The third generation of Saucony’s most popular minimalist option, the ProGrid™ Kinvara 3 Running Shoe continues Saucony’s efforts at getting you back to the purity of running naturally through modern design. Boasting an innovative new upper, an enhanced fit and redesigned outsole, the Kinvara 3 offers a responsive ride that’s light on weight and heavy on comfort. Simply put, your favorite mileage sidekick is ready to help you find your strong.
On Performance & Design…
Saucony set out to create the perfect shoe for the minimalist runner who doesn’t want to sacrifice comfort while obtaining the benefits of the minimalist running experience. With the Kinvara 3, you can connect with the terrain, practice your running form, and keep your feet comfortable while preparing to crush your PR.
With a minimalist-inspired design and lots of flexibility, this ultra-lightweight, low-profile running shoe is destined to keep you in stride, whether looping the track, bobbing the treadmill or hitting the open road. The result is the most comfortable minimalist-minded shoe our run team has tested.
Saucony isn’t just minimally minded in terms of the heel-to-toe drop. This daily runner also takes a minimalist approach to its layers and overall design philosophy which includes providing the Kinvara 3 with a precision engineered upper that is lighter and more flexible thanks to FlexFilm™ technology. A lightweight, highly dynamic flexible film affixed onto the breathable mesh upper, FlexFilm™ helps secure and stabilize the foot while also reducing excessive bulk.
The inside of the Kinvara 3 is just as advanced, ensuring massive comfort and performance that lets you get lost in the miles while you jam out to your favorite tunes. The interior is lined with HydraMAX Lining, a fine fabric with superior moisture-managing properties, and great step-in comfort. So even on those mornings when your mind says no… your feet will say yes.
And whether you are chasing down the finish in the Big Sur International Marathon, or just looking for a shoe that rewards your hard work with a comfortable ride, the Kinvara 3 also features memory foam heel pods in the collar to ensure an ultra-secure ride. In the midsole, ProGrid™ technology provides a unique blend of responsiveness and cushion while keeping the heel centered in the shoe. All told, the result was less foot fatigue at the end of long runs for our field team.
You say Kinvara 3, we say new PR
With the level of comfort the Kinvara 3 offers, you’ll want a durable outsole that can keep up with the miles you’re going to tack on. Accordingly, the Saucony design team adjusted the outsole to increase durability and promote an even smoother transition. To increase durability without adding weight, the design team placed XT-900 carbon rubber pods on the outsole.
Simply put, this reengineered outsole grips slick streets and sandy sidewalks as you sprint towards mile marker 13, 26 or 100. Add in reflective elements for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, and the Kinvara 3 for men and women makes certain you run on and into the night, rain or shine.
The Bottom Line…
This ultra-lightweight and speedy road-running shoe not only handles the demands of daily training, but provides just enough cushioning and excellent grip to keep your strides strong and true whether or not you’re racing toward an established finish line. Gumption tested, gumption approved.
Manufactured by Saucony, the Kinvara 3 is available for Men and Women in various widths and an array of color styles for $100.
*Gumption Gear Review received the men and women’s Kinvara 3 from Saucony at no cost and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The items featured wer provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.