Saucony Kinvara 13

Who should buy the Saucony Kinvara 13

The Kinvara 13 from Saucony is a must-have for: 

• beginners who want a moderately-priced uptempo shoe
• Kinvara fans who want a lighter, more responsive version of the Kinvara 12
• runners who want a stable, more minimal running shoe 
• those who want a springy ride for short to mid-distance training runs

Who should NOT buy it

It's a pass if you prefer more stack or something that's designed for high-mileage runs. For a more cushioned ride, take the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2. And for longer distances, experts advise runners to go for the NB FuelCell Rebel v2. 

If you're looking for an easy-day trainer, the Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 is a no-brainer.

Kinvara 13 vs. 12: Nothing major 

There's not a lot of change implemented on the thirteenth edition of the Kinvara. However, it remains proof that the smallest change makes the biggest impact. Here are the updates that made the Kinvara 13 go from firm to fun: 

• Smoother and more responsive ride: Thanks to a more beveled midsole and a contoured design, heel-to-toe transitions are more seamless. 
• Lighter: It goes from 7.5 oz or 213 g (in US M 9) to 7.2 oz or 204 g because of its trimmed-down upper. 
• Softer upper with better support: A new mono mesh upper is introduced with a more pliable feel. Despite being stretchy, it remains secure because of its overlays and gusseted tongue. 

Lightest Kinvara yet

The Kinvara 13 from Saucony goes on a diet with its 7.2-ounce weight. According to Kinvara loyalists, this is the lightest Kinvara by far. And contrary to other tempo running shoes (8.9 oz on average), it doesn't tip the scales. 

Brings back the fun

The Kinvara 12 was more of a miss because of its rather rigid ride. But with the Kinvara 13, many find it "more forgiving," "bouncier," and "with better ground feel." 

The Kinvara 13 keeps you supported

A lot of testers appreciate its racer-like fit, especially during sharp turns and fast efforts. There are no slips or missteps. 

The mono mesh upper is stretchy but not in any way sloppy. It follows the shape of the foot so well and has sufficient padding in all the right places; it's snug from the rearfoot to the midfoot. 

Friendly to wide-footed runners

"It's roomier than past iterations." - This is what wide-footed reviewers say about the Saucony Kinvara 13. Because of the ample space, there are no reports of toe bumps or toe pressure. 

A bust for narrow feet

It's too roomy for narrow-footed runners. According to them, they have to cinch down the laces to the last eyelet to feel locked in. 

The Kinvara 13's tongue understands the assignment

It's gusseted, reflective, padded, and has a pull tab; hordes of road runners rave about it. It stays in place, and does a great job preventing lace bites. 

No more sweaty feet

The Kinvara 13 from Saucony is "superbly breathable" in the midfoot. Experts who have tested it under warm conditions state that it's breezy, and the upper doesn't absorb moisture. 

Big on comfort, small on waste

It's the first Kinvara to have a 100% recycled mono mesh upper, while the remaining components of the upper are made with 90% recycled materials. 

It doesn't just care for the planet; it also takes care of the feet as the majority agrees that it's "softer" not only to past Kinvaras but also to Skechers shoes with the same upper component.