Saucony Kinvara 15 review
Saucony Kinvara 15 Verdict
The pros
- Light weight
- Affordable
- Upper
The cons
- Cushioning
- Outsole
Rating breakdown
Facts / Specs
Size/Fit
Cushioning & ride
Usage
Who should buy the Saucony Kinvara 15 ?
A runner who has a wide variety of shoes in their rotation would benefit from the Kinvara on short speed work days. Such as track workouts and the 4-5 mile easy run.
The ideal workout for the Kinvara 15 would look like this. Two mile warm up end up at a track 8×300 repeats and a 2 mile cool down to finish. Some short easy miles with some speed work in the middle.
Who should not buy the Saucony Kinvara 15 ?
Runners who put in the miles day in and day out should not buy the Kinvara 15. Runners who prefer cushioning should also not buy them as well.
Saucony Kinvara 15 Introduction
The Saucony Kinvara 15 is a lightweight daily trainer that is meant to tackle the easy miles but also factor in the speed work as well.
A breakdown of the Kinvara 15 is quite simple: the shoe is a basic design which is not necessarily a bad thing.
The shoe has a nice low profile upper it wraps around the foot like a glove but it is not restrictive. There is thin layer of padding around the tongue and heel collar which compliments the low profile upper.
The kinvara 15 has a 4mm drop which is considered a low stack. So if you enjoy more ground contact and a firmer ride this will do it.
The more interesting part of the Kinvara 15 is the outsole: there are 2 small pieces of rubber outsole one towards the forefoot and one patch of rubber towards the heel. This is to help cut weight off the shoe. It only weighs in at 6.7 oz for a men’s size 9. That is pretty dang light for a running shoe.
The issue with the majority of the outsole being exposed foam is durability: it most likely will not last as long as other shoes with full length rubber outsoles.
Although Saucony uses the PWRRUN midsole foam which is know to be firm and durable and requires a break in period to really help soften it up a touch so time will tell if the exposed foam outsole will last. So far no issues at 50+ miles.
There is not any crazy technology built into the shoe it is tailored for easy miles and speed miles and the Kinvara 15 does exactly what Saucony designed it to do. I just did a review of the Asics Hyper Speed 4 and I would say the Kinvara 15 and Hyper Speed 4 fit perfect into the same niche of running.
I tried to decide which one I liked better and I honestly could not decide.
The Kinvara 15 is priced at only 120 dollars so that’s hard to beat especially for the casual runner who is not picky about what shoe they wear. There is definitely some value there in regards to the use of the shoe and the price.
Saucony Kinvara 15 First Impressions
When I received the Saucony Kinvara 15 on my door step I have to be honest I was not overly excited.
I have ran in the Kinvara 13s and I did not enjoy them. I just did not have a solid place for them in my shoe rotation. So I was imagining the same thing for the Kinvara 15.
My first impression of the Kinvara 15 when trying them on I immediately knew that Saucony added a touch more cushioning but still not enough to my liking.
I had a track workout the following day so during that workout I had to achieve 8 reps of 300 meters hitting 50 seconds each time and I was able to manage that every rep.
The shoes felt light and they could hand the 5 min average pace over 300 meters without any issues. I will definitely keep using them on track days.
Saucony Kinvara 15 Upper
The fit of the Kinvara was nice it is nothing overwhelming it slips on nice and when lacing up it fits like a comfortable glove. That could be due to what Saucony calls their “super responsive sock liner” I guess I did not notice it being responsive but it did make the upper of the shoe fit nice!
It is light weight so as one can imagine the shoe is very breathable. It is a simple design really nothing too crazy to target in this category nothing to complain about either.
I really enjoyed the fit and how comfortable it was. I specifically chose to wear the Kinvara 15 during the birth of my second child last week because of how comfortable the upper feels when laced up! So that must be saying something.
Saucony Kinvara 15 Sole Unit
The sole unit is personally one of my cons. To start there is not enough cushioning in my opinion. It is a low profile shoe but you can definitely notice ground contact. It is not uncomfortable it just does not help when you start to run over 10 miles in them.
Stability is fine there were not any issues there.
