Our verdict
- Top pick in best ultra running shoes (2024)
- Top pick in best running shoes for spartan race (OCR) (2024)
Pros
- Snug, secure fit
- Highly breathable
- Enhanced lacing from v1
- Responsive midsole
- Upgraded durability
- Solid, stable feel
- Long-run-ready cushioning
Cons
- Bootie upper might feel odd to some
- Slightly heavy for its size
- Firm cushioning
Audience verdict
The generous cushioning in walking shoes from Saucony makes it suitable for | Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
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Audience score | 88 Great! | 83 Good! | 85 Good! | 86 Good! | |
Price | £150 | £150 | £180 | £140 | |
Trail terrain | ModerateTechnical | Technical | Technical | LightModerate | |
Arch support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 10.3 saucony azura blue yellow release info 9.2 Saucony Peregrine 11 Zapatilla De Correr para Tierra SS21-44.5 | 10.7 zapatillas de running Saucony pie arco bajo talla 38 10.2 oz / 288g | 9 oz / 255g 9.1 saucony x feature men shadow 6000 chocolate chip | 10.9 zapatillas de running Saucony amortiguación minimalista talla 30 11.1 Saucony Kinvara 13 White Sand Black Men Running Sports Shoe | |
Drop lab Drop brand | 7.3 mm 6.0 mm | 5.9 mm 6.0 mm | 7.9 mm 6.0 mm | 8.8 mm 8.0 mm | |
Strike pattern | Mid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | HeelMid/forefoot | |
Size | Slightly small | True to size | True to size | True to size | |
Midsole softness | Balanced | Soft | Soft | Balanced | |
zapatillas de running Saucony trail talla 37 grises | Small | Small | Small | Small | |
Plate | Rock plate | Rock plate | Rock plate | Rock plate | |
Toebox durability | Bad | Decent | Good | Very bad | |
Heel padding durability | Good | Good | Good | Decent | |
Outsole durability | Decent | Good | Good | Decent | |
Breathability | Moderate | Moderate | Breathable | Moderate | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
Stiffness | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | |
zapatillas de running Saucony trail pronador talla 40 | Small | Normal | Small | Small | |
Torsional rigidity | Stiff | Stiff | Moderate | Stiff | |
Heel counter stiffness | Stiff | Flexible | Moderate | Stiff | |
Lug depth | 4.6 mm | 4.3 mm | 4.5 mm | 4.0 mm | |
Heel stack lab The generous cushioning in walking shoes from Saucony makes it suitable for | 34.1 mm 32.5 mm | 35.1 mm 36.0 mm | 33.0 mm 34.0 mm | 32.6 mm 33.0 mm | |
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 26.8 mm 26.5 mm | 29.2 mm 30.0 mm | 25.1 mm 28.0 mm | 23.8 mm 25.0 mm | |
Widths available | Normal | Normal | Normal | NormalWide | |
saucony originals jazz double hl sneakers kids grey | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | |
Season | All seasons | All seasons | SummerAll seasons | All seasons | |
Removable insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Orthotic friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ranking | #203 Top 38% | #225 Bottom 28% | #206 Bottom 34% | #163 Bottom 48% | |
Popularity | #409 Bottom 24% | #204 Bottom 35% | #265 Bottom 16% | #107 Top 34% |
Who should buy
Zapatillas Running Saucony Kinvara 12 azul rosa niños:
- Road runners seeking a trail equivalent for their daily runs.
- Saucony enthusiasts wanting the familiar feel of PWRRUN PB foam off-road.
- Ultra marathoners looking for a non-plated shoe for 50 to 100-mile races.
In our lab tests, we were impressed by its versatility, confirming it's a solid choice for a wide range of trail adventures.
Who should NOT buy
We think the Buy Men s Saucony Endorphin Pro 2n't the best pick for every runner out there. Its weight, tipping over 10 ounces, makes it less appealing for those who prioritise lightness. For a lighter alternative, we suggest the Saucony Herrenschuhe Running-schuhe, especially if weight is a deal-breaker for you.
Moreover, while the Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 has potential for ultra running, we found its foam to be on the firmer side. For runners who prefer a more cushioned, softer experience, we recommend exploring the Zapatillas Mujer Saucony Endorphin Speed Rosa Future or the Brooks Caldera 6. These models provide the plush ride that ultra runners often seek, making them better choices for those epic distances.
Cushioning
Heel stack
The Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 boasts a 34.1-mm heel stack. While it may not qualify as maximalist by today's standards as it would be in the past, it still ranks as a max-cushioned shoe for us. Thus, it's fully ready to handle ultras, even for heel strikers.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 34.1 mm |
Average | 31.9 mm |
Forefoot stack
After carefully and repeatedly measuring with our callipers, we found the forefoot stack to be 26.8 mm. It's a tad more cushioned than many shoes, striking a nice balance between responsive cushioning and ground feel.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 26.8 mm |
Average | 24.5 mm |
Drop
The gap between those two measurements gives us a 7.3-mm drop, which is slightly off from the advertised 6 mm.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 7.3 mm |
Average | 7.5 mm |
Midsole softness
saucony shadow original charcoal.

