Kinvara 14 Running Shoe (Men)

First impression after one 5k run, foot slips forward in shoe so poor heal lock. This squishes my toes and made my feet a bit uncomfortable. I also felt my IT band tightening which might be from switching from the Triumph 20s that I have worn for more than a year. The Triumph is built with a much higher stack of foam. Although the Kinvera is much lighter than the Triumph, it is not faster. The bit of foam it does have under the front ball of the foot does not encourage a faster cadence and actually seems to slightly obstruct a smooth roll forward. After a few more runs, my running style will adapt to the new shoe which might make for a faster run but so far, the build of the Kinvera does not make it fast despite less weight and less comfort than the Triumph.

This is the first time that I purchased a Saucony shoe and the Kinvara 14 model specifically. Coming from New Balance 1400 v5 & v6, their mid-level minimalist shoe, I was skeptical. I beat those shoes up to the ground. The only reason I decided to switch brands is because they discontinued the 1400’s and I was left comparing their FuelCell line (8mm drop) vs Kinvara (4mm), but I was so used to my 1400’s (10mm) with very little padding/stack. In other words, I was used to feeling the road and not feel like I was standing on cushions as a mid/forefoot striker. After the first 30km, I can say that it was a change, the obvious is the feeling of more cushioning beneath my feet and the curved sole (not as flat as the 1400s). As with all my runners, I replaced the laces with the elastic Lock Laces, and threaded them for heel-lock, that immediately allowed my feet to expand a bit more after the first few KMs. I am now more used to them, and they feel better. The reason I give them 4/5 stars might just be my issue but I feel that the pointed toebox design forces my toes together, especially the smaller toe. I haven’t experienced any blistering, but I am playing with the tightness of the laces to see what works… and yes, I sized them slightly larger so I don’t think it’s a shoe size problem. All in all, I was more impressed after the first run and replacing the laces. I do feel more comfortable on the “rocking feeling” of the sole design and I will beat the heck out of them before deciding if they are a permanent switch. I can say that buying last years’ model in black vs other colors (not very popular I guess), at half-price, meant that the price-value was a no-brainer for the same technology. Happy running!

I’ve probably bought more than 40 pairs of Kinvara over the last 10 years. Very high mileage runner. Have always loved them, but I can’t understand why Saucony would mess with a successful product. The 14 is drastically changed, and not for the better. The new version forces a heel strike - recipe for injury for any runner. I will use these shoes to cut my lawn, and will be looking for a new go-to running shoe. Saucony, I’m willing to come back if the 15 goes back to the winning formula.