Kinvara 9

Everything about the upper of the Kinvara 9 improved upon the already amazing Kinvara 8. Especially the wider toe box, heel counter, and breathability. Also the pro lock thing is even less intrusive than the 8, which had already improved relative to previous models. Regarding the ride, the 9s are a bit firmer than the 8s. Not as unforgiving as the 7s, but definitely firmer than the 8s. I guess Saucony can’t win, as some people were complaining about the 8s being too soft. Personally I prefer the softer ride of the 8s. I feel, though that Saucony tend to transition from firm to soft throughout iterations to please a different group of the Kinvara lovers with each year. The 4’s got significantly firmer than the 3’s. Then they got soft again with the 5’s and 6’s. The 7’s were even firmer than the 4’s. Anyway, overall I’m happy with the Kinvara 9. Perfect shoe would be the ride of the 8’s with the 9’s upper. But I’m obviously nit picking as the its not like the 9’s became super firm. I’d still consider them soft yet responsive. I just got spoiled with the 8’s I guess. They are great shoes and if it weren’t for how much I loved the softer ride of the 8’s, I’d probably had given 5 stars. Oh and I really liked the homage to the Kinvara 4’s, which was a version that had real sentimental value for me.

I've been running for 15 years, and during that time have worn a lot of different running shoes. Most seem to do the job, but the Kinvara 9s are a class apart. They are incredibly comfortable, providing a perfect balance between cushioning and responsiveness. The only problem I have with them is that I don't know what they should be used for; they are light enough to be a great racer shoe. They are also cushion enough that I have done marathon training in them. I'll just have to use them for everything I do, I suppose!

Hands down my go to shoe for races. The light and responsive feel makes it great for going fast. The only draw back would be that it wears out fast. I use Saucony Ride for training and Kinvaras for racing.

I started marathon training in 2017 with the Kinvara 7 and LOVED THEM! Halfway thru training I added a pair of the Kinvara 8 to rotate with. They fit a little tighter and definitely a lot more "squishier". The new Kinvara 9, to me, revert back to the feel and fit of the 7. I am actually considering purchasing a second pair to extend the life of them. I log about 30 miles a week and the Kinvara series have kept my feet nice and healthy!

I've run in the 7, 8, an 9; this is by far the best of the three. It seems like they moved the lace locks up the foot a bit which works well, and the new sole pattern is perfect. I've heard so many people talk about a shoe disappearing on your foot, this is the first shoe that actually does that. I thought the 7 was a little firm, the 8 felt downright squishy, this one lands perfectly in between. @Saucony, DON'T CHANGE A THING :)