Shoe Review: Saucony Kinvara 14

The Saucony Kinvara 14 is built with everything you need and nothing you don’t, so you can focus on the miles ahead.

One of the lightest running shoes on the market, the latest version of the Kinvara stays true to form as a simple, subtly cushioned trainer that’s designed to go fast. Because of its accommodating fit and affordable price point, it’s also ideal for new runners shopping for their first pair of shoes. Even better, the Kinvara 14 is part of the Saucony X Fleet Feet Finesse collection, meaning you can get exclusive, Fleet Feet-only colors of the Kinvara 14 online or at your local Fleet Feet.

Fleet Feet reviewers put the Kinvara 14 to the test during easy miles and fast paces. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest version of the Saucony Kinvara.

The latest version of the Saucony Kinvara accomplishes what most running shoes strive for—adding more cushioning while shaving weight. Despite the added three millimeters of PWRRUN cushioning in the midsole, Saucony touts the Kinvara 14 as the lightest Kinvara yet. The Kinvara 14 is about a full ounce lighter than the Kinvara 13.

Despite the added PWRRUN foam, Saucony’s signature EVA-based midsole foam, reviewers noticed that the Kinvara still offers a firm ride that feels on the minimal side in terms of cushioning, especially as the industry moves toward max-cushioned shoes.

“The Kinvara 14 feels light and snappy,” Kate says. “They’re also flexible while still feeling stable enough. I used to wear the Kinvara for speed workouts and races, before carbon plated shoes were so highly available. I ran some of my fastest 5Ks in the Kinvara, and I liked that they were on the firmer side, and were some of the lightest shoes you could get without wearing a racing flat.”

The Kinvara’s firm ride feels more engaging and responsive as you pick up the pace, making it a great choice for uptempo runs and even races.

“The Kinvara really sings at faster paces,” Nate says. “The cushioning feels a little more responsive as I pick up the tempo. I was smiling and cruising in no time!”

A new PWRRUN PLUS sockliner sits inside of the shoe and adds some extra cushioning and softness to an otherwise firm-feeling ride.

“Most shoe companies keep the sockliner simple and just use EVA foam, which gets compressed pretty quickly,” Kate says. “The PWRRUN PLUS foam keeps the shoes feeling lively for a bit longer.”

The shoe’s featherweight construction also adds to the bouncy, fast feel of the shoe. Shoe designers used an exposed midsole in the Kinvara 14, which is done to minimize weight. But because the outsole has minimal rubber on it, it can wear down quicker than shoes that have more rubber on the outsole.

Despite this, reviewers noticed that the Kinvara 14 had remarkably good traction throughout their runs, although we didn’t get to test the shoe on wet pavement.

“The Kinvara 14 has a great outsole grip, especially if you’re walking or running on uneven surfaces,” Adina says. “I wore these for a video shoot in the nation’s Capital, and the traction was terrific for lots of stop-and-go action. The day was long and involved running around to multiple locations, but my feet didn’t feel fatigued thanks to the lightweight nature of the shoe.”

“I felt that the Kinvara 14 was just a tad bit big,” Caroline says, who has low-volume feet. “I had to really cinch up the laces, leaving some bunched up fabric around the toes. And my toes had more space in front of them than what I’m used to. Nevertheless, I tied the marathon loop for security and didn’t have any issues on the run.”

“I really like how the Kinvara 14 anchors my foot in place with some slight contouring in the midfoot,” says Nate, who has wide, high-volume feet. “It slightly tapers inwards at the toe box more than I’d like, but that’s just a personal preference for my wide feet.”

The Kinvara 14 is available in standard width and wide sizing (D for women, 2E for men), so chances are good that you’ll be able to find your perfect fit.

The Saucony Kinvara 14 remains true to form as an ultra-lightweight neutral trainer that offers a minimal feel compared to the super-high stack heights gracing the market today. While the latest version of the Kinvara has gained three additional millimeters of stack height compared to its predecessor, it’s still on the low end in terms of stack height when compared to other Saucony shoes, like the Ride 15 and the Triumph 20.

The main differences between the Kinvara 14 and the Kinvara 13 are the increased stack height, the decreased weight and a new upper with more perforations for extra breathability.

The Kinvara 14 also offers a new, PWRRUN PLUS sock liner, which adds a bit of cushion and softness to the ride.

“I’ve worn some version of this shoe on and off for about seven years,” says Kate, our resident Kinvara expert. “I’ve always liked how lightweight and snappy it is year after year, and the latest version doesn’t disappoint.”

We took a look at some comparable models to see how the Saucony Kinvara 14 stacks up. Here’s what we found.

The Kinvara 14, the Launch 9 and the Rincon 3 are all designed to offer lightweight cushioning and a snappy ride that excels during faster paces. These three shoes are all great for runners who want something special for speed workouts without shelling out the big bucks for a carbon-plated option.

While the Kinvara 14 is the lightest option, it still offers more cushioning than the Launch or the Rincon in terms of stack height. It’s also a great option for runners seeking a lower heel-to-toe drop, the difference in height between your heel and forefoot, to relieve pressure in their knees and hips.

The Saucony Kinvara 14 is a great choice for runners seeking a lightweight, snappy shoe that can handle faster paces. While it can’t compete with its carbon-plated counterparts in terms of energy return, it really shines as an affordable trainer with a simple, natural feel.

“I’d recommend this shoe to someone who is looking for a lightweight trainer or even a race day shoe without breaking the bank,” Max says. “It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of carbon plates and high cushion, but the Kinvara stays true to its minimalist roots.”

Because the Kinvara 14 is offered at a lower price point than other running shoes in Saucony’s lineup, it’s a great option for student athletes who are on a budget or who may grow out of their shoes quickly. Don't forget to check out the Fleet Feet-exclusive colorways of the Kinvara 14, part of the Saucony X Fleet Feet Finesse collection.