Category: Super Trainer
Stack height: 45/37mm
Weight: 225 gr.
My first contact with Kiprun was through the Kipride Max, a modern daily trainer that has nothing to envy from most of the competing models on the market. Then I took a step back and tried the one-year-old KD900X.2 (now renamed as Kipstorm Challenger), a performance /racer with a flexible carbon plate and an Aliphatic TPU midsole. The beauty of simplicity! It remains part of my rotation up to now (and will continue to be) surprising me every time with its versatility and performance.
Kiprun has now shifted direction and philosophy, moving away from Decathlon’s budget-oriented and entry-level products. The brand is investing in research, technology and elite athlete sponsorships, while simultaneously entering the U.S. market. A 180° turn, accompanied by entirely new branding and a performance-focused identity, yet still retaining its highly competitive pricing.
Following the impressive Kipride Max, we move into the “up-tempo /super trainers” category. And this is where the shoe of this review comes in, featuring even more premium ingredients.
Upper and Fit
The Tempo’s upper is quite unique, both in appearance and execution. Its last, materials combination and even the lacing system.
Knit fabric but so thin and lightweight that resembles engineered mesh more than traditional knit. Very open weave, highly breathable and completely non-stretch. The toe bumper is large yet soft.
The upper features varying weave densities for breathability and lockdown.
The midfoot construction is quite complex and not immediately easy to understand. The tongue is made of a synthetic neoprene-like material with a light layer of padding across most of its surface. It remains independent throughout its length but is connected at the top to the heel lining.
Only the top of the tongue is attached to the rear section of the upper
The laces pass through internal, “invisible” loops, as well as four additional loops located along the center of the tongue. Personally, I have never seen such a design.
A rather complex lacing system.
Plenty of padding but not overdone.
The collar is flexible but its lower part is surrounded by a rigid plastic clip, mounted directly into the midsole. Internally there is a light amount of padding.
Heel support comes only from the plastic clip at the base.
The moment you take the shoe out of the box, you are sure that there has been a mistake and you have received at least a full size too large. It looks bulky and unusually long. However, once you step in, everything comes to its place.
There is indeed plenty of room up front. A thumb and a half of extra length and ample space at the metatarsals. Despite that, since the toe box is relatively shallow and tapered at the front, the additional length is not really usable and goes completely unnoticed while running. The structured knit also contributes significantly to lateral support. What I finally experienced was a very comfortable fit but without sacrificing security. Even when cinching the laces down tightly, the fabric does not bunch up.
Very roomy around the metatarsals, it tapers at the very end but without affecting comfort
The main reason of the above lies in the midfoot fit. Although there is room there as well, the otherwise unconventional design locks the foot down exceptionally well. The connection between the tongue and rear section, along with its material, creates the sensation of a full bootie construction despite technically not being one. The same applies to the unusual lacing setup, whose multiple loops and their placement allow the upper to wrap around the foot almost like a sock. No forward movement of the foot, which ultimately disguises the spaciousness of the toe box.
Despite its unconventional design, the lacing system and tongue provide excellent lockdown.
Heel lockdown is equally secure, with the tall and soft collar to work exactly as intended. The lower plastic clip undoubtedly contributes to that, even if it remains unnoticed during the run.
I am not sure if such a complicated design was absolutely necessary or whether a simpler solution could have achieved similar results. What is certain however, is that the Tempo’s upper works exceptionally well regardless of how you intend to use the shoe. Its shape should accommodate virtually every foot type, from very wide to relatively narrow. Very comfortable without sacrificing hold, offering excellent midfoot and heel security, while completely masking its dimensions on the run. Breathability is also excellent.
A full bootie-like feel.
Thin knit with large ventilation openings
As for sizing, my regular size works perfectly. While there is certainly extra room in front, I never notice it while running. That said, I do wonder how the shoe would feel half a size down.
Midsole and Ride
Super trainers are usually built around two main ingredients: a super foam and a form of stabilizing element, whether that be a plate or a secondary, complementary foam.
In the Tempo’s case we have a massive slab of Fastech+, a supercritical Aliphatic TPU compound. Judging from its implementation in other midsoles as well, it appears to be the industry’s new gold standard. Energy return, low weight and durability are all impressive.
