Hard to believe we are on the Saucony Kinvara 13 already. Searching through my blog, the first Kinvara review I did was the Saucony Kinvara 6 Review, but I feel I ran in it before. Wow, I can’t believe I blogged before blogging about shoe reviews…a topic for another day.
Saucony Kinvara 13 Quick Facts:
Weight: 7.2 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 4 mm
Cost: $119.99
Saucony Kinvara 13 Intro:
The Saucony Kinvara has been around for a long time. It was one of the top choices for races before carbon plates came out. It can be used for long runs, faster track workouts, or even marathon racing. Many people consider the Kinvara 13 a performance daily trainer. While yes, you can train it most days, it’s really designed to run fast.
This year’s Saucony Kinvara 13 is more similar to the very first Kinvara than it’s been in a long time. The first Kinvara was one of the most popular running shoes in the history of running shoes. Over the years, the Kinvara has become heavier (but more traction), the fit has been weird, or it’s just been a forgotten shoe of Saucony.
Saucony Kinvara 13 Fit:
Thankfully the upper was given a nice update. It’s seamless and holds your foot well. It is a super basic upper, but that’s all running shoes really need. It has a single layer of mesh that doesn’t absorb moisture (from either rain or sweat). The overlays are positioned not to hit your foot, and you don;’t have to worry about rubbing. Truthfully, the Saucony Kinvara 13 is just a basic upper, which is what shoes “used to be” and really all they need.
The single layer mesh is flexible and breathable. You can feel air coming through your shoe, which is excellent for ventilation.
I firmly believe the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet and the Saucony Kinvara 13 does just that. You don’t need to worry about it rubbing the wrong places. Plus, it’s also available in wide.
In running shoes, I generally wear between a size 10-11 wide, and the size 10.5 in the Saucony Kinvara 13 fits well.
Saucony Kinvara 13 Ride:
Putting on the Kinvara 13, I immediately noticed it was softer than the Kinvara 12. Good, I am a fan of softer shoes. The beveled midsole makes it softer but more responsive.
The Kinvara 13 has a flexible sole that runs the length of the shoe. This sole is made from Saucony’s EVA blend PWRRUN. On top of the PWRRUN is a layer of PWRRUN+ which adds more pop. The Kinvara has always been an option for many types of runs. When it first came out (well before carbon-plated footwear), it was the “fast” shoe. It was the marathon racing shoe and the shoe you wore just to run fast. There are so many different carbon-plated shoes that are designed to be “fast shoes.”
But if you’re someone who doesn’t like or want carbon-plated shoes (hey, that is me), then you’ll appreciate the Saucony Kinvara 13 for workouts or races.
Durability and Traction: The Saucony Kinvara has never been great for traction. It’s definitely better than the first few versions, but it’s still not “great.” It’s not my first choice for inclement weather because you’ll find yourself sliding around.
Regarding durability, I have put about 70 miles on the Saucony Kinvara 13, and it’s still going strong. I suspect it will last between 250-300 miles as it usually does.
Where does the Saucony Kinvara 13 fit in as a trainer for me? If you’re looking for a lighter and faster shoe, it’s a good option (much like the Atreyu Base model). It is a fast shoe without a carbon plate. If you’ve never worn this type of shoe (also known as a performance trainer), you might find your calves more sore than usual. If I was running another marathon, it might be a contender for a shoe.
Saucony Kinvara 13 Conclusion:
In all, the Saucony Kinvara 13 is a good option. It doesn’t have a lot of cushion, but it’s a great option to run fast or faster. I appreciate that Saucony keeps it in the lineup after all these years and the substantial shoe changes we’ve been through.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: New Balance 1080v12 , Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Saucony Triumph 19, Brooks Launch 9,
Speed Work: Brooks Hyperion Elite 3, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge,
Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL:PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths about running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Saucony Kinvara 13?
What is your favorite performance trainer?