The Saucony Kinvara 10 returns in top form with an homage to the original version. A new updated mesh and flex film overlays that create an adaptive fit for almost everyone. A secure upper with new heel pods hold the foot well, combining comfort with security. Testers felt right at home in the new upper, with plenty of room in the toe box without being too spacious. The continued use of an Everun topsole combined with EVA+ provides a responsive and speedy sole that handles races, speedwork and long runs with ease. Testers were impressed with the versatility of the Saucony Kinvara 10. Many reached for it on workout days but were able to use it on easy days and races. The updated sole adds some mild stability with deep longitudinal flex grooves and the higher but fitted arch. The forefoot flexibility is extremely smooth with testers loving the fast toe-off. The Saucony Kinvara 10 is a fantastic speedy update that should please a variety of people for a variety of runs.
Fit
The Saucony Kinvara 10 features an updated adaptable mesh. A more spacious toe box was a welcome upgrade to testers who had a love-hate relationship with prior Kinvara series. All testers loved the fit regardless of their foot shape or size. The flex film overlays stretch very well with the foot and testers loved that their feet were still held well. The Saucony Kinvara 10 fits true to size with a traditional lacing system that interacts well with the upper. Internal heel pods in the rear portion of the upper hold the foot in place with a flexible and forgiving heel counter.
Comfort
A completely seamless upper with a contoured insole makes the Saucony Kinvara 10 extremely comfortable from the initial step in and onward. Testers were impressed with how comfortable the shoe fit and felt against the skin both with and without socks. One tester was able to run almost all his miles sockless in the Saucony Kinvara 10 without any hotspots. No break-in period needed for the fit or feel. The heel pods in the rearfoot, although somewhat odd at first, hold the foot comfortably. The heel pods, the flex film overlays and seamless upper all make for a top that completely disappears when the runs start.
The Saucony Kinvara 10, despite being one of the lighter shoes in this review, is a versatile lightweight trainer that can be used for a variety of runs. The cushioning system, Everun and EVA+ provide a comfortable and supportive experience at a variety of speeds. The sole also requires no break-in period and testers loved that the cushioning and comfort remained throughout the life of the Saucony Kinvara 10.
Responsiveness
The combination of Everun and EVA+ make for a responsive and mixed soft/firm ride depending on the pace. Testers noted the shoe does well at both high and low speeds with the balance of the two cushioning systems. While the sole may not be as responsive as full TPU soled shoes, the EVA midsole helps provide a far lighter ride. This contributes to being able to pick up the pace easily both from the bounce of the midsole as well as the lightweight feel of the Saucony Kinvara 10. Testers reported the Everun helps maintain the responsive feel over the course of long and short miles alike.
Speed
The Saucony Kinvara 10 is a very versatile and speedy shoe. Testers reported reaching for the Saucony Kinvara 10 for races, intervals, easy runs, and long runs. The upper and sole disappear off the foot, allowing runners to focus on their run. The top sole allows athletes to not only pick up the speed but maintain it over long and short distances. The lightweight and responsive sole make the Saucony Kinvara 10 a great racer/trainer that can handle any speed. Even for quick direction and speed changes, the sole responds well and the upper continues to hold the foot to the platform well. Testers continued to rave about the secure but comfortable upper. The engineered mesh not only holds the foot securely but also breathes very well which testers appreciated during hard workouts.
Ride Quality
The upper and sole of the Saucony Kinvara 10 create a balanced, fast and supportive ride. Despite the lightweight, the sole remains sturdy. A slightly higher arch and slightly flared outsole provide very mild stability. Two longitudinal flex grooves in the sole help gently guide the foot forward without forcing movement. The cushioned ride from the midsole further contributes to a balanced and smooth ride. Testers loved the forefoot flexibility, which created an easy toe-off during all paces. The Everun is full length in the Saucony Kinvara 10 and provides a responsive and protective landing regardless of where you land.
Testers enjoyed the outsole which provided great traction on a variety of surfaces. Due to the exposed EVA outsole, the durability is slightly lower than average, especially when used on more aggressive surfaces like rocky trails. There are two small sections of blow rubber in high wear areas, but the remainder of the sole is completely exposed. This did not bother testers with the exception of the durability concerns. Most, however, were able to get similar mileage compared to previous iterations of the Saucony Kinvara.
The Verdict
The top rated shoe of this round, the Saucony Kinvara 10 returns as the top lightweight trainer. For races to long runs, this shoe has everything comfortable with a disappearing upper along with a fast and protective sole.
