Saucony Kinvara vs Endorphin Speed

Today we are looking at two of the most popular road running shoes on the market. Comparing the Saucony Kinvara vs Endorphin Speed. One is in its 12th iteration and is one of the shoes that shoes off the brands newest technology. The other is the highly rated intro to running latest technology, featuring a nylon blade for improved performance.

Both of these shoes are very different and each has their own advantages. So let’s take a look at and find out which is the right running shoe for you.

The Saucony Kinvara is slightly lighter than the Endorphin Speed. At 7.5oz compared to 7.9oz. Not much of an overall difference.
The Endorphin Speed have an 8mm drop vs 4mm on the Kinvara. 8mm is much more aggressive and will feel faster.
There is a nylon plate built into the Endorphin Speed. This nylon plate is meant to help cushion and generate rebound, increasing performance.
Both shoes have a neutral stability. This will work for the majority of runners.
The Kinvara comes in Wide sizes. If you have a wide foot, the Kinvara is a great shoe to try out.
The Endorphin Speed is more expensive for a reason. It features a few additions including SPEEDROLL technology, FORMFIT comfort, and increased cushioning.

Saucony Kinvara 13

MSRP Price: $120
Men’s – Click Here
Women’s – Click Here

Surface: Road Running
Weight Men’s: 7.2 oz. / 213 g
Weight Woman’s: 6.2 oz. / 184 g
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset: 4mm
Stack: 28.5mm heel / 24.5mm forefoot

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2

MSRP Price: $160
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here

Surface: Road Running
Weight Men: 7.9oz
Weight Women: 7oz
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset: 8mm
Stack: Not Listed

Performance Summary

Saucony is one of the most trusted brands in running. You will find them at almost every running store and see them at every road race you go to. I’d never run in the Kinvara, so I was excited to put some miles on them and compare them the Speeds. Let’s get to the review!

The Saucony Kinvara is one of the reasons for the brand’s success in the last decade. Being one of their top selling running shoes. And for good reason. The Kinvara is a lightweight running shoe with a comfortable 4mm drop. They didn’t feel fast to me but felt comfortable and controlled. For the shoes’ weight they offer a surprising amount of cushion. And I felt comfortable using this for my longer training runs. Probably thanks to that 4mm drop. All at a price point most people are comfortable paying for running shoes.

I’ve run in the Saucony Endorphin Speed before. And returning to run in them again was a treat. These shoes feel fast on the feet with an 8mm drop and full length nylon plate for increased performance and cushioning. It’s this blade which helps keep the shoes lightweight while feeling like they have a great amount of cushioning. And the rebound the blade offers is noticeable. Overall I really enjoy running in the Endorphin Speed but they do feel a bit fast for everyday training miles. Then there is the price. If you’re racking up training miles, $160 a pair can add up fast.

Image Comparison

Below is a side by side comparison of the Saucony Kinvara vs Endorphin Speed.

You will notice in the profile shot that the overall design is really close. This will continue through the other side by sides.

Saucony Kinvara Profile

Saucony Endorphin Speed Profile

The top view of both models. The two shoes have a very similar shape. You will notice the difference in upper fabric.

Saucony Kinvara Top

Saucony Endorphin Speed Top

Below you can see the difference in the two soles. They are actually very similar in design.

Saucony Kinvara Sole

Endorphin Speed Sole

Conclusion – Saucony Kinvara vs Endorphin Speed

Understandably there is a lot to like about both of these shoes. The Kinvara is a lightweight runner with enough cushion and a drop that is perfect for racking up big miles while training. The Endorphin Speed is the intro level to Saucony’s blade technology and comes with a price tag to match. But if you want to run fast, they definitely feel like the faster of the two shoes.

Which road running shoe to buy?

When choosing between the two, it really comes down to what you are using them for. To me the Kinvara is the better choice for logging training miles and day-to-day runs. For the price they offer a ton of comfort and versatility. If you want a shoe to pull out to race and go fast in. Then you should go with the Endorphin Speeds.