While I know the Saucony Kinvara Pro has been on the market for awhile, I'm surprised it hasn't been touted more often - it's a SUPER fun shoe that gives me a lot of the same joy the original Kinvara brought with some spiciness of the Endorphin series thrown in. What are YOUR thoughts?
Isn't the stack too high for legal racing shoes? Maybe that's why people aren't talking about it because you can't legally run in it and it's just a trainer
Hey GR. I’ve been a follower almost 1 decade. Remember when you reviewed the Virrata…. It’s been awhile. You deserve so many more subs, albeit you’re doing damn well! Keep up the hard work.
I just ordered mine today. I hear throughout all the bigger runners that this shoe is perfect. I'm 7ft 220 pnds and run around 1250 ish miles per year. Can't wait🎉
I think the biggest reasons people aren't especially psyched on the Kinvara Pro is due the price, the fact it's called Kinvara but isn't anything like the recent iterations of that well known series, and the mere existence of the Endorphin Speed line as very highly-regarded "super trainers" from Saucony. Just seems a weird move to introduce this shoe, at this price.
I quit running in Kinvara for the same reasons. After trying Hoka (not durable) and also New Balance, I’m actually in love with Topo. Specifically, the Atmos.
Hi. New Balance fan due to 2E brick like foot-Atmos has been an excellent shoe in the line up (supplying NB with days off). Also a fan of their trail shoes.
Ordered mine today. $190 CAD which is extremely competitive with other carbon-plated super shoes. I know it’s 3/4 carbon plate, but let’s see. Planning to run Houston marathon on January 19 in them. Will keep you posted.
Kinvara 3's were my favorite, and I stuck with them until v11 and have now moved over to Hoka Clifton's for my daily shoe. If they remade v3, but with a more durable upper I'd be all in
Thank you very much for your review. This shoe has been on my radar since before it was released, but it has been so polarizing between the few people who have actually released a review on it that I have been on the fence about getting it. I love the Endorphin Speed 3 and 4. I've also been wanting to try out a carbon plated shoe for a long time, and I felt like this would be a good entry-level super shoe. I was getting really close to ordering a pair just a couple of hours before this review dropped, and it has definitely helped push me over that ledge.
Endorphin Pro 3 is a really well rounded Carbon Plate shoe. If you like the speed 3 and 4 I think you'll enjoy the EP3. It's a lot more fun than the Speed imo. I think the speed 3 is a bit boring for me personally being a mid-forefoot striker. It rolls and pops through really well from the heel but to do that makes me change the way I run.
The biggest problem w/ this shoe besides price is its below avg durability. The exposed outsole means this shoe will polish itself bald before 200mi. Sure the midsole might still be getting better & better after every run, but that point is moot if the exposed outsole goes smooth prematurely. A bald shoe is useless on damp/slick roads & packed trails. And for heavy abrasion runners like D.o.R it'll go bald by 60mi - by 100mi the shoe was cooked & caused a knee injury. We KNOW how poorly exposed "rubberized" EVA lasts. Older Hokas proved this time & time again. Hoka was soundly panned for their below avg durability and rightly so.
I had the Kinvara Pro for a little while, but I found it to be heavy, firm and clunky, and not soft or bouncy as i was expecting them to be. The Speed 4 however is much better for a daily training shoe - light and nimble with just enough cushion and bounce for longer runs.
I agree these are too expensive, but I bought them and am loving them. These are my tempo and long day shoes. I use Speed for track and Hurricane for everything else. Saucony are fitting me best recently, so I am all in on Saucony for the foreseeable future.
I had the green version of this shoe! I enjoyed it but ultimately ended up getting rid of it and getting the super blast and havent looked back. I feel like the superblast does everything this does, and a bit more, but also does it better. The super blast is also WAY lighter than the Kinvara pro. Yes the superblast is 20 bucks more. But I think its more than worth the price tag.
I love the Kinvara 5, 8, and must admit the 13 is terrific. I disagree the shoe has lost its way. The Pro reminds me of a damn Hoka! Lol. I have Kinvara 4 somewhere, gonna look for those now.
Good review! I'm personally not a fan of no rubber on the bottom and the mixed reviews have made me hesitate. The people who do like it seem to use it like a supertrainer for half and full marathons...like long runs of 10+ miles. Maybe if I can try it on in a store (assuming I like it) and then wait for it to go on a little sale, I'll get it.
