Adidas Adizero Boston vs Saucony Kinvara
Comparing the current Adizero Boston 13 and Kinvara 16. Specs are men's US 9.
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THE SHORT ANSWER
Drop is the real difference: 4 mm on the Kinvara 16 against 6 mm on the Adizero Boston 13. Coming off the Adizero Boston 13, the Kinvara 16 loads your calves and Achilles harder for the first couple of weeks. Both sit in the same role (tempo). The Kinvara 16 lists $30 lower.
- Adidas Adizero Boston 13Men's at AmazonWomen's
- Saucony Kinvara 16Sizes running outMen's at AmazonWomen's
Availability last checked Sep 10, 2026. Prices and stock change without notice.
Every spec, side by side
| Spec | Adizero Boston 13 | Kinvara 16 |
|---|---|---|
| FIT AND WEIGHT | ||
| Weight | 9 oz | 7 oz |
| Widths | D | D |
| Upper | Engineered mesh with a padded tongue and Achilles collar | Redesigned breathable engineered mesh |
| CUSHIONING GEOMETRY | ||
| Heel stack | 36 mm | 29 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 30 mm | 25 mm |
| Drop | 6 mm | 4 mm |
| MATERIALS | ||
| Midsole | Lightstrike Pro (13.8% more than the 12) over Lightstrike 2.0 EVA | PWRRUN foam |
| Plate | EnergyRods 2.0 | None |
| VALUE | ||
| List price at launch | $160 | $130 |
Which line changes its ride more often?
The Adizero Boston has done it 2 times in 5 versions, most recently with the Adizero Boston 12 in 2023, and the Kinvara has done it once in 6 versions, most recently with the Kinvara 14 in 2023. If you want a shoe you can rebuy without reading a review first, the Kinvara has the steadier record.
Buy the Adizero Boston 13
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Aug 11, 2026.
Buy the Kinvara 16
Sizes running outDiscontinued at retail. Amazon carries what remains, so treat an in-stock size as a closing window, and expect prices to swing.
Availability last checked Sep 10, 2026.
Chasing a specific older version rather than choosing between the current two? The Adidas Adizero Boston lineage and the Saucony Kinvara lineage track every version and what changed in each update.
Questions runners ask
- Is the Adidas Adizero Boston or the Saucony Kinvara lighter?
- The Kinvara 16, by 2 oz in a men's US 9 (7 oz against 9 oz).
- Can I switch from the Adidas Adizero Boston to the Saucony Kinvara?
- Yes, but ease into it. The drop moves 2 mm (6 mm on the Adizero Boston 13, 4 mm on the Kinvara 16), which changes where your foot loads at landing. Give it two weeks of easy running before a hard session.
- Which is more cushioned, the Adidas Adizero Boston or the Saucony Kinvara?
- The Adizero Boston 13, on stack height: 36 mm under the heel against 29 mm. Stack is not the whole story, though; the foams differ too.
- Which costs more, the Adidas Adizero Boston or the Saucony Kinvara?
- The Adizero Boston 13, by $30 at list ($160 against $130). That gap narrows once either one gets a successor.
Updated September 10, 2026.