In 2022 and early 2023, KIPRUN, the running brand from Decathlon, ventured into new territories with their racing shoes and max cushion daily trainers. They introduced the KD900X for racing, featuring superfoam and a carbon plate, and the KS900 for daily training. While these shoes were affordable, with the KD900X priced at $165 and the KS900 at $130, they didn’t quite hit the mark in terms of value for money.
Now, in 2024, KIPRUN is back with a second iteration of both models. The KIPRUN KS900.2 aims to improve on its predecessor, but does it deliver better value this time around? That’s exactly what we’re here to explore in this review.
Key Specifications
Brand: KIPRUN
Model: KS 900.2
Weight: 10.6 oz (300 g) for US 9 model
Heel: 39 mm
Toe: 33 mm
Heel drop: 6 mm
Carbon plate: No
Price: $157 USD
Cushioning & Ride
Amount of cushioning: Highly cushioned
Purpose: Daily Trainer
Upper
KIPRUN has made some noticeable changes to the KS900.2, especially in the upper. The shoe now features a full knit mesh that offers a different feel compared to previous models like the KD900X or KD900 Light. The padding remains generous throughout, particularly in the heel cup and tongue. While the heel cup delivers a comfortable and secure lockdown, the tongue’s extra padding might be a bit much, though it does eliminate any chance of lace bite. The upper, though more pleasant than before, isn’t as comfortable as it appears. Also, the fit may not suit everyone, especially those with wider feet, as the shoe tapers into a pointed tip. Given that the KS900 2 is a max cushion daily trainer, comfort should outweigh concerns about its weight, but the upper’s fit leaves mixed feelings—it offers good lockdown and a cozy heel cup but with too much volume and a narrow toe box.
Midsole
The midsole of the KIPRUN KS900.2 sticks with the familiar EVA-based MFOAM from the previous version, but with a notable upgrade—a 10mm increase in stack height. Kiprun’s goal of making you feel like you’re “running on a cloud” really shines through with this midsole. It’s incredibly soft; you can easily press into it with your thumb, and the shoe twists and flexes with ease, thanks to the well-placed flex grooves. Despite its softness, durability hasn’t been sacrificed. The harder rubber outsole strategically covers the impact zones on the forefoot and heel, adding extra longevity to the cushy ride.
Outsole
The outsole of the KIPRUN KS900.2 really stands out. I was impressed by the sheer amount of rubber used, which is one of the thickest I’ve seen outside of trail shoes. As usual with KIPRUN, the durability is remarkable. After logging over 50 km in them, the outsole still looks nearly brand new. I wouldn’t be surprised if this shoe easily lasts beyond 1000 km (600 miles). The grip is also solid, even on wet surfaces like concrete or pavement, where I didn’t experience any slips. For a shoe priced at $157, the quality of the outsole is truly impressive.
Ideal runner profile of the Kiprun KS900.2
The ideal runner profile for the KIPRUN KS900.2 includes anyone who values comfort and performance in their running shoes. Whether you’re a heavier runner over 85 kilos or someone lighter, these shoes provide excellent cushioning in the toe and heel, stability, and grip. The KIPRUN KS900.2 ensures a smooth and efficient footstrike, making them a great choice for all types of runners, regardless of your goals.
Our Verdict
The KIPRUN KS900 2 stands out with its impressively soft cushioning and comfort, all wrapped up in a lightweight design. While the market is crowded with strong competitors like Nike’s Invincible and ASICS’ Nimbus 26, this shoe holds its own. If you’re after a reliable everyday running shoe that handles long distances with ease, the KIPRUN KS900 2 is definitely worth considering.