Time for the Saucony Kinvara 16 review from a runner who has used every model since version 1!
While I love having a full team of run testers now to spread around the shoe love and ensure we get a variety of opinions, they’ll have to fight me for a chance at the Saucony Kinvara. This has been one of the staple shoes in my running shoe rotation for nearly a decade.
While there were a couple models that were a miss on the whole this lightweight running shoe has served me so well that I frequently recommend it to many others. I can’t say it’s entirely stuck to it’s roots at the stack height has increased over the years, but they’ve not become too tall or too plush.
Who is it Good For?
- Wide Feet: Regular version runs narrow, but now available in wide!
- Heavier Runners: Could be a good option for speed days, but likely not for longer runs.
- Long Runs: Plenty of cushion for up to the half marathon.
- Front of the Pack: As a non-plated option this lightweight shoe can absolutely pick up the pace.
This is one of our favorite shoes and you can find it in a handful of our best of rounds ups:
- Best Non-Plated Race Day Shoes
- Best Low Drop Running Shoes
- Best Treadmill Running Shoes
- Best Long Distance Running Shoes
- Best Running Shoes of 2026
- Best Shoes for Knee Pain
- Best Lightweight Running Shoes
Saucony Kinvara 16 Review
While Saucony would call this a simple trainer because they haven’t added crazy foam or plates, I’ve always seen this a as a shoe that says “hello I’m here to run.” You get it. It looks sleek and it feels good.
One of the biggest updates to this version is a slightly tweaked formulation of the PWRRUN (yes pronounced power run) foam. It’s keeping the same name, but now has even more energy return, which is to say how quickly the foam rebounds after being compressed during your landing.
Obviously the better the return, the snappier the shoe feels when you want to pick up the pace.
The second HUGE update for all of us who were not impressed when the Kinvara 14 started to veer in to max stack, they have gone back to the original Kinvara stack height of 29mm!!!
Ok so we’ve got a better foam, but less of it. The question then is how did that feel?
Fantastic. It’s still plenty of cushion, it’s just not squishy or bouncy like an Endorphin Pro. It’s sleek and streamlined and does the work.
Trust me, I’m as in love with all the great max cushioned shoes on a recovery run, but the Kinvara is meant to be more of that low and ground feel shoe. And I will return to it again and again because of the light, quick feel that doesn’t get lost in a lot of cushion.
I’ll also say a lot of folks don’t have the ankle strength for those max cushion shoes and I’m seeing some new injuries. Plus, the lower profile of the Kinvara, I’ve seen help a lot of IT Bands. But that’s off topic, back to the Kinvara.
They also made some small tweaks to the geometry in the midsole. I’ll say this wasn’t a stand out change for me and that’s a good thing. I want to run without thinking about my shoe and that’s exactly what happens with the Kinvara. It feels smooth and always feels very stable.
The shoe’s upper is made from a breathable mesh material that allows for maximum airflow and helps to keep feet cool and dry. This one has a bootie style fit, meaning that the tongue is attached. I LOVE this because it means it’s not going to be moving all over while I run.
Kudos to Saucony for holding the line on what the Kinvara was originally designed to be!! I for one am thrilled and even writing this review, ready to lace up for another run. I’m really excited to hear what more people think as they checkout this new version, which feels faster and looks faster!
Shoe Details
- Brand: Saucony
- Usage: Daily Trainer
- Previous Model: Saucony Kinvara 15
- Weight: 7.0 oz men’s, 6.3 oz women’s
- Heel drop: 4 mm
- Stack Height: 29mm
- Available in 9 colors
- Past versions have always been available in wide,we’re not yet seeing that with the 16
- Available now on Saucony.com ($130)
- The 15 is on sale and not as snappy, but still a really good option for big savings
Nothing to do with performance, but I am pretty darn thrilled to see the colorways this year. While I’m still putting miles in the 15, the weird beige, blush pink color always made me think of old nursing shoes. 
Quick Take
A great low profile running shoe that allows you to pick up the pace without feeling like you’ve sacrificed cushion.
Pros
- Lower heel drop and stack height than many shoes
- Can transition from daily miles to speed
- Ideal lightweight running shoe
Cons
- Too narrow for some runners
- Not enough shoe for the marathon for most runners
- Less stack height means a little less cushion
Saucony Kinvara Fit
Overall fit is going to feel very similar to the 15 with the same gusseted tongue, lightly padded, same heel collar, toe box, etc.
