The Kinvara is an immensely popular trainer with good ground feel and a natural ride. Over the years, the Kinvara has changed a lot. The Kinvara 14 was a complete overhaul but the Kinvara 15 is a more minimal update.
This comparison will tell you which version is better for you.
Kinvara 15
Kinvara 14
Verdict
The Saucony Kinvara 15 is a lightweight daily trainer that is meant for speed and those short easy miles. The Kinvara has improved from previous versions but yet it still lacks enough cushioning for longer days.
The Saucony Kinvara 14 is an agile, versatile trainer which has a really well-balanced ride. It’s designed for speedwork but it can handle easy paces equally well thanks to its stability. Its lack of outsole rubber gives it a super smooth ride.
Version 14 has been updated with a lighter, more breathable upper, a thicker midsole and a PWWRUN+ insole. It has a softer ride with more cushioning depth than previous Kinvaras and it also weighs less than its predecessor.
Recommended for
Speedwork, daily training
Racing, speedwork, daily training
Cushioning type
Responsive/balanced
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Little cushioning
Medium cushioning
Flexibility
medium
flexible
Stability
some stability
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$119.95
US$120
The Kinvara 15 and 14 both have PWRRUN midsoles which are made from EVA and TPU. They have thick insoles which are PWRRUN+, made from TPU to give it more energy return. The difference between the 2 is that the Kinvara 15 has a thinner midsole compared to the 14.
The Kinvara 15 is lighter than the 14 because it has a thinner midsole. This makes it faster and better suited to shorter, faster runs. The 14 has more cushioning which gives it more long-distance comfort. The 14 is better for longer, slower runs.
Stability is better in the Kinvara 15 because your foot sits lower to the ground. The 15 also has a firmer ride with less lean bias. Both versions have the same outsole with a lot of exposed midsole foam. This results in a very engaging ride with soft, padded landings.
They have a 4 mm drop which is best suited to midfoot and forefoot strikers.
Both version have comfortable uppers which are true to size.
The Kinvara 14 has better breathability with thinner mesh but the Kinvara 15 has a thicker, more structured upper which offers better foot lockdown.
They both have excellent heel lockdown.
If you prefer a faster, lighter trainer with more ground feel, the Kinvara 15 is the better option for you. It has a more structured upper and better stability. The Kinvara 15 feels like more of a speed trainer than a daily trainer.
If you prefer a slower, more cushioned trainer with less ground feel, the Kinvara 14 is the better option for you. It has a more breathable upper and it has more long-distance comfort. The Kinvara 14 feels more like a daily trainer than a speed trainer.