Traction is another thing I struggled with. As mentioned already the outsole consists of exposed foam and 2 small patches of rubber. I run a lot on farm roads that have a wide shoulder of gravel and when I am avoiding cars and running in that gravel I notice that traction is not the best just due to the majority of the outsole being foam.
The ride is not all that bad there is a good amount of energy return and the Kinvara 15 really helps propel you to stay on your toes.
I did a speed workout that ended up being 9 miles and by the end of it and the following day my calves were on fire because I stayed on my toes during the majority of that run. So that is not a bad thing because it can make you a more efficient runner.
I notice that I stay more in a neutral position when running in the Kinvara 15 where as the majority of the time my feet roll inwards with other shoes with more cushion.
Saucony Kinvara 15 Conclusions
The Saucony Kinvara 15 just does not have a home for me.
I like the idea of primarily using it for the track but even if I have an easy 4 mile run I have a few different options I would prefer that are much more fun to run in.
I could definitely see the benefit and the use for others to use it but for me not so much. I love simply designed shoes so I really do enjoy and like the Kinvara 15 but I would prefer some other options.
Saucony tailors the shoe to be lightweight meant for daily training and speed work and they delivered on that promise so there is not much to complain about here.
How does the Kinvara 15 compare?
Asics Hyper Speed 4
Saucony Kinvara 15
ON Cloudflow 4
Why you can trust us
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.We purchased this pair of Saucony at Running Warehouse with our own money.
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.
Reviewed by Justin
Justin Alpaugh lives in Pocatello, Idaho. A place where in any direction you look you will find mountains. He grew up hunting and currently pursues the challenge of archery hunting. Hunting was an outlet to get into ultra running back in 2019. Since then he has ran a handful of ultras including the 100 mile distance. Running on the roads and trails molds Justin into becoming a better husband and father. Finding the right running shoes is equally an important part of his journey.
4 hours ago
Need some advice – I mostly do 5-10k runs with a half marathon thrown in here and there. Trying to decide between these and the Ride 16. The price difference is tempting but worried these might not have enough cushioning for longer runs. Anyone made this comparison?
Your comment is awaiting moderation.4 days ago
The Kinvara 15 hits the sweet spot for faster training days. Coming from the Kinvara 13, the improved upper is immediately noticeable – much better lockdown during intervals. Did a track session (6x800m) and they felt responsive without being harsh. The lightweight design shines during tempo runs, though I agree they’re not ideal for longer distances. Used them for a recent 10K race (41:30) and they performed great. While the outsole durability is questionable (showing wear at 100 miles), the affordable price point makes them a great option for speed work. Rotate them with more cushioned shoes for easy days.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.5 days ago
Been loving my Kinvara 15s for the past 200 miles. These are my go-to shoes for speedwork and shorter races – way lighter than the 14s! Just crushed my 10K PR in them last weekend. The upper feels so much better now – no more hot spots on those humid morning runs. They’re not my pick for marathon training (anything over 13 miles feels a bit thin), but for track sessions and tempo runs, they’re perfect. Great value compared to pricier options like the Hyperion Tempo. Seeing some wear at 200 miles, but that’s expected for a lighter shoe.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.6 days ago
Been putting my new Kinvara 15s through their paces since upgrading from the 13s. Just nailed my best 5K in these! The upper breathes way better now, though I wish they had more cushioning for the long stuff – feet start feeling it after 8 miles. They feel more minimal than my Endorphin Speeds but give great ground feel. Perfect for speed sessions and shorter races, but I’ll grab my cushier shoes for the long runs. Really can’t beat what you get for $120.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.1 week ago
Been using the Ride 16s for my long runs but looking for something lighter for tempo days. The Kinvara 15 caught my eye, but worried they might be too minimal for 10+ mile runs. Anyone made the switch from Rides to Kinvaras? How’s the cushioning holding up?