I’ve always said that Saucony runs fairly narrow through the mid-foot in certain models and this is one of those. This has never been an issue for me, but know your foot type and what works for you.
It’s going to give you that more locked in feeling through the midfoot, which is common in racing shoes and why the Kinvara has often followed that line.
The toe box is definitely not wide either. Keep this in mind on longer runs when feet swell.
Padding around the heel collar and tongue is moderate, as in not thing and not super puffy. The overall upper feels thinner and more breathable, I really like this.
The loops for lacing do make me a little nervous on the durability side. I can see me pulling or yanking and busting that out…well if I was someone who untied my shoes. I don’t. I slip them off and on fully tied, which is horrible for the shoe, stop doing that.
Similar Shoes to the Saucony Kinvara
Looking for other running shoes that don’t have that massive cushion? Here are some ideas:
- Nike Pegasus 41 – Can also pick up the pace, has more outsole grip
- Hoka Mach 6 – Slightly wider fit, keeping that low profile and lightweight feel
- New Balance FuelCell Rebel V5 – Is now softer, but still a very lightweight shoe
Saucony Kinvara vs Saucony Ride
A few folks have asked us to compare these two models because they can start to seem similar. Lucky for you, I’ve put a good amount of miles in both and would easily recommend either shoe. But they are different.
A few key differences:
- Ride is a daily trainer that’s going to feel even better for longer miles
- Ride is an 8mm drop, Kinvara is a 4mm drop
- Kinvara is extremely light and going to feel like you can also really pick up the pace
- Kinvara is going to have a slightly firmer feeling to the cushion
- Ride outsole is more durable with the rubber
- Kinvara 16 upper is super breathable, adding to the overall lightweight feel
What’s it going to take for a shoe to get a 100 around here? We’re not sure, but this is one of the top ratings we’ve given out this year! It’s a great shoe for so many runners, the narrow fit is the major drawback to this lightweight, nicely cushioned running shoe.
</b>Our Verdict<b>
Saucony PWRRUN Foam
PWRRUN is a midsole foam designed to provide a balance of cushioning and responsiveness, with a focus on energy return.
According to Saucony, the foam is 25% lighter than the brand’s previous cushioning material, yet delivers 5% more energy return. This means that runners can experience a more comfortable and efficient stride, with less fatigue.
Another look at how the foam height has changed over the years. Also you’ll notice a bit more rocker with the heel and the split, where they are taking weight the shoe doesn’t need.
What sets PWRRUN apart from other midsole foams is its construction. The foam is made up of a proprietary blend of materials that allows it to adapt to a runner’s unique stride, providing customized cushioning and support.
Additionally, PWRRUN is highly durable and can withstand the wear and tear of regular training and racing.
Right now the Endrophin pro is using the PWRRUN HG and as we usually see that will probably trickle down to other models.
There you have it! Our full review of the Saucony Kinvara 16. Have more questions, drop em below! Have you tried it, drop your feedback below as well!!
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You had me excited when you wrote that they are available in wide. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find any wides on Saucony’s website. I ordered a standard width and it isn’t going to work for me. Way to narrow through the forefoot and toe box. It’s a shame. I had a pair of 12’s that I absolutely loved.
Sorry the 15 is available in wide and sometimes it takes them a little bit with the brand new model to get the wide out, but should be coming. The 15 is good and ummm 1/2 price
Hey Amanda, can you tell me about the durability of the Kinvaras ? I really want to change to a more minimalistic shoe but am worried that they will wear out to quick. How many Kms can i Expect out of a shoe like that ?
Great question! With the changes to foam, it’s not as minimal as it used to be so without a doubt 300 miles (around 500KM) for the majority of runners. I get closer to 400 miles and probably just rotate too many shoes to know if they’d make it to 500. I would say for heavier runners, 300 miles.
Where did you find a wide version? I’ve been looking since launch but haven’t found them yet :(
The newest model isn’t yet available in wide, but previous models were so it should be coming. The men’s 15 wide is now out of stock, so often the precipitates the new one!
How is the padding in the heel compared to Kinvara 15?
The Kinvara 15 fits perfect with the nice padding in the heel where the Kinvara 14 was terrible with no padding at all.
Best regards
great question, it’s good padding. the 14 was so soft it always wasn’t there, even though it looked like it was padded. This is a little thicker and firmer, like the 15.