Kiprun MT3

During the last few weeks we have been thoroughly testing the latest novelty of Decathlon for mountain running, the Kiprun MT 3 Trail and the truth is that we wanted to test it because I had not yet had the opportunity to wear a model of the brand and I had spoken well of it, so it was time to give it a try.

We have been running all kinds of distances with this trail running shoe, from short to medium distances, during different tests for all types of terrain, yes, the pity is that, as has become usual in recent months, it has not rained and we could not test it on wet or muddy terrain, a pity because they promise a great grip.

First impressions and features of the Kiprun MT 3 Trail

The truth is that comfort is one of its main features, from the first kilometers we have felt very comfortable running with the shoes and we have not had any discomfort, chafing or any inconvenience, quite the contrary, we still want to run with them beyond the test performed.

The wide protections that the shoe has, mainly those that are present in the front, ensure great protection in those more uneven terrain or with more stones on which we have run.

One of the aspects that surprised us the most about this shoe is the great stability when running. We tend to run on different types of terrain and it is an aspect that we value in all the shoes we test and the Kiprun MT 3 has pleasantly surprised us.

We are not of those who run fast in the mountains, but rather the opposite, comfortable rhythms and enjoying the environment and when we run on more technical, unstable or steeper terrain we appreciate a good stability to give us that confidence and security when running and, in these more complicated terrains the shoe has responded wonderfully.

The grip of the sole era one of the aspects we most wanted to check as I had heard good things about other models of the brand and the truth is that it has not disappointed us, quite the contrary, its sole gives us a great grip in any type of terrain, especially in those with steeper slopes and unevenness which is where it is most needed.

The prominence and distribution of the lugs along the entire outsole do their job perfectly, but we can not yet check one of the most prized aspects by trail runners, the durability of the outsole which, according to the brand, is tested up to 1,000 kilometers and that, as we will continue testing the shoe, we will tell you about later.

The technology present in the midsole is the Kalensole, developed by the brand and, to be honest, we were unaware of its properties since it is not a technology as well known as the Fresh Foam X from New Balance, the PWRRUN PB from Saucony or the DNA Flash from Brooks among others and, we have found a technology that provides good cushioning but without reaching the softness and elasticity of other technologies, perhaps a little more cushioning would be the icing on the cake for the characteristics of this shoe.

What is the trail runner profile of these new Kiprun MT 3 Trail?

One of the most positive aspects of the Kiprun MT 3 is that it adapts to a wide profile of runners, from beginners to the most experienced, but it is for runners who prioritize comfort over speed, as it is not a shoe for running fast in the mountains.

Runners of average weight and with neutral stride technique can adapt perfectly to the characteristics of the shoe with which they will be able to run on any type of terrain, from the simplest to the most complicated, as it will respond perfectly.

As for the distances, it is a shoe that defends perfectly in the middle and long distance, yes, we have missed a little more cushioning that always comes in handy when you do long distances or want to run beyond a marathon.

What I liked the most about the Kiprun MT 3 Trail

The new Kiprun MT 3 Trail stand out mainly for their comfort and we are facing a shoe that has an ideal drop for comfortable running in the mountains as it is a drop of 8 mm with high profiles of 37 mm in the rear and 29 mm in the front.

The great grip of the sole is another of the most outstanding aspects, with this shoe you can run safely on any mountain terrain, it will provide the necessary security to run without worrying about this aspect, mainly on those more uneven and complicated terrains where you can run comfortably and safely.

Opportunities for improvement of the Kiprun MT 3 Trail

The Kiprun MT 3 Trail is not a shoe for lightweight runners who like to run fast in the mountains, rather the opposite, so it will not adapt to that profile of runners, but we have missed a little more dynamism and flexibility when you want to squeeze them on those easier terrains and where you can run.

They respond well to the changes of pace that we heavier runners can make, but if you want dynamism and changes of pace at fast speeds, it would not be the ideal shoe for those training sessions and/or competitions.

A little more softness in the cushioning would be an aspect to improve in future versions so that we would have more cushioning to run with guarantees and comfort over long distances.

Possible direct rivals of the Kiprun MT 3 Trail

Here are some shoes that, by their characteristics, are similar to the Kiprun MT 3 Trail

Final conclusions

The balance of the test performed is more than satisfactory, we have enjoyed a lot with the shoe for all the mountain terrain through which we have run and, the truth is that we have been left wanting more.

It is a highly recommended shoe for all those who like to run comfortably and safely in the mountains and that, thanks to its sole, are assured a great grip on those terrains with steeper slopes or technical difficulties.

Finally, the brand's commitment to innovation and development is evident in this model, which also has one of the best values for money on the market, an aspect of great importance today.