Wednesday, November 06, 2019

Saucony Kinvara Initial Video Review: Truer to its Origins, Challenging the Newcomers

Article by Sam Winebaum

Saucony Kinvara 11 ($110)
Update: Full multi tester review here

Stats
Weight:: men's 7.9 oz  / 234 g (US9) women's 6.9 oz / 200g / (US8)
  Sample: 7.9 oz / 234 g US M9 (same as K10 sample)
Stack Height: 28.5mm heel / 24.5 mm forefoot, 4mm drop
Available Feb 2020. $110

The Kinvara 11 features a new PWRRUN EVA/TPU midsole for a slightly, softer bouncier ride than its predecessor. At just sub 8 oz / 237 g shoe, with daily trainer grade stack heights and cushion, it saves weight (but weighs the same as the K10) by reducing rubber to a few essential heavy wear areas. For several prior versions, including the K10, the medial midsole geometry provided a touch of noticed stability making it for many a light "stability" racer as well as a trainer. The new softer ride tunes down the stability feel, also making the K11 slightly less responsive but increases cushion feel and bounce and along with a modified outsole has more fluid and easier transitions. As a result , the Kinvara now slightly further towards trainer than racer based on my 1st run observations with a K11 on one foot and K10 on the other. My run was moderate tempo progression with average final pace 8:54/mile.
The upper follows that direction with a more secure higher achilles collar, softer collar and tongue padding and a roomier fitting toe box for a slightly less performance oriented but more comfortable overall fit. It should fit most true to size and may accommodate slightly higher volume feet than the K10, and certainly earlier versions say K7-K9. Overall it harkens more in feel and fit to the earliest Kinvara, one of the first low drop (4mm as now) trainer racers.

The video below details the K11 and covers my first run impressions. It also compares to what I see as comparatives, those newcomers the K11 is strongly challenging: the Hoka One One Rincon (RTR Review), and New Balance Beacon 2 (RTR Review). In brief, the Rincon is slightly more cushioned, lighter by 0.8 oz, but with a snugger front upper; the Beacon 2 is 0.3 oz lighter, quite a bit firmer due to its lower stack and midsole foam with a more performance oriented upper.
Initial Video Review (11:36)

Full Multi-Tester Review with many comparisons (after more testing) coming soon!
Kinvara 11 releases February 2020
Read reviewers' full run bios here
The product reviewed was provided at no cost. The opinions herein are the authors'.
Comments and Questions Welcome Below!
Please let us know mileage, paces, race distances, and current preferred shoes

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8 comments:

mohd al akmarul fizree said...

K11 releases February 2018?

Sam Winebaum said...

Sorry. Thanks for catching. Corrected to Feb 2020. Sam, Editor

Mark said...

Looks like Saucony is really headed in the right direction with their shoes. Just purchased the Triumph 17 and really like it. It’s much better than the previous Triumphs I’ve had (version 9 through ISO 5). Thanks for the preview of the Kinvara 11, will most likely purchase it when it comes out.

Σπύρος said...

I don't like the knit upper that was firstly used in version 10 and is also in 11. It is less breathable than the mesh upper used in previous versions.

Unknown said...

Would your k10 size be the same in the k11?

Ante said...

When Will you test the new Saucony Peregrine 10?

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Ante,
Should receive soon to test as they are a 2/1 release.
Sam, Editor

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Unknown,
Yes K10 and K11 same size for me. I received a half size up for both as Saucony does not have half size samples but true to size would have been better
Sam, Editor