I have the speed and PRO loving them and i have the kinvara pro aswell 😅 i got them 50% off so i bought them. I have heard negative thing about the shoe but after 100 km in them i’m still happy i bought the shoe. They work better in my long runs than the endorphin for me, with that said, just getting out for one now in the kinvara pro 😍
Totally agree on both points Price and Endorphin. When I head about the Kinvara Pro I expected $140ish (maybe not a CF plate) But $200 is ridiculous when theres Speed and Pro already in the range! I wonder what Saucony rationale is for this shoe being basically competition for its own products!
I have both. It’s definitely heavier than the Triumph. There is definitely also a higher midsole stack in the Kinvara Pro. Triumph is more of a traditional ride and maybe not quite as much pop as the Kinvara. Both are good. Just depends on what you are looking for.
I got them, they were a little tight. They seemed like a decent everyday trainer. I like the triumph 21 better. The og-v3 kinvaras were super minimal , nothing like this one with a huge stack, carbon plate, and two slabs of midsole foam. RIP the simple old KINVARA
I was about to click the link and buy a pair, because of my history with Kinvara.. then you mentioned the price. Ouch, shoes are getting too expensive for something that doesn't last that long. I hate to say it, but these will probably be my next year shoe, when the new version comes out and these drop down to $120.
I've decided to give up on Saucony recently. Lived their road shoes but for the past 3 years they have all had upper durability issues and my latest pair of kinvara starting to die and shoe tears in the upper at around the 200km mark.
I discovered the kinvara with the 13 and loved that shoe. Exactly what I wanted and I ran the Leeds marathon with my pair last year. I hear what you're saying but to me saucony is already filling that high stack niche elsewhere, I'm just sad and disappointed there are no low stack low drop shoes like the kinvara 13 anymore. I've tried topo but too soft and unstable for me. Currently in brooks hyperion and ok so far but drop is too high. Why are all manufacturers making high stack shoes??? Oh and tried altra but so heavy... oh and I'm a light runner (61kg) and mid/fore foot striker, i just don't need or want all that cushion.
Since most reviewers panned this shoe, I suspect I'd really enjoy it (on discount - not paying $180). That being said, really puzzled by your reaction. Does it really remind you of the Kinvara 1 (at 18/14mm of stack) or does nostalgia really alter your perceptions? I admit I'm a later Kinvara enthusiast (9-14, with my fav being the 9), but to me - Kinvara is a shoe you can run to the track, do some repeats, then go home. It feels fine doing recovery miles. It feels at home doing 400m repeats. I've run marathons in them. I feel like lately Saucony is unsure what they want the (regular) Kinvara to be, so rather than doing all of those things, it does only one or two, so that's why it's lost its way to me. Based on the stats, I don't think the Pro will change that - being an overstacked, World Athletics illegal shoe... I'm sure it's fun on the roads, but that's just way too much for trackwork.
I loved the old Kinvaras, but now I have tons of others to favor and just don’t have the desire to even try them now. I’ve moved on during their hiatus…
I don't understand how the K Pro can be compared to the Kinvara. All Kinvaras have been completely different shoes compared to the K Pro. In stack, in geometry, in drop, in everything. Nevertheless, the K Pro is an interesting shoe. Thank you for the review.
It’s an awesome shoe for most runners, the durability is trash. I’m a light/neutral 150 lb runner and 50 miles it was wearing down on the medial size completely and the shoe was becoming off balanced. The price is way too much for what short lifespan it has.
Probably because they prefer shoes with a roomy toe box. Saucony appears to be focused on appeasing the narrow foot crowd??? No thanks , New Balance far better shoe offerings
While I know the Saucony Kinvara Pro has been on the market for awhile, I'm surprised it hasn't been touted more often - it's a SUPER fun shoe that gives me a lot of the same joy the original Kinvara brought with some spiciness of the Endorphin series thrown in. What are YOUR thoughts?
Isn't the stack too high for legal racing shoes? Maybe that's why people aren't talking about it because you can't legally run in it and it's just a trainer
@@PatrickStar_24illegal, if you’re a pro
Hey GR. I’ve been a follower almost 1 decade. Remember when you reviewed the Virrata…. It’s been awhile. You deserve so many more subs, albeit you’re doing damn well! Keep up the hard work.
I just ordered mine today. I hear throughout all the bigger runners that this shoe is perfect. I'm 7ft 220 pnds and run around 1250 ish miles per year. Can't wait🎉
6ft sorry
I think the biggest reasons people aren't especially psyched on the Kinvara Pro is due the price, the fact it's called Kinvara but isn't anything like the recent iterations of that well known series, and the mere existence of the Endorphin Speed line as very highly-regarded "super trainers" from Saucony. Just seems a weird move to introduce this shoe, at this price.
