Saucony Kinvara Pro - Carbon Running Shoes You Can Run in Every Day (Super Bouncy and Springy)
The Kinvara, once known for its minimalist, simple, and understated design, has been reimagined by Saucony. Redefining Kinvara to be more distinctive and daring, the result is the Kinvara Pro, a carbon-plated running shoe designed for everyday use.
No matter how fast you run or where you run, the Kinvara Pro is ready to support your feet.
The Kinvara Pro was developed to enhance your everyday running performance. It is designed to unlock the pro in you, or "PROformance"—the best version of yourself—not just on race day, but every day.
CARBON-PLATED FOR 99% OF YOUR RUN. NOT 1%.
Carbon-plated running shoes designed for 99% of your runs, not just 1%.
Typically, carbon-plated running shoes, or "Super Shoes," are designed for "Race Day." For most runners, race day represents just 1% of their running, while training, long runs, speed workouts, easy runs, etc., make up nearly 99%.
Therefore, the Kinvara Pro stands apart from other carbon-plated shoes. It is an easy-to-use carbon shoe that offers greater versatility, no longer limited to race day.
The brand recommends the Kinvara Pro for:
- First-Time Carbon-Plated Shoe Seekers - Those who have never used carbon-plated shoes before but want to try their first pair without choosing a Super Shoe that is too difficult to wear.
- Faster - Those who are not speed runners or elites but want to get faster with shoes that can support them.
- Dedicated Runners - Runners with consistent training plans looking for carbon shoes that can also serve as daily trainers.
What makes the KINVARA PRO special?
Kinvara Pro combines the brand's best technologies to date (PWRRUN / PWRRUN+ / PWRRUN PB and a carbon plate) to create running shoes that are easy and comfortable for everyone to wear every day. It features SPEEDROLL technology to suit all types of runners, delivering an efficient speed shoe while providing enough comfort for everyday running.
The difference between the KINVARA 14 and the KINVARA PRO
Both are high-performance running shoes, but the difference lies in the riding experience.
The standard Kinvara or Kinvara 14 is extremely lightweight and flexible, requiring more effort from your muscles rather than relying on the shoe for propulsion.
The Kinvara Pro provides more propulsion and forward momentum without feeling overly aggressive. Its SPEEDROLL technology helps propel you forward with just the right amount of assistance, making it suitable for everyday running.
Technology
CARBON-PLATED FOR 99% OF YOUR RUNS. NOT 1%
Kinvara Pro was developed to enhance your everyday running performance. It is designed to unlock the pro in you, or "PROformance"—the best version of yourself—not just on race day, but every day.
PROPEL
SPEEDROLL technology provides a rolling forward motion, while the 3/4-length carbon-fiber plate is tuned to suit all types of running.
REBOUND
Experience maximum bounce with a dual-layer foam midsole. The top layer closest to the foot features premium PWRRUN PB foam, while the lower layer uses PWRRUN foam for added thickness and durability.
OPTIMIZE
Designed to be a carbon shoe you can use every day for all types of running, like never before.
Spec:
Stack Height: Heel 42 mm, Forefoot 34 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Weight: Men's (9 US) 269 g / Women's (8 US) 240 g
Category: Neutral
Midsole: PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN
Insole: PWRRUN+
First Impressions of the Saucony Kinvara Pro (Admin Chin)
After getting the chance to try the Kinvara Pro, the first time I picked it up and tried it on, I secretly found myself thinking of the Hoka Bondi X. This might be because they look similar, even though the two models actually come from different lineages (the Bondi is a soft, cushioned support shoe, while the Kinvara is a minimalist, simple, and low-profile shoe without any flashy features). But once both were equipped with carbon plates, I felt they had subtle similarities (they are carbon shoes you can wear every day without feeling jarring). Two other models also came to mind: the Endorphin Speed 3 and the Mach X. They share some similarities, such as their shape and bounce, as well as their character as speed-training shoes that can also be worn every day.
After walking around the store and doing a little running around, it was time to take it to the real road. For the first run, I went for a light 3–4 km jog around Benjasiri Park to break in the shoes. Today, I felt that the thickness of the shoes required a little time to get used to. Once I adjusted, my running became smoother. I also felt that the foam and carbon plate still provided good support, although controlling my pace was quite difficult because the SPEEDROLL technology kept propelling me forward. To maintain a slower pace, you need to stay focused. Today, I focused on running slowly and haven't tried pushing the pace yet.
When the weekend came, I had the chance to run both in the park and on the city streets. This time, I tried a 10 km route, intentionally testing every pace from walking and jogging to speed work, and trying it on various surfaces. The first thing I noticed was that the feel of the foam and carbon plate had changed; it felt softer and less supportive than on the first day. My feet had also adjusted to the thickness and weight, making the shoes feel more comfortable. Starting with the city run, I felt that the Kinvara Pro was a stable shoe that allowed me to plant my foot fully despite its thickness and height, without feeling unstable. This is different from the Bondi X, and it also offered greater agility. Going up and down stairs was no problem, unlike what I had experienced before (my heel getting stuck on the step when going down). Running on the sidewalk was completely hassle-free. When I got tired and switched to walking, I didn't feel any wobbling. Walking was comfortable and effortless, and the heel area was soft and fit perfectly, with very little impact.
In terms of speed, I tested it in the park. I didn't expect the Kinvara Pro to be this much fun. At first, during the city run, I felt it wasn't that exciting and was similar to the shoes I had been wearing. But once I increased the pace, wow, it was incredibly fun and bouncy. Personally, I would compare the Endorphin Speed 3 to having a quick, snappy bounce, while the Mach X is similar but requires you to push off more frequently with your legs (because the shoe's shape doesn't help as much). But the Kinvara Pro makes you feel like you're in a cartoon world where you're bouncing, jumping high, and taking long strides (like jumping on a giant mushroom in a cartoon). It really is a fun feeling. If it were lighter, I'm sure it would be even more fun.
I can say that I enjoy running fast in them much more than running at a steady pace. They are definitely fun shoes for speed training.
One question I may have to wait to answer is about the outsole, which has no rubber at all. It is somewhat worrying how durable the PWRRUN foam outsole will be and how well it will resist slipping. (Personally, I haven't run in them in the rain yet, but I have waded through some water, and they held up without slipping. However, I don't want to guarantee it just yet because I still want to give them a full test.)
Conclusion: The Kinvara Pro is a carbon-plated running shoe suitable for those who want a carbon shoe that isn't harsh on the feet, is easy to adjust to, and can be worn every day for any pace. At a price of 6,xxx (carbon shoes currently cost 8–9 thousand), another advantage is that for heavier runners, switching to thicker shoes with a carbon plate can help prevent feeling like you're sinking or wobbling, making them more stable.
First impressions after actually using them: TikTok