Between the Kinvara 12 and 13, we like the upper of the older version better. We say that for three reasons. The first is the absence of a full sleeve; the K-13 only uses a partial gusset. The K12 is very much in keeping with the lightweight, high-performing comfort that runners have come to expect. The first group owns the current version of a shoe, and wants to know what has changed in the newest model. This happens to a mid-cycle refresh, so that means that the 2022 Kinvara is based on the same midsole architecture as the Kinvara 12. Though there are changes on the upper, there’s only a marginal difference in the overall fit. Combine the minimal upper and 4 mm drop midsole, and you get the 6-ounce Type A9. It’s a must-have if you want a Saucony shoe for fast training runs or races.

Saucony Kinvara 13 Review | Running Shoes Guru

The Kinvara 12 tongue is arguably the most premium feature of the shoe. The top of the tongue has a soft suede feel while underneath, subtle padding protects the dorsal arch of the foot from tight laces. This very moderate increase in firmness does make the shoe feel more like a competition shoe, but I don’t think that it is actually more responsive than the Kinvara 10 or 11. A foam midsole with a 12 mm offset provides a firm, yet basic cushioning for the road. If a no-frills running shoe is all that you need, it’s hard to go astray with the Cohesion 15. The lacing system is easy to use and delivers an effective lacing cinch. The closed mesh and synthetic overlays are protective and effective at keeping the debris out.

Saucony Kinvara 12 Sole Unit

The Triumph 20 fits like a glove without being constricting. Although it is 2 mm narrower on the forefoot than the average running shoe, there was enough space for our toes to wiggle. Even when our feet swelled after long runs, there was room to move around. Pulling cues from the Triumph series, the Hurricane is a highly-cushioned premium stability shoe from Saucony. Recommended for moderate overpronation. It is a premium lineup that includes three models for different purposes, from easy runs to setting personal bests. Equipped with the latest technologies from Saucony, these are meant to minimize energy loss and maximize your running performance. The 2022 model deviates from the tried-and-tested form factor, but preserves the essence of the Saucony Ride. Some of the road running shoes are also released in trail versions (see shoes with “TR” in the name). They are meant to bring the familiar experience of your favorite road shoes to the trail, but with added grip and protection. Let’s talk tech: Special features in Saucony shoes

Saucony Kinvara 13 | Fleet Feet Shoe Review: Saucony Kinvara 13 | Fleet Feet

David: The Saucony Kinvara 13 does really well serving its purpose. I think the upper was a step in the right direction for sure. My only recommendation really lies in the transition through the forefoot. For nearly all uses it does well the way it is but the shoe can come off a little bit slappy through the forefoot when running fast. Because of how much flexibility is in this shoe the forefoot can get that slapping sensation upon loading and then you would flex through it into toe-off. I would like to see it get a slightly firmer forefoot while still maintaining some flexibility by just increasing the outsole coverage a tad through that region. That wouldn't affect the weight or flexibility too much but could make the shoe a tad more snappy. First seen in the 2020 editions of the Triumph and Guide, this design offers a holistic approach to comfort. It aims to cradle the foot from above, below, and behind to give a secure fit with no pressure points. PWRRUN / PWRRUN+ / PWRRUN PB The Kinvara 13’s midsole isn’t complicated. It’s mostly a single density of foam with a couple of soft layers.Ryan M, Elashi M, Newsham-West R, et al (2014). Examining injury risk and pain perception in runners using minimalist footwear. British Journal of Sports Medicine 48:1257-1262. Unlike the Ride and Guide, the Kinvara got its thorough refresh last year. We loved the update, as the Kinvara came closer to the original brief– that of a firm and lightweight trainer with a low heel-to-toe offset. Except for the tiny pieces of rubber under the high-wear zones, the outsole is an extension of the foam midsole. It’s the same as last year, so there are large chevron-shaped lugs under the forefoot for traction.

Saucony Kinvara 13 Review (2023) | RunRepeat Cut in half: Saucony Kinvara 13 Review (2023) | RunRepeat

Performance: A- ( Really natural and flexible ride throughout. Responsiveness could be improved a tad by just increasing the rigidity through the midfoot a tad) However, the changes are more than skin-deep. The redesigned midsole has a softer and smoother ride due to the articulated outsole design that exposes more midsole foam than the 19. All applicable customs and import duties and any other charges are the responsibility of the customer. The FORMFIT topsole remains a staple in the Kinvara line and further enhances the contoured and comfortable fit of the shoe. The heel-to-toe offset is, and I expect always will be, 4 millimetersCarving the longitudinal halves of the outsole leads to smoother weight-loading during the gait cycle. It doesn’t work in isolation, though. The firmness of the midsole helps with the process, and so does the 4 mm heel-to-toe offset. Researchers at Deakin University in Australia (Bonacci et al 2013) examined running kinematics in highly trained runners across four shoe conditions: barefoot, minimalist (Nike Free 3.0), racing flat (Nike LunaRacer 2), and the shoe in which each subject was currently completing the most training mileage. They found no differences in running kinematics between the 3 shoe conditions, but significant differences between all 3 shoe conditions and the barefoot condition. They concluded that minimal shoes like the Free do not replicate the kinematics of barefoot running and runners will have similar mechanics to that of a more traditional shoe. Even after taking into consideration the durability-related issues, the New Balance Fuelcell Rebel V2 ( our review here) is one of our favorite speed trainers. It is incredibly cushioned and bouncy for its weight, and happens to be a suitable speed trainer that’s also very comfortable.

Saucony Kinvara 13 Review Saucony Kinvara 13 Review

The Saucony Peregrine 13, true to its namesake (the Peregrine falcon), is a nimble and agile trail running shoe. It has extraordinary traction and a great fit. A more than capable all-rounder, it is definitely the best Saucony trail shoe. It is incredible breathable which made for some cold toes as I tested the K!2 at the end of winter. Printed graphic overlays add some structure to the upper, but keep the shoe lightweight. Lighter: It goes from 7.5 oz or 213 g (in US M 9) to 7.2 oz or 204 g because of its trimmed-down upper. Like previous models, the Kinvara 12 is versatile and feels good on any and every run, from easy shake-outs to long threshold workouts. It performs well as a daily trainer, speed trainer, and long run shoe. So if you’re looking for a comfortable yet supportive trainer for your everyday and high-mileage runs, give the Tempus some consideration.

Saucony Kinvara 13 Upper Unit

In other words, the toe of the shoe is less flexible than beneath the ball of the foot where dorsiflexion takes place during footstrike. The above research does not mean that everyone who runs in a partial minimal shoe is going to get injured. Partial minimal shoes happen to be my personal favorite category of shoes to train in, but I have run for several years in 0 or low drop shoes, self-select a midfoot landing pattern, and I work to maintain calf and foot intrinsic muscle strength. The main takeaway message is that partial minimal shoes do not provide the potential benefits of true barefoot running, and should not be used for such purposes. If a given runner heel strikes in a traditional running shoe, that runner will likely continue to heel strike in a partial minimal shoe. With less cushioning under the heel, a partial minimal shoe may lead a runner to higher impact forces and increased injury risk. Dr. Irene Davis, a well-known expert on minimal and barefoot running, recommends that runners who wish to adopt barefoot running mechanics should use true minimal shoes (such as Vibram FiveFingers) and do so over the course of many weeks or even months (Davis et al 2014). Both the Guide and Ride have a similar ride behavior; the only difference is that the Guide 15 has a plastic stabilizer over its inner midsole.