Your comment is awaiting moderation.2 weeks ago
Having put over 200 miles in the Kinvara 15, I can say it’s a solid update to the line. The lightweight design (7.8 oz for my size 9) makes it perfect for tempo runs and intervals. While the cushioning isn’t enough for marathon training, it’s ideal for 5K-10K races. I’ve used these for track workouts and they feel much more responsive than my old Brooks Launch. The upper breathability is excellent – no hot spots even in summer conditions. Compared to the Kinvara 14, the ride feels more balanced though still firm. Best for efficient runners looking for a lightweight trainer for faster days.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.2 weeks ago
The Kinvara 15 has become my favorite shoe for speed work and 5K races. Just ran a PR of 20:45 in these last weekend! The lightweight design makes them feel fast, though I agree about the limited cushioning – anything beyond 10 miles and my feet start feeling it. The upper improvements are noticeable from the 14, with better lockdown during intervals. While not as cushioned as my Endorphin Speed 4s, these fill a perfect niche for shorter, faster efforts. The price point makes them an excellent value for a dedicated speed day shoe.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.3 weeks ago
After 150 miles of everything from track repeats to tempo runs, these Kinvara 15s are exactly what I wanted for speed work. They’re light and snappy, and that new upper is way better than the 14 – breathes better and really locks your foot down. Wouldn’t use them for marathon training though – not enough cushion for those long miles. Perfect for 5K-10K races and track days. More ground feel than my Endorphin Speeds, which I actually prefer for shorter stuff. Best part? You get a solid speed shoe without breaking the bank.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.3 weeks ago
Getting ready for my spring 5K training block and eyeing the Kinvara 15. Anyone using these for track workouts? My coach has us doing lots of 400s and mile repeats, and I’m worried they might be too minimal for that kind of beating. Also, I wear a 8.5 in the Rides – should I stick with that for the Kinvara?
Your comment is awaiting moderation.4 weeks ago
Getting ready for spring 5K season and debating between these and the Endorphin Speed 3. Love the lower drop in previous Kinvaras but heard they changed things up. Anyone running in both? Looking for something that can handle both training and race day.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.1 month ago
Hey runners! Finally ready to try something lighter after years in Brooks Ghost. Anyone know if Kinvaras fit similar to Brooks? I do about 20-25 miles weekly and mix up my runs between easy days and some tempo work. Wondering if these could handle both or if I should keep looking. Thanks!
Your comment is awaiting moderation.1 month ago
After putting 150 miles on the Kinvara 15, I can say it’s a solid update to the line. The lightweight feel is perfect for my tempo runs – I’ve used them for several 10K training sessions around 7:30 pace. The upper is more breathable than the 14, though I agree the cushioning is minimal for anything beyond 10 miles. Did a 15-miler in them and my feet were pretty beat up. They remind me of the Hoka Mach but with less stack height. Great for speed work and short races, but I’ll stick to my Endorphin Speeds for marathon training. The $120 price point is very reasonable compared to other performance trainers.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.2 months ago
Just tried these on at Fleet Feet – gotta say the upper feels way better than my beat-up 14s. But man, they still feel pretty minimal. My Endorphin Speeds spoiled me with that extra cushion. Still on the fence about these…
Your comment is awaiting moderation.2 months ago
Getting ready for Chicago Marathon training and wondering if these could be my main shoe? Been looking at the minimal rubber outsole and worried about wear – my training will hit 50+ miles some weeks. Anyone using these instead of the Ride 16 for their everyday miles?
Your comment is awaiting moderation.2 months ago
Been a Kinvara loyalist since v10 and just tried the 15s at my local shop. Love the improved upper but man, they really trimmed down that cushioning! Currently using v14s for my tempo days and Rides for my long runs. Think I’ll grab another pair of 14s while they’re on sale – anyone know if Running Warehouse still has them?
