SAUCONY KINVARA 6 REVIEW: “Seek and you shall FLY!”

Saucony, a multi-awarded American shoe brand, has officially released one of the running community’s most awaited units; the Saucony Kinvara 6. Since its release in 2010, the Kinvara line has undergone several updates which caught the attention of runners across the globe. Now on its 6^th iteration, the Kinvara 6 boasts new updates that rival its award-winning predecessor, the Kinvara 5. 

CONTENT:

1. Fit

2. Upper

3. Sole

4. Aesthetics

5. Conclusion

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1. FIT:

Toebox of the Saucony Kinvara 6

I’m size 9.5 with a considerable wide foot. One of the things that I liked about the Kinvara 5 was its spacious toe box. I was curious to find out if the Kinvara 6 offers the same comfort and did not disappoint. My toes had enough room to wiggle inside the toe box of Kinvara 6. Although it had a snug fit, it wasn’t too tight or narrow. It gave me a satisfying secure fit. 

 

Irritation caused by an unknown material within this area

A minor issue I encountered concerned a material inside the shoe, which seemed to irritate the base of my right outermost toe. I went online to confirm if other Kinvara 6 users experienced the same issue. On a post on Runblogger.com, Peter Larson shared that there was something digging on his foot: a material just right under the Saucony logo, making him swap the soles as a last ditch effort. The first time I ran using this pair, I was only able to last 4.63 kilometers due to the uncomfortable feeling I had on my toes. The following day, I used it for walking while wearing thicker socks. My theory is that it needs an adequate break-in period since it was a new pair. 

The good news is that the irritation I felt during the early trials receded quickly. I suggest a longer break-in period for Kinvara 6 in case you encounter the same problem. 

2. UPPER:

Aside from the FlexFilm that added a more natural foot movement, Saucony provided a more sturdy yet still breathable mesh material on the Kinvara 6. The upper mesh of Kinvara 6 has more structured overlays in its FlexFilm than its 4^th and 5^th version

The Pro-Lock system is still present in this pair to provide a secure mid-foot fit. Some runners dislike this portion of the shoe because of the constriction they felt during runs. I did not encounter this problem during my runs, however and the Pro-Lock system supported my mid-foot well with every stride.

3. SOLE:

The IBR + EVA foam combined with PowerGrid

According to Saucony, the Kinvara 6 utilized Injection Blown Rubber (IBR +), a newly developed EVA foam material that lasts longer than standard EVAs. This technology makes the Kinvara 6 a lightweight shoe, weighing only at 7.8 oz on size 9. The sole employs great response during speedy runs and comfort during long runs. The PowerGrid midsole helps in absorbing the impact of each strike and evenly distributes the pressure to the entire foot. 

It may not be as soft as the Boost material used by Adidas, but enough to give you a snappy ride without compromising comfort—It’s another definition of soft! Based on experience, only a few brands were able to combine performance and comfort in the lightweight category, and the Kinvara line is one of those that rise on top.

Heel to Toe offset of Kinvara 6

The Kinvara 6 remained at 4mm offset with a 22mm heel and 18 forefoot stack height. A factor that you should consider before purchasing the Kinvara is its outsoles’ rubber content. 

The durability issue of this pair will always be put into question since it’s stripped off its flesh and exposed the bone to keep it lightweight and fast. Reducing the rubber content of the outsole also reduces the weight of the shoe. 

Most of the rubber materials were put strategically on the outsole instead, following the common wear patterns of neutral runners. 

My hypothesis is that the sole will endure 300-400 kms if you’re not a high-mileage runner who trains regularly. 

With this in mind, I have already considered the Kinvara 6 as one of my front liners for long distance runs.

4. AESTHETICS:

The Kinvara 6 looks fast. Most runners prefer to stand out with pairs infused with bright colors. Saucony did a great job in designing the shoe with color ways that could expand its market base. On the other hand, I have come to a realization that I have an unbreakable fetish-like fondness with a B/W colorway.  Regardless of your chosen unit, this is really a good looking shoe with a credible track record.

5. CONCLUSION:

Aside from the minor setback I encountered with the upper of the Kinvara 6, new iteration of the Kinvara line is a solid shoe. The Kinvara 6 is highly recommended for runners with Neutral pronation who seek a consistent balance between performance and comfort. The Saucony Kinvara 6 retail price is PHP 4995 in local stores nationwide. 

(Review Date: 07/01/2015)