Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
8.5/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Racing
Key Features
• EVERUN Heel Insert provides additional responsiveness and comfort• TRI-FLEX outsole• Lightweight FLEXFILM upper• Highly flexible midsole that allowed runners to adapt to uneven surfaces• Breathable mesh upper and seamless underlays for support• Heel counter is redesigned where it makes contact against the Achilles, giving runners more cushion.
Upper
Saucony did an excellent job of listening to the feedback from their customers, especially on the upper segment of the Kinvara 7. The most beloved technical features of version 6, the FlexFilm and the Pro-Lock lacing system have remained on board and were slightly tweaked to take full advantage of the new additions to the shoe. The tried and true FlexFilm overlays are expertly melded to the upper of the shoe to eliminate seams. Casual runners and expert runners alike praise the how the Flex Film makes the upper more rigid and stuff while still being flexible enough to allow natural foot movement.;Once again, Saucony uses the Pro-Lock lacing system in this version. First introduced on the Kinvara 6, it locks the foot securely in place and adds another layer of snugness to the upper. Runners with a lower arch or wider foot found that they could leave the Pro-Lock lacing a little looser to avoid significant discomfort. A welcomed change to the newly designed upper was the heel counter. It has been slightly reshaped and is now softer and more comfortable around the runner’s Achilles. Whether or not you are familiar with Saucony’s Kinvara line, you are sure to enjoy a very robust upper unit.
Midsole
Saucony wanted to provide all runners with a considerable upgrade this time around, and runners agree that they delivered in a big way. The Kinvara 7 release comes equipped with the addition of a solid wedge of their new EVERUN cushioning in the midsole (specifically, under the heel). Runners are reporting increased energy return and better overall resistance to break down over time. Heel strikers have noticed better impact control and midfoot and forefoot striker have felt a bouncy transition.;This was Saucony’s mission from the very start. Even well-seasoned runners that tended to hit the ground with a mild heel strike (loading under the midfoot), felt their stride benefit from the new EVERUN heel cushion. The sole on the new Kinvara 7 seems to “come alive” when put through the toughest of runs and runners felt an extra springy like response when compared to their other daily runners. The midsole upgrade was well received by a spectrum of runners.
Outsole
Right away Kinvara fans everywhere will notice that the outsole configuration has also changed for the better in this version. The 6 used triangular pods that left a little to be desired in the impact dispersion department. Saucony addressed the issue by upgrading to their new Tri-Flex technology system that runners found to significantly complement the new EVERUN and improved shock absorption.;Long distance runners also found that they still provide that familiar toe-off experience that they have loved for years. Saucony’s new EverRun is intended to maintain its integrity longer than the standard EVA foam found in similar running shoes. Runners agreed that the new 7 is the most durable Kinvara to date. What runners appreciated was how the company left in place all the things that the Kinvara has been doing well for a very long time.
Breathability
This is where all the high-tech components really shine. Saucony managed to develop a lightweight and responsive everyday runner that is extremely breathable. Testers found that the material found not only on the upper but in the midsole unit as well, work exceptionally well at moving moisture away from their skin and kept their feet extremely dry and comfortable, even on the hottest of days. FLEXFILM goes double duty as it not only gives runners a secure fit but maintains this shoe’s noteworthy breathability.
Comfort
Runners were pleased to find that The Saucony Kinvara 7 still maintained all the feel and the comfort that they have come to expect from all previous versions. They reported that the upper has a great feel and provided excellent flexibility, with a great upper shape to keep the feet comfortable. The midsole has moved from the EVA+ to Saucony’s new foam material, and it seemed to have improved on the underfoot comfort and feel from the previous version. You will find that the upper fabric has been slightly changed, but the lighter fabric and flexible toebox provided testers with a great ride. The new locking mechanism, which sits under the laces, provided a steady grip on the laces and prevented moving while keeping the tongue in place. Runners found that the Kinvara 7 fits like a glove.
Style
Saucony and runners alike seem to be very pleased with the new look of the Kinvara 7, the company even invites its wearers to snap pictures of themselves wearing them and hashtag it #saucony when they uploaded to social media. This results in the picture appearing on the company’s website. It is no secret that they worked hard on this style upgrade, just as much as they worked on the actual features.;You will find eight different colorways to choose from and all of them are actually pretty different from each other in terms of looks. From your typical black and gray minimalistic pair, all the way to your ostentatious lime green selection, Saucony has provided a look and feel for every runner’s taste. So whether you prefer a low-key run or splashing social media with pictures of your sneakers, you’ll be sure to find something for you.
Durability
A number of testers have criticized the fact that’s Saucony chose not to utilize any rubber along the outer margin of the forefoot, but instead implemented more of it’s chevron-like pattern on the outsole to provide greater traction and response. Extreme forefoot strikers claim this design may lead to durability issues. A majority of testers that logged in over 50 miles however did not notice any excessive wear. While this would be a personal factor to consider, most runners were not concerned. However, it’s worth mentioning that full outsole coverage is a departure from highly durable running shoes.
Responsiveness
Testers were more than impressed with how the all-new EVERUN heel insert material in the insole provided them with an incredible amount of response throughout their runs. It’s pretty safe to say that the all-new EVERUN feature is here to stay. This new material working in tandem alongside the upgraded SSL midsole provided runners an excellent response when training on the roads. A nice design feature is how it’s placed directly under the sock liner for a quality fit. The consensus of runners noted excellent toe off and rebound from each step during every single one of their training sessions.
Support
Runners were surprised at how for being such a light shoe, the Kinvara 7 gave them quite a bit of support. Again, this is where the EVERUN insert under the heel comes into play and gives both the forefoot and heel elevated support. Support and stability are very important to Saucony, which is why they set out to make The Kinvara the best choice for those needing that extra bit of stability in a lightweight trainer. This shoe sports a 4mm heel-toe drop and a relatively low stack height, so keep in mind that your feet and body will do more work while relying less on the shoes’ cushioning and stability features than a running shoe with a taller offset.
Terrain
The Saucony Kinvara 7 are meant to be a comfortable, everyday lightweight runner. The IBR+ rubber outsole provides adequate grip and adds to the level of cushioning. That being said, runners would not feel comfortable to take these “off the beaten path”. In other words, these are not a highly technical trail shoe. While the upper remains very breathable and light, this comes at a cost. Primarily being that you would be susceptible to the elements. Rain and large puddles will cause your feet to become wet. This is something to consider with all lightweight running shoes, however, and it’s a common choice that needs to be made.
Price
Runners have always known Saucony to be able to produce a high-quality product that doesn’t break the bank, so the price marks have never been something that is to be worried about when shopping with Saucony, Runners that own several lightweight shoes and rotate them frequently, found the cost of the Kinvara 7 is still one of the best buys that you will this year. Take solace in being assured that you are getting a quality product from a trusted name.
Bottom Line
The character of the Saucony Kinvara shoe model remains true. While the shoemaker consistently updates the running shoe line, they always do well by runners and enthusiasts first and foremost. The Kinvara 7 is no different. Nothing has been sacrificed and all the upgrades are propyl implemented with great restraint. The EVERUN that replaced the Power Grid in the midsole does more to do with cushion and performance than it does with looks. That’s why runners trust the Saucony name. The Flexfilm is used carefully and the PRO Lock lacing system felt more thought-out to runners familiar with the line. The heel counter on the Kinvara 7 is softer and more flexible than the Kinvara 6. When all is said and done, this is a significant upgrade from the previous version and is sure to make you get out there and try them out for yourself.
