \r\n\r\nIt has a 3 quarter-length plate inside its midsole but it feels like a full-length plate because the midsole doesn\u2019t flex at all. The plate gives the midsole some structure<\/strong> (for stability) and it also enhances the forefoot rocker so that it feels efficient\/energy-saving. That\u2019s a big difference between the Speed and the Kinvara Pro: they both have SpeedRoll but it works much better in the Pro because the forefoot doesn\u2019t flex. \r\n\r\nThe Kinvara Pro is a versatile trainer which can be used for easy paces above 6 minutes per km<\/strong> (9:40 per mile), all the way down to 4 minutes 30 per km<\/strong> (7:14 per mile). It has a wide base so it\u2019s stable when you\u2019re going slowly and it has a punch provided by the stiff carbon plate when you want to pick up the pace. For me it feels best at moderate paces around 4:45 minutes per km (7:39 per mile).\r\n\r\nI did a speed workout consisting of 400 m intervals in the Kinvara Pro and I found it a little bit too much shoe. I prefer something lighter and more agile for the really fast stuff. \r\n\r\nThe Kinvara Pro utilises 3 of Saucony\u2019s midsole foams: PWRRUN, PWRRUN and PWRRUN PB yet the ride still feels cohesive and balanced. The sockliner is made of PWRRUN+ which provides a layer of squishiness directly under your feet. Underneath the sockliner is PWRRUN PB, a Peba foam which is energetic and cushioned. Lastly, there\u2019s a thick layer of firm, PWRRUN EVA foam at the bottom for durability and stability. \r\n\r\nI crave a little bit more PWRRUN PB foam in the midsole of the Kinvara Pro. I find the ride a little flat when compared to other speed trainers like the Hoka Mach X and the NB SuperComp Trainer v2. It has noticeably less bounce and energy return because of how much PWWRUN EVA foam there is in the midsole. \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_43039\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1920\"]\"Picture<\/span>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe heel stack height is 2 mm above the legal limit for official World Athletics races but I doubt any elites or sub-elites will be using the Kinvara Pro for competition, mainly because of its weight. Its substantial 9.5 oz weight prevents it from being a viable race day option for fast runners. \r\n\r\nLong, slow runs are really enjoyable in the Kinvara Pro. The longest run that I did was 40 km and my legs felt comfortable the entire run. The stiff forefoot rocker made it feel efficient and easy to get into a rhythm. \r\n\r\nThe outsole of the Kinvara Pro wears down a little bit faster than the regular running shoe because it doesn\u2019t have any rubber on it but it\u2019s a lot more durable than the Under Armour Velociti Elite which also has a rubberless outsole. \r\n\r\nOn my pair, there\u2019s noticeable wear on the outer lateral heels but it\u2019s a thick slab of PWRRUN on the bottom so I don\u2019t think outsole wear will be a big issue unless you are a heavy heel striker. Traction is excellent because the outsole is so soft. I ran in heavy rain during a heel sprints session and I didn\u2019t slip at all. \r\n","_sole_unit":"field_6313305d53bc4","custom_fields":{"model":"Kinvara Pro","cons":[{"cons_line":"Midsole foams feel a bit flat "},{"cons_line":"Low outsole durability"},{"cons_line":"Narrow fit "}],"pros":[{"pro_line":"Stiff ride, similar to the Saucony racers"},{"pro_line":"Stable ride for such a thick midsole "},{"pro_line":"Energy-saving forefoot rocker "},{"pro_line":"Comfortable upper "},{"pro_line":"Highly cushioned "}],"vote":"8","weight_oz":"8.4","heel_drop_mm":"8","heel_mm":"42","toe_mm":"34","purchased_from_name":"Running Warehouse","purchased_from_url":"https:\/\/www.runningwarehouse.com\/Saucony_Kinvara_Pro\/descpage-SAKIPM0.html?from=guru","comfort":"8","build_quality":"8","upper_rate":"9","sole_unit_rate":"7","landing":"8","transition":"8","toe_off":"8","traction":"8","durability":"7","value_price":"8","who_is_it_for":"If you find the Endorphin Speed 3 too soft or flexible for speed training, the Kinvara Pro is a good option which delivers a more similar feel to the Saucony super shoes. It has a more stable, snappier ride. ","verdict":"The Kinvara Pro is an exciting new, stiff speed trainer with a carbon plate. It performs well at a variety of paces due to its stable ride and its snappy forefoot. It\u2019s a great training companion for the Endorphin Pro and Elite if you want a similar ride at a cheaper price point. While it doesn\u2019t have as much bounce or energy return as other speed trainers, it still has a fast, propulsive ride. ","who_should_buy_it":"

If you find the Endorphin Speed 3 too soft or flexible for speed training, the Kinvara Pro is a good option which delivers a more similar feel to the Saucony super shoes. It has a more stable, snappier ride. <\/p>\n","who_should_not_buy_it_":"

If you prefer minimal rides with a lot of ground feel, look elsewhere because the Kinvara Pro is a firm, maximalist trainer. If you like flexible, natural rides, the Kivara Pro is also not for you.<\/p>\n","introduction":"

\"Picture