Saucony Kinvara 12 First Date Video
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Saucony Kinvara 12: Simplicity That Becomes the Beauty of Running
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Must Know!!!
- 11 grams lighter than the previous model. Men's weight (213 g) for US 9 / Women's (184 g) for W7.0
- Wide forefoot without feeling cramped
- The miracle of the midsole
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Kinvara is considered a low-drop running shoe series that has been continuously produced for so long that it now has a full dozen. It has now reached the 12th generation, which is highly noteworthy. There have been many changes, and the interesting point is the "weight" because this time they have reduced the shoe's weight by 11 grams. This weight reduction makes the Kin 12 very close to the Kin 3, which can be considered
a move closer to and a return to the original identity of the Kinvara. Wow, just thinking about it is exciting.
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Spec
Weight: Men 213 grams (9US) / Women 184 grams (8US)
Stack Height: Heel 28.5 Forefoot 24.5
Drop: 4mm
Forefoot: Wide model available
Price: 3,999 baht
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First Impressions and Sizing
The first thing that cannot be left unsaid is the color of the Kinvara 12, which does not match at all. It's really painful. I don't know what inspired them when designing it. Next, let's talk about the good things, because the really interesting thing is the noticeably lighter weight. This is the first feeling when wearing it, I have to say, it's good!!! Including the Upper that gives better flexibility than the 11, it feels more comfortable on the foot, not cramped, light and easy to lift the foot, and agile. As for the size, I wear it in my regular size, which is 8 US, no problems, no need to add or subtract.
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Upper
Let's dive deep into the first part, which is the Upper. The Kinvara 12 uses a technology called FORMFIT. FORMFIT technology means 4 main components as follows:
1. Engineered Mesh upper
2. Insole
3. e-TPU top cover
4. Midsole Walls
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Engineered Mesh, which is a material that many shoes like to use. From trying it, I feel it's comfortable to wear, not cramped, breathes well, is flexible and gives flexibility. Running long and far, there are no problems squeezing the sides of the foot at all. And the Insole is made quite well, not pushing the arch.
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Shoe tongue thin and soft, with a touch that is friendly to the foot, which is another part I feel is very good. It's a good thickness, not so thick that it gets hot like the Triumph 18, but not so thin, hard, and irritating to the top of the foot. And the sides are sewn to the shoe, so it doesn't move around while running, but the annoying thing is the color of the shoe tongue, it's not ordinary, flashy, and really hurts the eyes.
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Shoelaces are thin and do not press on the top of the foot, and the length provided is just right. Not too long and not too short for those who tie their laces to lock their ankles.
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The Heel Counter is firm, reinforcing the heel area to support and lock the ankle. It comes with plastic to make putting on the shoes easier and more convenient.
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And the new technology, Swallow tail, is a two-pronged split tail. It is believed that this design will make heel striking smoother and more gentle. I think it must have been heavily inspired by the Endorphin flagship series.
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Midsole
Next is PWRRUN, which is considered the foam sole used as the foundation for the new shoe models of the Saucony brand. PWRRUN is made of TPU material mixed with EVA (TPU/EVA Blend), which helps respond to the leg cycle very well, returns energy, and also helps reduce impact well, while maintaining the softness of the sole very well. This can be considered the Miracle of the Kinvara. It gives a good feeling, not too fast, not holding you back, and you can run comfortably.
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Outsole
It was chosen to use XT-900. It is the premium carbon rubber outsole material that provides excellent grip and has high durability properties, which are placed in positions that are likely to rub and wear easily, which is the forefoot and heel area. It is not put on the whole sole because they want to make it lighter. And the outsole design pattern helps make the sole more flexible by making grooves, and it is a weight reduction of the shoe. It grips quite well even when it rains and the ground is wet.
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Feelings after using Saucony Kinvara 12 - Admin Chin
I have to start by saying that I am a fanboy of the Kinvara series because since I have used the Kin 8, I can feel that this shoe series, although it looks simple, is hidden with special power and miracle. What I said is not exaggerated, because when I wear the Kinvara without socks, it always feels good when running. How good? I will explain. What I mean by good is the perfect balance of bounce that is not too much and not too little. It does not make the runner stressed or tired, it does not rush us, it does not hold us back, and the light weight makes us lift our feet comfortably.
If I were to compare this pair of shoes to something, I would say it is like Zen philosophy, where everything looks simple but powerful. As mentioned above, the Kinvara 12 is a shoe with a Miracle. What I mean by Miracle comes from the Midsole. Because in the beginning when wearing it for a run, it feels very ordinary. Nothing flashy, nothing outstanding. But after running for a while, around the turn, at the right moment, and yes, when the Miracle appears, we can feel that every step we take really has a good push. In the first quarter of 2021, for a Daily Trainer shoe, the Kinvara 12 has won my heart completely.
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Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight
- Can run at a slow pace, can also go fast
- Running does not make you stressed
- Forefoot is comfortable to wear, not cramped
- Cheap, less than 4,000 baht
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Cons
- Colors that do not match
- May need to give the shoe some time
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Suggestions
For the Kinvara 12, it is considered a shoe that you may have to prepare your mind at first because the fun has not come yet. But after running for 5-10 kilometers, the Midsole starts to settle in. That's when the fun definitely comes. It can be said that you need to give it some time. And it is an interesting Daily Trainer shoe because you can wear it for a slow run, you can also go fast, and you won't get tired when you push. Most importantly, you can take it to the gym because it has high stability, it does not tilt forward.
Suitable for who
Suitable for people looking for an affordable shoe, but can finish it in one pair whether it is training, racing, exercising, going to the gym, and the weight must be light. Or anyone who is a fan of Saucony should have a pair of Kinvara for a casual running day.
Admin Chin Review
Admin Chin Photography
Chin Chinaphat, Content Runnercart Team
A thin young man from Bangkok who is passionate about running. City Run under the blazing sun is not for nothing. Waking up late, bam! And he also likes trail running because he feels it challenges the mind and body, and is part of nature. A happy running pace is pace 6-7. Hobbies are watching movies and chatting.
Personal slogan Don't run much, but if it's physical, please call me.