Your comment is awaiting moderation.2 months ago
Coming from the Kinvara 13, these are a solid improvement! Used them for a recent half marathon PR and several speed workouts. The upper is much more comfortable and breathable now. They feel snappier than my Endorphin Speeds for intervals, though I still prefer more cushioning for long runs. Great for tempo days under 90 minutes. Only wish they had more rubber on the outsole – showing wear after just 150 miles. For $120 though, can’t complain too much.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.3 months ago
As a long-time Kinvara fan, I’ve put about 150 miles on the 15 and can say it’s a solid update. The lightweight feel makes it perfect for tempo runs – I hit my best 10K time this year in them. The upper breathes well and hugs the foot nicely. However, I agree the cushioning is minimal – my legs definitely felt beat up after a 15-miler. Compared to the Kinvara 14, the outsole durability seems better but still shows wear. For pure speed sessions and races up to half marathon, these excel. Not ideal for marathon training though – I prefer the Ride 17 for those longer runs.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.3 months ago
Anyone make the switch from the 14s to the 15s? I use my Kinvaras for all my shorter runs and parkruns, but training for a half now and wondering if the new version can handle the longer stuff. My legs usually feel beat up after 8 miles in the 14s.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.3 months ago
Just getting into running and doing Couch to 5K – would these be good for a newbie? My runs are mostly on pavement, 2-3 times a week. Bit worried about some reviews mentioning the outsole wearing down quickly. Don’t want to spend too much on my first ‘real’ running shoes if they won’t last!
Your comment is awaiting moderation.3 months ago
The Kinvara 15 has been my go-to shoe for the past month, logging about 150 miles including a half marathon PR. The lightweight design really shines during tempo runs – I noticed significant improvement in my 5K times compared to when I was using the Brooks Launch. The upper fit is notably better than the Kinvara 14, with improved ventilation during my humid morning runs. While perfect for speedwork and races up to half marathon distance, I wouldn’t recommend it for full marathon training due to the limited cushioning. Did several 15-mile long runs and felt some fatigue in the later miles. Overall excellent for shorter distances – used them for a recent 10K race (41:30) and they felt responsive throughout. The price point makes it a great value for a performance trainer.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.3 months ago
After logging 200 miles in the Kinvara 15, including several track workouts and a 10K race, I can confidently say these are a solid upgrade. The lightweight design makes them perfect for tempo runs and intervals – just ran a 41:30 10K PR in them. While the cushioning isn’t sufficient for marathon training, it’s ideal for speeds up to half marathon distance. The upper improvements are noticeable – much better lockdown than the 14. The outsole durability remains a concern, showing wear at 200 miles. Compared to similar shoes like the Brooks Launch, these feel more nimble but less durable. For the price point though, they’re hard to beat as a speed day shoe.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.4 months ago
Need new shoes for Tuesday track nights – debating between these and the Endorphin Speed 3. Mostly doing 400m-1600m repeats. Anyone putting serious track miles on these? Worried that light upper might not last with all the turns.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.6 months ago
The Kinvara 15 has been my go-to tempo shoe for the past month. Coming from the Kinvara 13, the improved upper is immediately noticeable – better lockdown and ventilation. I’ve used them for track workouts up to 10K races, with my best being a 41:30 10K. While the cushioning is minimal for anything longer, that’s not what these shoes are designed for. They excel at uptempo runs and intervals – did 12x400m repeats and they felt responsive throughout. The lightweight design (8.2 oz for my size 9) makes them feel like racing flats but with just enough protection. Compared to the Saucony Endorphin Speed, these feel more natural but less propulsive.
6 months ago
As a longtime Kinvara fan, I’ve put the 15 through its paces with 180 miles including track workouts and tempo runs. The lightweight feel remains true to the series but with better durability than the 14. Used these for a recent 10k race (41:30) and they felt great at pace. The improved upper security really helps during speedwork. While not enough cushion for marathon training, these excel at distances up to half marathon. Perfect for runners who want a stripped-down, responsive ride. Compared to the Endorphin Speed 3, these feel more natural but less propulsive.
9 months ago
The design and breathability are top-notch! I’ve been running in Kinvaras for a few years now and the 15s are an improvement in comfort. However, the durability still concerns me—my last pair of Kinvaras wore out after just 300 miles. Hoping this edition lasts longer!
10 months ago
I’ve been running in Kinvaras for years, and while the 15 is solid, I feel like the responsiveness compared to earlier models isn’t quite there. It’s a light shoe for sure, which is great for those speedier sessions, but I didn’t get that same snappy feeling I used to. Still, for the price and weight, it’s a good pickup. Might not be my go-to for longer distances though.