ASICS Noosa Tri 16 vs Saucony Kinvara 16
Noosa Tri 16 or Kinvara 16? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want a light, fun shoe for faster days and triathlons? Get the Noosa Tri 16.
Want a light, low shoe with real ground feel? Get the Kinvara 16.
Get the Noosa Tri 16 if
- You want more foam underfoot (6.5mm more at the heel)
- You need a roomier fit
Get the Kinvara 16 if
- You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit
These two are close. Fit will decide it, so try both on.
On the run
Noosa Tri 16: The light, colorful tri and speed shoe. Light and quick, with moderate cushion and great grip. Best for midfoot and forefoot strikers on tempo runs and races. There still isn’t much bounce.
Kinvara 16: The light, low classic. Low, light and flexible. You feel the road more than in a max-cushion shoe, and it picks up the pace easily, though the foam is more muted than bouncy.
Specs side by side
| Noosa Tri 16 | Kinvara 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $135 | $130 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 34.5 / 29.5mm* | 28 / 24mm |
| Drop | 5mm | 4mm |
| Weight, men’s | 7.6 oz | 7.3 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 6.5 oz | 6.3 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard | Standard |
| Built for | Tempo & workouts, Race day, Easy days | Tempo & workouts, Race day, Easy days |
| Expected life | 350–450 miles | 200–300 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Noosa Tri 16. Runs about a half size short, so go up a half. Very roomy toebox and a gusseted tongue, but little tongue padding.
Kinvara 16. True to size, but narrow through the midfoot and toes.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Noosa Tri 16 · Shop the Kinvara 16 · Compare other running shoes