Saucony Women's Kinvara 12 Running Shoe Review
The Saucony Women's Kinvara 12 Running Shoe in Black/Gum is designed for those passionate about running. This shoe boasts a lighter and more simplified upper design, ensuring an incredible fit that adapts to your foot's natural shape. Whether you're aiming to crush your personal best or simply enjoy a comfortable run, the Kinvara 12 offers a combination of support, flexibility, and responsiveness.
Features
- PWRRUN cushioning for lightweight responsiveness
- Breathable mesh upper with durable construction
- Improved ground contact for more power
- 4mm drop suitable for road running
- Super flexible outsole for faster transitions
Pros
- Exceptional lightweight feel ideal for long-distance runs
- Responsive cushioning enhances comfort during extended wear
- Great breathability keeps feet cool
- Flexible design supports natural foot movements
- Durable rubber sole provides traction and longevity
Cons
- The lower drop may not suit all runners' preferences
- Some users may find the fit too narrow
- Not as much cushioning for ultra-padded shoe enthusiasts
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Model | Cushioning | Drop (mm) | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saucony Kinvara 12 | PWRRUN | 4 | 7.7 |
| Nike Zoom Fly 3 | ZoomX | 10 | 8.5 |
| Brooks Launch 7 | 10 | 8.4 |
Detailed Review
The Saucony Women's Kinvara 12 excels in multiple categories:
- Comfort: One of its standout features is the PWRRUN cushioning that provides responsive support without adding bulk. Whether you’re on a quick jog or training for a marathon, this shoe ensures your feet remain comfortable throughout your drive.
- Fit: The breathable mesh upper fits snugly while allowing for excellent ventilation. However, be mindful of the width, as it might feel restrictive for wider feet.
- Performance: Its super flexible outsole allows for a more natural gait cycle, making heel-to-toe transitions seamless. You'll appreciate how quickly you can change speeds!
- Versatility: Suitable for both daily training and race day, the Kinvara 12 supports varied running experiences, catering to different styles and distances.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional cushioning and fit for long distances. |
| Style | 8/10 | A sleek design that looks good on and off the track. |
| Performance | 9/10 | Excellent response and flexibility for fast-paced runs. |
| Durability | 7/10 | Sturdy but may wear down faster than heavily padded models. |
User Reviews
I bought these for every day wear. They fit true to size. They are comfortable and add a bit of style to my mostly all black wardrobe. I wear them on long walks and for other sports activities and they feel great (I am not a runner). I primarily buy Saucony because they just seem to fit my feet well. I have owned this pair for over a year and wear them weekly and they still look great. Would buy them again.
Most important is how good the shoe felt, no break in needed. I walked 4 miles and my feet were feeling great. Good arch suppot. Very lite weight. I am a walker not a runner. I got the bright green/yellow and they look good, got lots of comments. So far they are holding up really well. I have walked at least 120 miles and the bottom tread looks good and the inner cushion is holding up. I even machined washed them. I do expect a hole will be worn on my left shoe. That occurs on all types of sneakers that I wear. Don't know why but I am not holding it against the shoe. I will buy another pair.
I've been trying for months to find a good, comfortable pair of walking shoes and these are it! All the shoes that I've tried haven't fit properly or left my feet feeling tired and sore (still have a scar on my ankle from one particular brand...) but I've had no problems with these. My first pair of Saucony, won't be my last.
It takes the pressure off of my forefoot when running. This eliminated the pain near my the ball of foot I often feel with my usual 12 mm running shoes. They are really light, just the right cushion, and feel great on both fast and easy runs. They are easy to lace. Surprisingly feel fine on trails. My toes did get cold and wet when running in snowy weather, but they had good traction still. I believe these would be best for dry and warmer conditions.
Lightweight but good support for running. White obviously got dirty very fast. Hard to get stains out even in washer.
Nice running shoes, very recommended.
I use these for running and they fit great
I have had several versions of this shoe and inevitably buy it again and again as saucony’s lightweight neutral trainer. The thing is not uncomfortable but it is definitely a basic shoe. If you want a comfortable fit with low cushion that’s ultra lightweight buy this shoe. They don’t last very long. Period. They are my least favorite of sauconys but like I said I keep coming back as there is no other neutral light weight alternative. So if you’re a die hard fan of this brand as I am and want a lightweight trainer. Buy it!