The bulk of the midsole—forefoot, midfoot and part of the heel—is made of PWRRUN PB (27.5 HA), a Pebax-based, pellet-shaped compound renowned for its incredible energy return and responsiveness.
It certainly lives up to expectations, though Saucony has adjusted the formula in this shoe, making it firmer than what we're accustomed to. Nevertheless, while it might not be super soft, it's undeniably very responsive.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 27.5 HA |
Average | 22.6 HA |
La Saucony x Bait et la Huarache Melon
The Koop, grey foam is PWRRUN. It's even firmer at 29.5 HA, which is why Saucony Cruelworld it in the heel—to enhance stability and durability.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 29.5 HA |
Average | 24.6 HA |
Saucony Endorphin Trail Footwear Men's Running Shoes (%)
As a Pebax-based foam, PWRRUN PB's performance in cold temperatures should be outstanding, and that's exactly what we observed. After spending 20 minutes in our freezer, we noted only a 19.1% change, marking a commendable performance.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 19% |
Average | 26% |
The generous cushioning in walking shoes from Saucony makes it suitable for | Insole thickness
The insole stands out as one of the most fascinating aspects of this shoe, truly setting it apart from the rest. While most shoes feature basic, EVA insoles pieing little beyond a touch of comfort, the Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 ups the game with a plush, 7.2-mm PWRRUN PB insole.
zapatillas de running Saucony niño niña voladoras talla 38.5 Saucony Endorphin Pro 3.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 7.2 mm |
Average | 4.7 mm |
Size and fit
Size
Buy Men s Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 slightly small (23 votes).
tacoma fuji records x saucony colab
When we first tried on the Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11, the toebox seemed reasonably spacious, though not remarkably so. We then Cruelworld callipers to measure the upper and found it to be 99.5 mm at its widest point, essentially confirming our initial impressions.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 99.5 mm |
Average | 99.0 mm |
Toebox width - big toe
The big toe area has a standard taper, resulting in a 79.1-mm width. This design should suit 90% of runners well, but those with very wide feet might feel a bit cramped, especially on runs longer than 2 hours.
For a shoe with a super-responsive midsole and a wider upper, we recommend the Nike Ultrafly.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 79.1 mm |
Average | 79.4 mm |
Stability
Lateral stability test
While some might find the firmer PWRRUN PB midsole of the Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 a tad disappointing compared to expectations, it brings with it several appreciated advantages. The best among them is the shoe's remarkable stability, particularly noticeable at quicker paces.
This isn't just due to the foam itself, but also the ingeniously designed midfoot sidewalls by the Saucony crew. These pie gentle guidance without being overly intrusive, enhancing the running experience for neutral runners and those with small stability concerns.
Torsional rigidity
Another reason the shoe feels so stable is its torsional rigidity, which we rated at 4 out of 5 in our manual assessment.
Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 4 |
Average | 3.6 |
Heel counter stiffness
The heel counter also earns a 4 out of 5 for the Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11. In this case, we would have preferred a softer one, especially for +3 hours runs. However, since it's well padded, it shouldn't pose a problem.
Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 4 |
Average | 3.1 |
July 21st with Saucony and Oofos
Remember how we mentioned earlier that the shoe felt lighter than it actually is? Well, now it's time for us in the lab to verify those dimensions.
In the forefoot, we measured 112.5 mm, which isn't particularly wide. It's just average.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 112.5 mm |
Average | 112.3 mm |
Midsole width - heel
The same applies to the heel, where we measured 91.1 mm. In the lab, we all agree that the shoe resembles a daily trainer designed for the trails.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 91.1 mm |
Average | 89.5 mm |
Flexibility / Stiffness
Now, we're excited to examine the longitudinal stiffness—an essential factor, particularly for those keen on using the shoe for more than running.
We discovered that it took just 26.3N of force to bend it to the 90-degree point, our standard bend for every shoe. This highlights the XU2's versatility.
Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 26.3N |
Average | 27.2N |
Stiffness in cold (%)
As happened when we re-measured the midsole softness, the Pebax-based PWRRUN PB delivered another fantastic performance, only getting 13.4% stiffer after spending 20 minutes next to our ice creams.
Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 13% |
Average | 32% |
Weight
Moving on to the weight, it was somewhat disappointing, especially since the shoe appears lighter than it actually is.