$94...
That’s why it’s got pro in the name. I mean it’s for pro’s like you and me 😁
I quit running in Kinvara for the same reasons. After trying Hoka (not durable) and also New Balance, I’m actually in love with Topo. Specifically, the Atmos.
Hi.
New Balance fan due to 2E brick like foot-Atmos has been an excellent shoe in the line up (supplying NB with days off). Also a fan of their trail shoes.
I ran my Kinvara 5s in to the ground I loved them so much and haven't ever found a shoe that feels the same.
Me too! Why did they change them? Have never found another Kinvara like it. I will give these a try though.
I loved Kinvara 4/5 except the former upper which was too tight! But the Kinvara 13 I absolutely like!
I have always loved the look of the Kinvara.
Ordered mine today. $190 CAD which is extremely competitive with other carbon-plated super shoes. I know it’s 3/4 carbon plate, but let’s see. Planning to run Houston marathon on January 19 in them. Will keep you posted.
Kinvara 3's were my favorite, and I stuck with them until v11 and have now moved over to Hoka Clifton's for my daily shoe. If they remade v3, but with a more durable upper I'd be all in
Thank you very much for your review. This shoe has been on my radar since before it was released, but it has been so polarizing between the few people who have actually released a review on it that I have been on the fence about getting it. I love the Endorphin Speed 3 and 4. I've also been wanting to try out a carbon plated shoe for a long time, and I felt like this would be a good entry-level super shoe. I was getting really close to ordering a pair just a couple of hours before this review dropped, and it has definitely helped push me over that ledge.
Endorphin Pro 3 is a really well rounded Carbon Plate shoe. If you like the speed 3 and 4 I think you'll enjoy the EP3. It's a lot more fun than the Speed imo. I think the speed 3 is a bit boring for me personally being a mid-forefoot striker. It rolls and pops through really well from the heel but to do that makes me change the way I run.
The biggest problem w/ this shoe besides price is its below avg durability. The exposed outsole means this shoe will polish itself bald before 200mi. Sure the midsole might still be getting better & better after every run, but that point is moot if the exposed outsole goes smooth prematurely. A bald shoe is useless on damp/slick roads & packed trails. And for heavy abrasion runners like D.o.R it'll go bald by 60mi - by 100mi the shoe was cooked & caused a knee injury. We KNOW how poorly exposed "rubberized" EVA lasts. Older Hokas proved this time & time again. Hoka was soundly panned for their below avg durability and rightly so.
I had the Kinvara Pro for a little while, but I found it to be heavy, firm and clunky, and not soft or bouncy as i was expecting them to be. The Speed 4 however is much better for a daily training shoe - light and nimble with just enough cushion and bounce for longer runs.
If you look at the saucony site, they classify endorphin speed 4 as a slower trainer than the kinvara pro.
I think (IMHO) this is the most underrated shoe out there today. This is a great long run shoe, and surprisingly good.
I have almost 300 miles on mine. They are holding up pretty well. I feel like they didn’t break in until I had 75-100 miles on them.
I agree these are too expensive, but I bought them and am loving them. These are my tempo and long day shoes. I use Speed for track and Hurricane for everything else. Saucony are fitting me best recently, so I am all in on Saucony for the foreseeable future.
I had the green version of this shoe! I enjoyed it but ultimately ended up getting rid of it and getting the super blast and havent looked back. I feel like the superblast does everything this does, and a bit more, but also does it better. The super blast is also WAY lighter than the Kinvara pro. Yes the superblast is 20 bucks more. But I think its more than worth the price tag.
I love the Kinvara 5, 8, and must admit the 13 is terrific. I disagree the shoe has lost its way. The Pro reminds me of a damn Hoka! Lol. I have Kinvara 4 somewhere, gonna look for those now.
My last three running shoes. Hard to go to another shoe after wearing these. Fast! Comfort!
I love the kinvara Pro but wanted to try Endorphin Speed 4
Good review! I'm personally not a fan of no rubber on the bottom and the mixed reviews have made me hesitate. The people who do like it seem to use it like a supertrainer for half and full marathons...like long runs of 10+ miles. Maybe if I can try it on in a store (assuming I like it) and then wait for it to go on a little sale, I'll get it.
I have the speed and PRO loving them and i have the kinvara pro aswell 😅 i got them 50% off so i bought them. I have heard negative thing about the shoe but after 100 km in them i’m still happy i bought the shoe. They work better in my long runs than the endorphin for me, with that said, just getting out for one now in the kinvara pro 😍
Totally agree on both points Price and Endorphin. When I head about the Kinvara Pro I expected $140ish (maybe not a CF plate) But $200 is ridiculous when theres Speed and Pro already in the range!
