Company: Saucony
Product: Men’s Kinvara 7 running shoes
Price: $110
Description:
Run farther from the start and closer to comfort in the Kinvara 7. Now with an EVERUN treatment in the heel, this ride delivers a step up in comfort. Add in a lightweight FLEXFILM in the upper for a durable, flexible fit, and you may never want to slow down.
OVERVIEW
- Featuring EVERUN Heel Insert
- A new TRI-FLEX outsole configuration for better ground contact and a smoother ride
Sleek upper design with improved use of FLEXFILM provides great lockdown for every strideSPECS
Shoe Category: Neutral
Pronation: Neutral
Cushion: Responsive
Construction Type: Natural Motion
Surface: Road, Track
Arch: High, Normal (Mid)
Water Resistant: No
Waterproof: No
Offset: 4mm
Heel Stack Height: 22mm
Forefoot Stack Height: 18mm
Impressions: First of all, I have to say right up front that I have been a huge Saucony Kinvara fan ever since I came across a pair of the debut model on the wall at Dick’s Sporting Goods a few years ago. Since then, I have owned several pairs of all six versions, using them for most of my training runs and races alike. There are three main reasons I loved them from the start, and have stuck with them through the inevitable minor design changes from version to version: Light weight, cushioning, and fit.
My new pair of Kinvara 7s continue the tradition of light weight, great cushioning, and excellent fit. I’ll let the logo-past-the-laces design faux pas slide this time… 😉
I have always sought out light shoes, both for training and racing, and the Kinvaras (at around 7-8 ounces) have consistently kept the weight off. But as my feet have developed a chronic soreness over the last few years, I also appreciate adequate cushioning, and Saucony has managed to equip the Kinvara with comparatively luxurious support without sacrificing lightness. Finally, the Kinvaras fit my wide forefoot perfectly.
The major change between the 6th and 7th versions of the Kinvara is the newly formulated Everun material in the sole that provides the familiar generous cushioning while providing increased rebound and durability. Since the cushioning has always been stellar, the main noticeable difference will be that version 7 breaks down more slowly. The biggest compliment I can give to a new version of a shoe model I already love is that I really don’t notice much difference. The weight, cushioning, and fit are as good as ever.
My only slight complaint is an aesthetic one, and totally subjective at that: I’m a traditionalist, and to me the distinctive shoe company logo on any athletic shoe should not extend past the laces. The Saucony “S” on the new Kinvara trespasses onto the toe, and to my eye looks a little misplaced. But that quirk aside, I do like the blue-with-subtle-green-accents color scheme of my new pair, and I expect to be a Kinvara fan for many versions to come.
