LetsRun.com Reviewer Ratings

Shoe Comparison

Shoe comparison
Saucony Kinvara 9
Saucony Kinvara 14
HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 8
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 25
Image
Saucony Kinvara 9
This Shoe
Saucony Kinvara 14
Newer Version
HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 8
Top Rated Trainer For Sale
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 25
Most Comfortable Trainer For Sale
Shoe Properties
Shoe Type
Trainer
Trainer
Trainer
Trainer
Pronation Control
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral
Weight
7.6 oz. (men's), 6.8 oz. (women's)
7.3 oz. (men's), 7 oz. (women's)
11.1 oz. (men's), 10.1 oz. (women's)
10.2 oz. (men's), 9 oz. (women's)
Stack Height
23mm.
31mm.
43mm.
42mm.
Forefoot Height
19mm.
27mm.
39mm.
34mm.
Drop Height
4 mm.
4 mm.
4 mm.
8 mm.
Upper material
Updated Engineered mesh
Engineered mesh, Lycra comfort frame, Internal heel counter, Pillowed Tongue
Engineered Knit Mesh, Ortholite X-55, Knit Tongue, Pull Tab
Shoe Released
Q1 2018
Q1 2023
Q3 2022
Q1 2023
MSRP
$110
$120
$165
$160
LRC Ratings
Out of 10
Overall
8.8
8.7
9.2
8.8
Comfort
9.0
8.7
9.5
9.9
Cushioning
8.5
8.5
9.6
9.7
Durability
7.7
7.8
8.3
8.6
Appearance
8.6
8.2
8.2
8.1
Value
8.8
8.7
7.8
8.3

Reader Reviews

  • Light And Fast - Saucony Kinvara 9

    30 miles per week, neutral pronator
    Overall
    9.0
    Comfort
    9.0
    Cushioning
    6.0
    Durability
    8.0
    Appearance
    8.0
    Value
    10.0

    When I first got this shoe it felt different from every other shoe I've ran in. It was light, springy and so breathable, especially compared to my Asics Gel Nimbus's which I wore before the Kinvara's. I instantly fell in love with lighter shoes that don't have any unnecessary padding all over the shoe. I felt comfortable wearing them in heat, on faster repeats and on slower long runs of up to 10 miles. These shoes opened my eyes to the wonders of more minimal shoes. They lack in cushioning, but that's a plus for me. And besides for some discomfort in the arches of my feet due to the strange material they used under the middle laces, I've never felt more comfortable and in control. I found these shoes on discount for around $75 and over the past 100+ miles they have been worth every penny. If you like lighter shoes that don't mess around with unnecessary cushioning, that can take whatever road (and even some flatter trail) runs or workouts you throw at them, than these will undoubtedly be high on your list of top choices.

    • Kinvara 9

      20 miles per week, neutral pronator, medium arches
      Overall
      10.0
      Comfort
      10.0
      Cushioning
      9.0
      Durability
      10.0
      Appearance
      9.0
      Value
      10.0

      Best training and racing shoe ever for road and trails.

    • Excellent Trainers and Race Shoes

      35 miles per week, neutral pronator, medium arches
      Overall
      9.0
      Comfort
      8.0
      Cushioning
      8.0
      Durability
      7.0
      Appearance
      9.0
      Value
      9.0

      Bought my first pair about a year ago and liked them so much I bought 3 more pairs. Great shoe to train in, very light compared to some of the other trainers out there, and responsive enough to race in.

    • Great shoe

      40 miles per week, neutral pronator, medium arches
      Overall
      9.0
      Comfort
      8.0
      Cushioning
      6.0
      Durability
      8.0
      Appearance
      8.0
      Value
      9.0

      Great shoe for my needs

    • kinvara 9

      30 miles per week, neutral pronator, medium arches
      Overall
      10.0
      Comfort
      9.0
      Cushioning
      10.0
      Durability
      10.0
      Appearance
      10.0
      Value
      9.0

      best shoe so far I can't complain about. provides cushoning and comfort for my feet thus minimizing injuries

    • Kinvara review

      50 miles per week, overpronator
      Overall
      9.0
      Comfort
      9.0
      Cushioning
      9.0
      Durability
      9.0
      Appearance
      10.0
      Value
      10.0

      This has been my go-to shoe years. Light, low drop, just the right amount of cushioning. Narrow heal and wide toe box fits my foot well.

    • Lightweight and responsive

      15 miles per week, neutral pronator, high arches
      Overall
      9.0
      Comfort
      10.0
      Cushioning
      8.0
      Durability
      4.0
      Appearance
      9.0
      Value
      8.0

      I’ve been running for 10 years, and these are the best shoes yet. Really liked the Ride 9, but big disappointment with worn soles at 250 miles. These are similar feel, but going strong at 250 miles.

    • My standby reliable all-purpose shoe

      45 miles per week, neutral pronator, high arches
      Overall
      9.0
      Comfort
      9.0
      Cushioning
      9.0
      Durability
      8.0
      Appearance
      8.0
      Value
      8.0

      I have worn Kinvaras since the first model. I have tried other shoes and brands, but keep coming back to this. It is the best shoe I have found for long distance training and racing. The durability is good and the fit is reliably comfortable.

    • KInvara 9

      40 miles per week, neutral pronator, medium arches
      Overall
      8.0
      Comfort
      8.0
      Cushioning
      8.0
      Durability
      5.0
      Appearance
      4.0
      Value
      9.0

      The Kinvaras are ugly bastards, due to Saucony's non nonsense construction and weird choices of colourway.

      This is not a plush or high support shoe - the upper is pretty bare bones and I tend to prefer something socklike like Nike's Flyknit.

      However, since I'm a relatively lightweight mid to foorefoot runner and want a light, flexible and versatile low-drop shoe that holds up from non-technical trails to road marathon, the marshmallowy sole of the Kinvara is just right. The pro-lock strap has become a bit more flexible in this iteration, it doesn't bother me too much. Apparently it has gone in the K10's. Durability: I tend to throw them out after 1000K. By that time, the shoe feels really flat.

    • For various distances

      30 miles per week, high arches
      Overall
      9.0
      Comfort
      10.0
      Cushioning
      8.0
      Durability
      8.0
      Appearance
      9.0
      Value
      8.0

      Very comfortable, wide in toes, cusioned but also dynamic. Not suitable for trail.

    • Surprised

      42 miles per week, neutral pronator, high arches
      Overall
      10.0
      Comfort
      10.0
      Cushioning
      10.0
      Durability
      10.0
      Appearance
      10.0
      Value
      10.0

      Got over 1000 miles on these shoes. I hear the 10's are not as good but the 9's were fantastic.

      Durability was surprising, weight was light and comfort was superb.

      Width was great as most shoes I find too narrow.