Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 3...

By Frank

It's been a while since I put on a pair of Saucony. In fact, it has been 4 years since I had the Saucony Fastwitch 3. Didn't really like the pair very much at that time as Saucony was producing shoes that were too soft for me. As time goes by, and as the "barefoot" trend sets in, the direction changes too. Enter the Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 3 (K3), Saucony best selling running footwear.

The Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 3...

The K3 marks my return to the Saucony line-up as my preference towards the minimalist shoes continues here. Saucony introduce for the first time 2E widths to the Kinvara stable, but the one I got here is of the normal D width. I have put it to a few short runs on the road and treadmill and also the recent Penang Bridge International Marathon running the marathon distance, hence I guess its about time, I gave it a review.

Lateral view of the Kinvara 3...

Medial view of the Kinvara 3...

I personally do not own a Kinvara 2 hence I can't compare it with the K3. I did however put on the Kinvara 2 while I had it in store at Running Lab and upon trying it on, it felt way too soft for me. The K3 weighting in at around 216 grams  for size US8.5 however was firmer as Saucony had added more blown rubber to it outsole hence making it not only firmer but also more durable. To be more precise, Saucony actually moved the rubber from the medial portion of the heel to the front part of the outsole hence reinforcing the area there while taking into account the weight. Measuring at 4mm heel to toe differential to assist in mid to forefoot striking, the K3 offers 22mm stack height at the heel and 18mm at the forefoot which I felt rather a little on the high side thus making the shoe very cushiony indeed.

The Kinvara 3 above as per compared with the Kinvara 2 on the bottom...

4mm heel to toe differential...

Pretty high stack high providing very cushiony feel...

A decoupled heel is now introduced with the XT-900 carbon rubber reinforcing it. At the forefoot, 14 triangular lugs is used acting like "trampolines" to help the wearer propel the next step. And the midsole is made of EVA+, a cushiony yet durable rubber piece.

Closeup of the triangular lugs acting as "trampolines"...

Decoupled heel...

The upper of the K3 is now replaced from the traditional synthetic mesh from the K2 to the now Flexfilm, which Saucony ported over from the track and field department. The design of the Flexfilm is actually from projecting shadows in a dark room hence the grooves and this made the colourways very interesting indeed. Adding support and grip to the wearer's feet without making one feeling being "suffocated", it actually felt good and also giving me the confidence in the durability of the upper. It does look solid with all the quality finishing grooves without compromising ventilation which is good.

The Flexfilm grooves...

Flat shoe laces are used again to reduce the weight. This is one shoe lace that I often had problems with as it comes off too easily. However, this time round, I did felt a bit of confidence in it as it did not come untie during a 5KM fast run on the treadmill. But I still did not risk it and I still went for double tie for most of the time cause after all, it's still flat laces to me!

After all the technology introduction, how about the running in it? 3 words to describe it. Light, Fast and Comfy. At 220 grams, the K3 is one very light shoe to fall under the performance series. Not only that weight has been reduced to allow the runner to run fast in it, it still provided the enough support and stability. As for the cushioning, I still felt a bit too much on it. The  K3 personally for me although is much firmer now, it still felt a bit soft for me. The propulsion rate isn't something I enjoy a lot on it due to the "sinking" feeling but I did almost enjoy it during the third quarter of the recent Penang Bridge International Marathon when my legs were already tired and especially when heel striking is almost "natural" at that time. Therefore, I guess it's a 50-50 thing to like for the cushioning on the K3.

Comfort of the K3 is provided by a snug feet all over my feet. I am lucky I don't have wide feet so the D width does just fine by me. But as mentioned, there is a 2E width available but not too sure if it is available locally. Not only the Flexfilm does its trick, the 2 memory foam padding around the collar call the HydraMax hugs my heel nicely. And as for the tongue, it stayed in place firmly as it is a one piece construction thus allowing no slippage to the side.

The HydraMax memory foam padding...

During an accident at my recent marathon when I accidently spilled a little of my GU Brew Roctane on my K3's upper, not only did the liquid did no sip into the shoe, it actually just glide away instantly like the shoe had water proofing on it. I felt really happy with this result but I am not going to risk it the next time as there is no water shielding on this shoe. As for the shoe's inner, it was kept to minimal wetness and this must have been due to the excellent ventilation.

Still looking very healthy after running close to a 100KM...

Overall, the Kinvara 3 should follow suit the reason why the Kinvara is so successful in Saucony's line-up. It's an overall much improved model without any major modification which should suit most minimalist shoe wearer if not, probably everyone. It's an overall feel good shoe for me but if I were to play a part in the design of the Kinvara 4, here's what I probably do:

1) Reduce stack height of heel to toe differential to 18mm to 14mm or even better 16mm to 12mm

2) Use beaded shoe laces

3) Add in more choices for wide widths

4) Add in some drainage port on the outsole

The Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 3 retails at RM399.00 and is available now at Running Lab Malaysia at Tropicana City Mall, Stadium and Royal Sporting House stores nationwide.