Kiprun KS900 Light

running has become a priority for Decathlon, with a clearly stated ambition to be among the top five running shoes brands. This is an announcement made during the Paris Marathon in 2023. This raises a question: isn'tDecathlon a manufacturer and distributor rather than a brand? However, recent information gathered during the UTMB 2023, in a conversation with Anthony Dulieu, KIPRUN Project Leader, provides an answer to our doubts: "Decathlon will unify all its 'running' products under the KIPRUN brand".

In this quest for the top of the running shoes ranking, KIPRUN presented us with the KS 900 Light model at the Paris Marathon itself. I had the privilege of testing it this summer.

To ensure an objective test, it is essential to put aside any prejudices. I focused on testing these shoes on long outings and demanding training and recovery sessions.

What type of runners are these Kiprun KS900 Light for?

The KIPRUN KS 900 Light is primarily aimed at runners who prefer long distances, either in training sessions or long-distance races, such as marathons. It is also suitable for those looking for a versatile shoes that offers comfort and durability. With a drop of 8 mm and a weight of only 253 grams in size 45, these shoes are suitable for runners of all levels. It is important to note its versatility and exceptional lightness, a rare combination that makes it even more attractive. The point to note here is that cushioning and comfort are often associated with a higher weight, but that's not the case here - a considerable advantage!

What we liked the most

1. Exceptional Comfort: As soon as I put on the KIPRUN KS 900 Light, I was immediately seduced by its comfort. The fit is roomy, offering ample space for my feet, and the feel is soft and fluffy. It's comparable to a shoe for my feet, an undeniable advantage on long outings.

2. Responsive cushioning: The KS 900 Light's cushioning is simply awesome. The MFOAM foam, developed by KIPRUN, offers a perfect balance between softness and reactivity. During the run, it absorbs impacts while providing excellent energy return, making it ideal for long distances.

3. Stability and perfect fit: Despite its lightness, this shoe offers exceptional stability. The designers managed to keep the foot in place, even on long outings. Directional changes are smooth and traction is excellent on a variety of surfaces. I was able to test it on asphalt, in dry and wet conditions, and never had any grip issues. Perhaps the perfect fit feeling, between my foot and the shoe, is the feature that I liked and impressed me the most. The tongue is minimalist but extremely well thought out and manufactured, not constricting, not heavy, and very protective. It is purely high stitching in the upper and instep area.
The heel area is padded and with special care to rise prominently along the beginning of the Achilles tendon. This provides comfort, security and stability.

4. Durability: Kiprun claims that the KS 900 Light can withstand up to 1000 kilometers. Although I have not yet reached that distance, the shoe shows little sign of wear after 180 km of testing.

5. Value for money: With a retail price of less than 100 euros, the KS 900 Light offers exceptional value for money. It can compete with name brand shoes and still be more affordable.

Possible points for improvement

Versatility is undeniably one of the main advantages of this shoe. But it detracts from the shoes's potential specificity. It is suitable for many situations, but it is not aimed at runners looking for maximum performance in a particular discipline. However, this versatility, combined with its durability, makes it a shoe that will appeal to the vast majority of runners.

The design is relatively neutral. It doesn't affect running at all. But it is true that all the brands in the top of the running ranking have models with aesthetic characteristics that make them unmistakable. On this point, the KIPRUN team surely has a big surprise in store for us in future iterations.

My sensations and personal opinion

The real strength of the Kiprun KS 900 Light lies in its ability to face long distances. I had the opportunity to test it on extremely long runs and it never failed. The reactive cushioning significantly reduced fatigue in my legs, even after running more than 30 kilometers.

During my long workouts, the Kiprun KS 900 Light also proved to be reliable. On outings of more than three hours, my feet stayed cool and dry thanks to the breathable upper and tongue that offers maximum protection with a minimalist design.

Versatility for training

If you're a runner who likes to vary the types of training, the Kiprun KS 900 Light is an excellent choice. It suits both leisurely outings and more intense training sessions. The shoe's lightness is especially noticeable during interval sessions, where every gram counts. The responsive cushioning propels you forward with every stride, which helps you maintain a fast pace.

Conclusion

To break into the top 5 running shoes brands, Kiprun still has work to do, especially expanding its range. However, the KS 900 Light is already a product that can compete with other models on the market. It's a strong signal to all runners: Kiprun is here, with its expertise in needs analysis, products design and manufacturing. The KS 900 will continue to be one of my training shoes in 2023 and probably early 2024, thanks to its exceptional versatility, durability and comfort. Why not keep racking up the miles with it?