The Saucony Kinvara, launched in early 2010, has been recognized with numerous industry awards including “Best Debut” (Runner’s World magazine, Summer 2010). Kinvara 3 retains signature elements from its precedents Kinvara and Kinvara 2, and still comes with even more technologies.
First Impressions
I love the patterns on the shoes and the vibrant neon green colour. The shoes are light and they looked like one of the ‘high tech’ designer range footwear. I took the shoes out from the box and went for a run immediately as I could not wait experience this talk-of-the-town pair.
Upper
The film-like mesh was extremely breathable and cooling. I took the shoes for different runs and at different times of the day and even sockless running did not cause any blistering or hot spots. The shoes were very comfortable with enough hugging and also good wide room on the forefoot also.
Midsole
The sole uses Saucony’s EVA+ and PROGRID which provide enough cushioning and durability. I was satisfied with the cushioning but felt that it was a bit hard for my first three runs. The forefoot was quite springy. The “cut-back” on the heels was minimum and I wouldn’t mind if they had it more.
Outsole
The triangular lug design similar to Newton’s lug provided good midfoot landing. But these lugs seems to wear-off fast. Maybe to increase the thicker hard rubber (black) would be better. The front part of the design was good and it helped to sprint off the foot.
Overall Performance
I felt good on all occasions for different runs – easy, tempo, long distance runs with the shoes. They are just slightly heavier than the shoes I normally wear for my races, but they are ideal for the added cushioning for people who need more support. The Kinvara 3 actually weighing only 222gm (based on men’s size 9) and 192gm (based on women’s size 8), is a performance training shoe with a 4mm heel-to-toe offset.
I think that the Kinvara 3 will not need a “run-in” for most of the runners. Even if you have not tried a Kinvara before, you will be able to adapt to the shoes within 3 runs. These shoes would help those who want to train on midfoot landing to improve their running form.
Overall performance is great. The price tag is very reasonable with improvements from previous models and some added technology to these shoes.
Runner’s Boon
- Nice design with attractive vibrant colour
- Incredible lightweight
- Breathable mesh on top
- Flexible feel with comfortable fit
- Good cushioning with responsive rebound to feel every stride
- Encourages midfoot landing
Runner’s Bane
- Not minimal enough as it still feels more sole
- Heel design does not have enough undercut
Technology in Kinvara:
- EVA+ (High abrasion EVA)
Saucony’s extremely lightweight grade of EVA with cushioning and durability
- FLEXFILM
Thin, flexible film welded onto the upper that is supportive and lightweight and is used to reduce layers
- Memory Foam Heel Pods
Strategically-placed memory foam in the heel provides a heel pocket for snug fit
- PROGRID
20% more responsive than EVA, ProGrid provides incredible cushioning in a lightweight package
- XT-900
A carbon rubber outsole material that offers exceptional traction properties without sacrificing durability