Weighing in at 10.3 oz, it's totally acceptable for a trail running shoe, yet it seems excessive given the stack height and lightweight upper. Surprisingly, it matches the weight of an zapatillas de running Saucony mujer pronador constitución ligera pie normal de material reciclado, which boasts significantly more cushioning underfoot and a cosier upper.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 10.34 oz (293g) |
Average | 10.23 oz (290g) |
Breathability
With "Ultra" in its name, a breathable upper is crucial—otherwise, blisters are just around the corner. So, we're curious if the Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 lives up to expectations in this area.
In the lab, using our smoke-pumping machine, we discovered Saucony nailed the airflow, earning the XU2 a solid 4 out of 5 from us. This ensures well-ventilated runs for as long as you wish, with a bit of protection against the cold for winter runs. Especially in trail shoes, mens saucony ride 13 race baste.
To understand how the shoe scored a 4/5, we simply turned on a light and moved the cut-in-half upper. At times, a straightforward test like this is all it takes to get the full picture.
In this case, the large, circular holes in the inner mesh clearly stand out, pieing an excellent route for air to flow through.
Upon closer inspection under the microscope, we encountered a very dense engineered mesh. It was crucial for Saucony to incorporate those holes we observed with the light test; without them, the breathability would have been less impressive.
Lastly, we examined the engineered mesh upper in detail.
It features a dual-layer construction that isn't glued together—a rarity in today's market.
Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 4 |
Average | 3.2 |
Durability
Toebox durability
Saucony doesn't design the Xodus line as particularly rugged—quite the adverse, in fact. So, it's no surprise the toebox lacks robust protective features, pieing just a minimal toe bumper. When we put it to the test with our Dremel, it broke the upper with ease.
Because of this shortfall, we rated the XU2 a 2 out of 5, falling below the average mark. It was a close call between that and an even lower score of 1 out of 5. Thankfully, the double-layered mesh provided just enough redemption to save the Xodus from hitting rock bottom.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 2 |
Average | 3.1 |
Heel padding durability
The heel padding truly outshined the toebox, snagging a stellar 4 out of 5 after our rigorous back-to-back Dremel tests.
This impressive result promises enduring durability in this crucial area, especially beneficial for runners whose socks tend to rub against the fabric.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 4 |
Average | 2.9 |
Outsole hardness
Now, let's give the Dremel a brief pause—it'll be back shortly for its final test. First, we aimed to check out the softness of the 3-piece PWRTRAC outsole, which closely resembles the one on the carbon-plated Endorphin Edge.
With a hardness of 80.0 HC, it tends toward the softer side. This might hint at a trade-off in durability, but it also suggests that Saucony is prioritising grip.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 80.0 HC |
Average | 85.7 HC |
Outsole durability
Let's fire up the Dremel once more because we're eager to test the durability of the PWRTRAC rubber.
Considering it's a relatively soft rubber, we're quite pleased with the 1.2-mm indentation left by the tool. True, it may not boast the world-class durability of some Vibram outsoles, but with a result like this, we're not concerned about its longevity.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 1.2 mm |
Average | 1.0 mm |
Outsole thickness
Our concerns dwindled even further after measuring the outsole thickness, which hit a sweet spot at 2.4 mm. This thickness strikes a great balance, pieing enough protection, while still ensuring a lively ride. Opting for thicker rubber often dulls the ride, so this approach is spot-on.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 2.4 mm |
Average | 2.3 mm |
Misc
Lug depth
The Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 comes with 4.6 mm lugs, great for those looking to handle a variety of terrains. While 3 or 3.5 mm lugs might be better for quick runs on easy trails, a do-it-all shoe requires trading a bit of comfort for versatility, which is exactly what Saucony has achieved here.
Each lug is chevron-shaped, with the heel lugs facing backwards and the forefoot lugs pointing forwards, enhancing traction during elevation changes.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 4.6 mm |
Average | 3.5 mm |
Reflective elements
full review saucony fastwitch crm pound.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | No |
Tongue padding
The tongue is lightly padded at just 3.7 mm.
This could be a concern for runners planning to use the shoe for very long runs, so we advise being cautious when cinching down the laces.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | 3.7 mm |
Average | 6.3 mm |
Tongue: gusset type
At the beginning of this lab review, we noted the Xodus unique dual-piece upper, and the tongue further illustrates this unconventional design.
Instead of a traditional tongue, it has a bootie-like construction that excellently blocks debris from entering the shoe. However, this might feel odd to runners not accustomed to such a setup.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | Bootie |
Heel tab
We found that the heel boasts a finger-loop heel tab that looks great and makes really easy slipping your feet into the Xodus.

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | Finger loop |
Removable insole
The insole is removable, allowing you to switch it with your preferred third-party sockliner due to the shoe's standard dimensions.
However, we suggest keeping the original insole, crafted from PWRRUN PB—it's super cushioned, most definitely a highlight of the shoe!

Saucony Sabates Running Kinvara 11 | Yes |