How to Choose Running Shoes

This product is not available.
Updated to make the most of less, the women's Saucony Kinvara 12 road-running shoes are now lighter with simplified uppers that feel as fast as ever, whether you're training or racing.
Shop similar productsImported.
View all Saucony Women's Road-Running ShoesBest Use | Running |
---|---|
Running Shoe Support | Neutral |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Minimal Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 4 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 24.5 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 28.5 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Engineered mesh |
Midsole | PWRRUN EVA |
Outsole | Rubber |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 13 ounces |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Women's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 |
U.S. Men's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | |||
UK | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
EU | 35.5 | 36 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
The Kinvara 12s lead me to a half marathon PR in my first in-person race since December 2019. Light, bouncy feel with just the right amount of support for long runs. I own three pairs of the Kinvara 11s but the 12s will be making more of an appearance in my running collection. All around great shoe!
I have been running in Kinvaras since the 8, but the 11 was a let down and now the 12 has finally taken away everything that made the Kinvara work for my sensitive feet. The tongue is stiff and thin, the heel has no Achilles padding, the toe box is narrower, the whole shoe is shorter, and the sole flange is gone (it mostly disappeared with the 11s, I think). I seriously could cry, I have so many foot and lower leg injuries and this used to be a miracle shoe for me! I've switched to the Ride for now because at least it has a little softer fit inside, but it doesn't have the cushy feel of the old Kinvaras, and the 8mm drop is not ideal for me.
We're sorry these did not work for you. Thank you for sharing your feedback.
Not loving the shoe strings. They’re a little too long. The ride feels good but it feels like it’s pushing you back into your heel more where the 11 kept you forward.
I walk about 70 miles a week, these shoes are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned. When I wear them, it feels like I am walking on clouds. Highly recommend :)
I’m a loyal Kinvara girl so perhaps it comes as no surprise that I rate these highly - but - I have to say these are the best Kinvara ever. I’ve had over 10 pairs of other models and used to order the 4s in backstock, but these take the best of all the rest and then add some extra magic in. Not a scientific review but, toe box is roomy without being too wide, they are light as feathers, and they are neutral with 4mm offset yet somehow feel a bit cushioned. The tongue hugs your foot. Breathable upper. A recipe for happy long runs. Cinderella’s magic running shoes. You won’t regret it! Especially in the fun Future Pink. Love <3
Been loving Kinvara for a long time until this model. I was excited about the cute colors too. This shoe seems a lot different than past models. It does not have the plush material around the heel and Achilles area. It is also not plush in the tongue of the shoe. The colors are running and went through my socks, so I have a teal color big toe, which I can laugh about and it’s really a minor point. I can over look that. The distance running is just not working for me with this model shoe. I’ve run a marathon and half marathons in Kinvara, but I am seriously considering changing shoes today. It’s hard when you found something that works, and now it’s not the same.
We're sorry to hear of your experience. Give our team a call at 800.282.6575, we'd like to help in any way we can. Thank you!
I got these shoes in the pale nude/silver color bc i wanted a comfortable running shoe that wasn't brightly colored that I could wear when walking around town, attending all-day track meets for my kid, etc. They run a tiny bit narrow and small. I ordered a size 10 and should've gotten a 10.5. I still wear them but will order up next time. I gave 4 stars due to them being a bit narrow. But I love the look and how they go with my Athleisure clothes - I live in Germany and walk everywhere, so i wanted a muted-color tennis shoe that could match any outfit and was super comfy, this fit the bill pretty much. Please continue making tennis shoes in muted/natural colors!!
I previously had a pair of Kinvara 11's that I bought in 2020 and I recently passed 400 miles on them so I knew it was time to upgrade. I loved my old pair, so I decided to get the Kinvara 12's and I am so happy with them. I went a half size up to try to combat some foot pain and blisters, and although it took a minute to adjust to a bigger shoe, I am very impressed. I love how light these shoes are (even lighter than the Kinvara 11's), I feel like I'm not wearing anything on my feet. They are also super comfortable underfoot but also not too cushioned so I can still feel the ground easily. Also, I always love the color options from Saucony, and these are no expection!
Good shoe. I am a 15-20 mile a week runner. This shoe is perfect for me. The right amount of cushion for the type of distance I do. I did swap out my insoles because I have a high arch. But I realize that no shoe (in my opinion) will have enough arch support for me. I get lots of compliments on the look of the shoe itself. I am giving a 4 star rating only because the toes have no shield. I’ve tripped on rocks and the shoe has no support in the toe box, so my toes take a beating. It’s just the rubber sole and the material on top of your toes. That’s it. Anyway, I do love them and kept them despite the toe flaw.
This is my second pair of Saucony Kinvaras and I am so happy I bought them. I have wide and flat feet (bunions) so finding suitable running shoes is pretty difficult. I've tried multiple brands and find that the kinvaras suit my feet best. The upper mesh of the shoe is stretchy and breathable but I do wonder about the durability given how thin it feels. I got the wide version of the shoe, and it is perfect for long distances! No cramping or hot spots. I am usually a size 6.5-7 in regular shoes and bought a 7.5. Just wish they had more colour options for the wide version. I use these shoes for running only :)