I wonder what Saucony rationale is for this shoe being basically competition for its own products!
How does it feel compared to the triumph? Is it lighter than the triumph? I have been considering this shoe.
I have both. It’s definitely heavier than the Triumph. There is definitely also a higher midsole stack in the Kinvara Pro. Triumph is more of a traditional ride and maybe not quite as much pop as the Kinvara. Both are good. Just depends on what you are looking for.
Best shoe ever had. Use for training and used for Ironman. Light, strong, cushioned, fast!
Since Saucony discontiued my favorite running shoe the Endorphin Shift, would you consider this a replacement for that shoe?
I got them, they were a little tight. They seemed like a decent everyday trainer. I like the triumph 21 better.
The og-v3 kinvaras were super minimal , nothing like this one with a huge stack, carbon plate, and two slabs of midsole foam. RIP the simple old KINVARA
I was about to click the link and buy a pair, because of my history with Kinvara.. then you mentioned the price. Ouch, shoes are getting too expensive for something that doesn't last that long. I hate to say it, but these will probably be my next year shoe, when the new version comes out and these drop down to $120.
I've decided to give up on Saucony recently. Lived their road shoes but for the past 3 years they have all had upper durability issues and my latest pair of kinvara starting to die and shoe tears in the upper at around the 200km mark.
I discovered the kinvara with the 13 and loved that shoe. Exactly what I wanted and I ran the Leeds marathon with my pair last year. I hear what you're saying but to me saucony is already filling that high stack niche elsewhere, I'm just sad and disappointed there are no low stack low drop shoes like the kinvara 13 anymore. I've tried topo but too soft and unstable for me. Currently in brooks hyperion and ok so far but drop is too high. Why are all manufacturers making high stack shoes??? Oh and tried altra but so heavy... oh and I'm a light runner (61kg) and mid/fore foot striker, i just don't need or want all that cushion.
The only reason i havent snagged a pair is the price honestly. These are more expensice then a endorphin speed 4 and id rather go for the 4.
Since most reviewers panned this shoe, I suspect I'd really enjoy it (on discount - not paying $180). That being said, really puzzled by your reaction. Does it really remind you of the Kinvara 1 (at 18/14mm of stack) or does nostalgia really alter your perceptions?
I admit I'm a later Kinvara enthusiast (9-14, with my fav being the 9), but to me - Kinvara is a shoe you can run to the track, do some repeats, then go home. It feels fine doing recovery miles. It feels at home doing 400m repeats. I've run marathons in them. I feel like lately Saucony is unsure what they want the (regular) Kinvara to be, so rather than doing all of those things, it does only one or two, so that's why it's lost its way to me. Based on the stats, I don't think the Pro will change that - being an overstacked, World Athletics illegal shoe... I'm sure it's fun on the roads, but that's just way too much for trackwork.
Kinvara 11 is the goat!
Kinvara 11 is for people who don't like Kinvaras IMO.
would you recommend this over speed 4 as an all rounder shoe?
How's the toe box? Looks pretty roomy.
How does the toe box feel? I end up going up a half size with my Speeds because apparently my left foot is slightly wider.
One of the most underrated shoes going.
TheGingerRunner, I loved this video so much, I had to hit the like button!
I loved the old Kinvaras, but now I have tons of others to favor and just don’t have the desire to even try them now. I’ve moved on during their hiatus…
I don't understand how the K Pro can be compared to the Kinvara. All Kinvaras have been completely different shoes compared to the K Pro. In stack, in geometry, in drop, in everything. Nevertheless, the K Pro is an interesting shoe. Thank you for the review.
Serious question about durability. Kinvara would do much better with a targeted outsole.
Got 700k on mine
I tried the Kinvara Pro at the store and the midsole felt too firm compared to the Endorphins so I passed on it.
Price and exposed sole..
I have a love hate relationship with mine. I probably like my shift 3 more. Better bang for buck
Show or Shoe?
Or both.... 🤣
It’s an awesome shoe for most runners, the durability is trash. I’m a light/neutral 150 lb runner and 50 miles it was wearing down on the medial size completely and the shoe was becoming off balanced. The price is way too much for what short lifespan it has.
So many plates these days.
What show
Probably because they prefer shoes with a roomy toe box. Saucony appears to be focused on appeasing the narrow foot crowd??? No thanks , New Balance far better shoe offerings
It looks inherently unstable.