The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 5 is a road running shoe and the Saucony Kinvara 16 is a neutral road running shoe. The MAGIC SPEED 5 is 0.4 oz lighter (6.9 oz vs 7.3 oz), has more cushioning and is rated higher by buyers (4.7 vs 4.4 out of 5). The Kinvara 16 costs about $50 less (from $130) and has a lower heel-to-toe drop (4 mm vs 7 mm).
Specs side by side
| Spec | MAGIC SPEED 5 | Kinvara 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $180 | $130 |
| Rating | 4.7 / 5 (272 reviews) | 4.4 / 5 (345 reviews) |
| Weight | 6.9 oz | 7.3 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 7 mm | 4 mm |
| Heel stack height | — | 28 mm |
| Cushioning | Balanced | Firm / responsive |
| Support | — | Neutral |
| Surface | Road | Road |
| Available for | Men & Women | Men & Women |
Specs and prices from ASICS and Saucony, checked 2026-10-11. Weight is usually for a men's size 9–10.
Which should you get?
Get the MAGIC SPEED 5 if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- you want a softer, more cushioned ride
- you land on your heel and like a higher drop
Get the Kinvara 16 if…
- you want to spend less
- you prefer a firmer, more responsive feel
- you land on your midfoot or want a lower drop
More comparisons
- ASICS MAGIC SPEED 5 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
- ASICS MAGIC SPEED 5 vs Hoka Mach 7
- ASICS MAGIC SPEED 5 vs Nike Zoom Fly 6
- ASICS MAGIC SPEED 5 vs Adidas Adizero Boston 13
- ASICS MAGIC SPEED 5 vs Adidas adizero EVO SL
- Saucony Kinvara 16 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
- Saucony Kinvara 16 vs Hoka Mach 7
- Saucony Kinvara 16 vs Nike Zoom Fly 6
- Saucony Kinvara 16 vs Adidas Adizero Boston 13
- Saucony Kinvara 16 vs Adidas adizero EVO SL