The Kinvara is one of Sauconys top sellers. It’s light as a feather and designed for the runner who favors a natural running position. Its newly designed upper offers a sleek look and a perfect fit.

This daily trainer will cost you around $120. I think this is a fair price because it heavily reminds me of the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 when you put them on in regards to the upper. The upper is the area that is the most similar while the midsoles are quite different.

If I could suggest to Saucony I would make the next version of the Endorphin Pro upper just like the newest Kinvara 13.

It has been one of my favorite shoes to run in lately and it’s mostly due to the comfort that the upper gives me. Like I said before it’s lightweight, with the women’s version coming in at 6.2 oz (184g)and the Men’s version at 7.2 oz(213g).

Being lightweight has its pros and cons. I thoroughly enjoyed this shoe for short fast-paced runs but in this day and age of running shoes, I was left a little disappointed.

The Kinvara 13 is almost the same as the first Kinvara. Meaning, that racing shoes now have plates that make them swift. And most daily trainers are very comfortable and responsive for that longer distance run you might want to use them for. In the Kinvara 13s that is not the case.

The lack of technology leaves the shoe in a weird place for me. Yes I like the shoe and I have been enjoying it but I probably wouldn’t say it’s my favorite over other daily trainers.

The upper has been given a facelift which is my favorite part of the shoe and the midsole offers the same basic PWRRUN as the Kinvara 12. There is no difference in the midsole between the two versions.

The category the Kinvara 13 falls into is for the neutral runner. The Heel-to-toe offset for men and women is 4mm. They come true to size with a “wide” option available.

Saucony Kinvara 13 First Impressions

picture of Saucony Kinvara 13

I opened the box and thought these look simple. Simple is good sometimes. There is no standout feature nor did I get a bold color like some other various color schemes that are offered in the model.

My colors were black, white and gray. They look good together. When you first look at them they are very minimalist but you will notice how well made they are just sleek-looking shoes.

I put them on and I instantly thought wow! The upper is the most comfortable upper I have felt in a long time. It gives it an almost slipper-like feel. Lacing them up for the first time you’ll notice the extraordinary lockdown and just how much your feet are connected to the ground.

It’s a very natural feeling shoe that feels like an extension of my body. The first run was a bit of an adjustment, all my shoes in my current running rotation offer plates or extra cushioning.

The Kinvara 13 comes along and instantly makes me feel like I’m putting on my running shoes from years ago. It’s a good feeling. It makes me work harder, and adjust my running form and gait.

Overall, the Kinvara made me realize I need a shoe-in my mix to take me back to the basics. If I want to go out and run a fast 5k or do some interval training these have been my go-to shoe choice over the past few weeks.

It has been a fun shoe to add to the mix. A shoe from a different brand that is similar to this one would be Skechers GOrun Razor Excess. Both pairs are neutral daily trainers, 4mm drop, and lightweight.

Saucony Kinvara 13 Sole Unit

picture of Saucony Kinvara 13

When comparing the Kinvara 12 to the 13 you will notice that it’s a tad softer and not as firm of a ride. There is more of a responsive ride in the newer model. This would be accredited to the more beveled midsole.

This performance trainer has a flexible sole that runs the length of the shoe. It’s made up of Saucony’s PWRRUN which is an EVA blend. The PWRRUN is topped with a thin layer of PWRRUN+ to add a bit more pop to each step.

picture of Saucony Kinvara 13

It’s very flat and exposed on the shoe. This gives you decent responsiveness and the amount of flexibility lets you find your natural stride. It increases your awareness of the ground and gives you back what you put into it.

This lightweight daily trainer wears many hats. It can be responsive enough for speed intervals and is soft and easy for mid-distance runs. The reinforced rubber is only located on a tiny area of the heel and toe box.

If I used them in dry conditions I had no problems but would not recommend them for slick roads or wet tracks.
I have roughly over 50 miles on my pair and they are showing no major signs of wear.

Saucony Kinvara 13 Upper Unit

picture of Saucony Kinvara 13

The upper is my favorite part of the shoe. It’s seamless and hugs your foot in all the right places. It might be the most comfortable upper I personally have ever worn. From day one I have had no issues with rubbing or problems of any sort. It gives you more wiggle room up around the toe box area due to the upper being stretchy. But don’t worry, it gives you a secure fit. It fits true to size and is offered in a “wide” option as well.

The upper offers a single-layer mesh that has an enhanced fit, and flexibility and is exceptionally breathable. You can actually feel the wind through your shoes on a breezy day. They don’t absorb moisture which is a nice feature for hotter training days but they are not waterproof.

It has some overlays that help secure your foot in all the right places. The fit is amazing and offers a very comfortable gusted tongue with a pull tab, for easy adjustments.

picture of Saucony Kinvara 13

Laces come standard and also have a stretchiness to them. The heel counter is built up but not overbuilt. It complements the overall build of the shoe and offers a locked-in secure fit. Absolutely no slippage in the heel area.

The mesh upper is made from 100% recycled materials and 90% of the rest of the upper materials are as well. I love seeing this from companies.

Saucony Kinvara 13 Conclusion

picture of Saucony Kinvara 13

My conclusion of the Saucony Kinvara 13 would be that it’s a great choice for a multipurpose daily trainer. It stays true to its original design and is a fan favorite. The Kinvara is a shoe that will please runners of all different backgrounds.

It will be delightfully welcomed by the runner who especially doesn’t care for a maximally cushioned shoe. Overall it is a great choice for an affordable daily trainer. Well done Saucony.

As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of Saucony Kinvara 13 at Running Warehouse with our own money.