Saucony Kinvara 7 Review
It seems like just yesterday, I was reviewing the Saucony Kinvara 6, but then again, I was a little late in reviewing the shoe. Throughout the last few months, the Saucony Kinvara 6 has been a great shoe for me. The timing worked out to streamline into a new model, the Saucony Kinvara 7.
Saucony Kinvara 7. Overview:
The Saucony Kinvara is a neutral lightweight shoe with a 4mm drop. The Saucony Kinvara 7 is one of Saucony’s most popular shoes because it’s able to cover a broad range of training from races to volume and long runs. The update from the Saucony Kinvara 6 to the Saucony Kinvara 7 includes significant changes in the cushioning system as well as the fit of the shoe.
Saucony Kinvara 7 Fit:
I noticed the Saucony Kinvara 6 was more narrow than I hoped and the upper to the Saucony Kinvara 7 fits similarly. I usually wear a size 9.5 wide or 10, and I fit into a size 10. I do wish there was a wide option. The upper of the Saucony Kinvara 7 now uses “flex film” which helps to lock the feet in place as well as having wicking properties. The lacing system remails reasonably similar. My feet haven’t felt uncomfortable running in the shoe and the fit works for me. My only wish is more volume to accommodate better wide feet.
Saucony Kinvara 7 Ride:
The ride of the Saucony Kinvara 7 is much different than the Saucony Kinvara 6. However, the difference isn’t a bad thing. While it’s still more lightweight than a traditional trainer, the Kinvara 7 is more of a shoe. Kinvara loyalists will notice that the Kinvara has more energy return as well as ground contact. In general, the Kinvara is much more lightweight, responsive, ride.
The new Saucony Kinvara 7 now uses an everun heel insert and EVA foam to keep the shoe cushioned. The Saucony Kinvara 7is the first of the Kinvara line to integrate everun. Similar to the Saucony Triumph, the Everrun lasts longer than traditional foam. The Saucony Kinvara 7 has the Everrun built directly into the heel instead of spread throughout the shoe. It’s also a denser cushioning, so it feels like “more of a shoe.”
For someone who prefers the firm everrun in the Triumph, I like the update. The Saucony Kinvara 7 has taken over a new more “trainer like” feel and able to go long distance. It’s much more bouncy and responsive than the previous model. Plus together with the flex outsole, you have more traction.
Cost: $110 (it did rise in price by $10 this model)
Saucony Kinvara 7 Pros:
- The Everrun makes it more durable
- It has more cushioning which benefits most runners
Saucony Kinvara 7 Cons:
- Increase in cost
- The updates are significant and it does fit and feel different
Recommended for anyone who likes a lightweight neutral trainer. It is also a great speed work and racing shoe.
So do I like it?
Personally, I like the extra cushioning of the Saucony Kinvara 7. I like to run in higher cushioned shoes, and the Saucony Kinvara 6 had a little less cushioning than I would prefer. I enjoy using the Kinvara for race warmups/cooldowns and occasionally midweek runs.
Current Shoe Rotation:
Saucony Kinvara 7 (for shorter runs)
Saucony Triumph ISO 2 (primary shoe)
Adidas Energy Boost 3
Questions for you:
Do you like more cushion in your running shoes? Have you tried the Saucony Kinvara 7?
I switched to the Saucony Ride 8 specifically for more cushion (and higher drop) and because they last longer. But with the switch to Everrun cushioning, I may have to go back to the Kinvaras and try them out this summer. I haven’t run in them since the Kinvara 5 and I miss them! They are such a great training and racing shoe.
The newest Saucony Ride comes out soon and from what I’ve heard, it’s supposed to be awesome.
I’m excited to try it out as soon as my local store gets it in! I heard it’d be a fall release.
We just received all our new Rides so your local running store should be getting them soon as well!
I was told at a running store that I could go with less cushioning in my running shoes, but I actually prefer a little bit more to have that “running on a cloud” type of feeling.
I’ve always seen the Kinvara as a lighter, almost minimalist shoe so I haven’t ever really given them a chance, but I haven’t tried on the new ones yet. That’s interesting that they made it into an entirely different shoe. I don’t love a super cushioned shoe but every so often, especially when I’m on my feet at the store, I do like some padding under me.
I’ve never owned Saucony shoes yet. I like extra cushioning for running on a pavement, but I prefer a more minimalistic shoe for trail running. PS. Love the color!
I’ve enjoyed every pair of Saucony shoes I’ve tried. This would be a great shoe for what you’re looking for.
I’ll need a new pair of shoes pretty soon, so I will definitely look into it. My parents got me a Saucony running belt for Christmas and I’m loving it. I know it’s not the same, but I’ve been hearing a lot about their shoes and your post just reinforced it 🙂 Thank you, Hollie! xo
Still need to try these. You seemed to think I would do well with them. One of these days I will ride get on that Saucony flow!
I keep hearing the best things about Saucony shoes! May just be my next brand to try!
What are you running in now Diana?
I have a pair of the Kinvara 6’s and really like them. I’ve been interested in hearing how the 7’s compare so this was super interesting! I didn’t even notice they were more expensive.
Yeh, I like the Kinvara and have the previous 4 models of the shoe but have recently moved away toward a more cushioned shoe. I’ve been thinking about trying the Triumph…Do you find there’s a huge difference in feel between the Kinvara and Triumph? Thanks. Good post.
The Kinvara is one of the least cushioned shoes Saucony has while the Triumph has significantly more cushion. Long story short, there is quite a big difference!
Nice!! I have been eyeing these and wanted to know what they were like! I’m traditionally a Ride girl but I have always liked the Kinvara. Thanks for the review!
The new Rides are coming out soon Nancy but if you try the Kinvara let me know!