For stability purposes mainly, Fastech+ is paired with a thin layer of EVA underneath. At the rear, the EVA sidewalls rise up and cradle the A-TPU. From the midfoot forward however, it sits only underneath it. An important detail is that the EVA does not extend across the entire forefoot width but stops a few centimeters before the edges. This allows the premium foam greater freedom to perform.
The A-TPU and EVA layers are clearly separated.
The geometry is characterized by a very long rocker that starts quite early. It is not particularly aggressive but has an extended and continuous curve.
A very early-stage rocker but with a quite smooth angle
To further enhance stability, the platform widens substantially at the metatarsals at both sides, providing support for either supination or pronation during the transition.
In reality, the flare is more pronounced than it appears in the image.
Most of the outsole is covered by thick, relatively firm rubber. Its pattern consists of numerous small lugs, providing good grip. Durability should also be a given, both for the rubber and the exposed EVA sections. However, I believe thinner rubber could have been used, trimming some weight from the shoe.
Outsole durability is overemphasized for the category of the shoe.
Fastech+ is tuned on the semi-soft side. Initial landings feel pleasantly cushioned yet highly controlled, reminding me more of Puma’s Aliphatic TPU implementations than ASICS’ FF Leap. You don’t feel sinking deeply into the foam but rather bouncing off its surface. The EVA layer undoubtedly plays a role here, particularly under the heel where there is more of it.
Protection is superb. Impacts disappear easily within the shoe’s 45/37 mm stack height and despite there is not a deep compression of the foam, the ride is very forgiving and easy on the legs. Either way, we’re talking about maximum cushioning dimensions paired with a true super foam.
Even with the EVA layer, the volume of Fastech+ remains massive.
The Tempo’s ride is mainly driven by its rocker geometry. The rocker engages almost immediately, regardless of whether you land on your heel or farther forward. Heel strikers transition quickly through the stable rear platform and onto the forefoot without delay. Mudfoot strikers fare even better, landing almost directly on the beginning of the rocker curve. The Kipstorm Tempo delivers a wonderfully rolling ride and a “flow”, completely disguising its substantial dimensions.
Its performance range extends from marathon pace down to threshold sessions. The shoe may initially feel large, but once you settle into your rhythm, it seems to shrink around your feet. Do not forget that it is exceptionally lightweight given the amount of foam underfoot. For reference, it weighs marginally less than the 38mm Adidas Evo SL.
Here, the narrower extent of the EVA at the forefoot is more visible.
Within this range, Fastech+’s energetic and dynamic character comes alive. The faster you run, the more elastic the midsole becomes. Rebound is particularly noticeable under the forefoot, where the A-TPU is less filtered by the EVA carrier. At the same time, the relatively controlled tuning delivers a level of responsiveness you would not normally expect from a 37 mm forefoot stack. The ride is simultaneously bouncy and springy, while still providing some road feel. Turnover feels smooth and rhythmic, combining speed and comfort.
The forefoot combines the rocker geometry with the elasticity of the A-TPU, delivering a quite efficient toe-off.
Kiprun refers to the EVA layer as a “pseudo plate”, suggesting it provides some of the benefits typically associated with a plastic plate. That description is actually not far from reality. It gives the necessary rigidity, assists with leverage and helps maintaining the forefoot rocker angle.
The rigidity from the EVA and the thick outsole mimics the function of a plate.
Of course, the broad and stable platform plays a major role, as it provides a very centered and directed transition. You get quickly off the heel to the torsionally rigid midfoot and then you are ready for a very capable toe-off. The flared sidewalls manage forces easily, without any deformation or hesitation. And I will emphasize once again: you never feel completely disconnected from the road.
The forefoot widens noticeably.
Despite its up-tempo character, I also enjoyed the Tempo as a daily trainer. If you’re not someone who favors an ultra soft ride for easy runs, the Kiprun handles slower paces effortlessly. It offers the cushioning, stability, low weight and smooth rocker-driven transitions for comfortable everyday mileage. For the same reasons, it performs exceptionally well on long runs, becoming even more effective when race pace segments are incorporated.
The level of flexibility is just enough to allow an easy transition at slower paces.
While remaining unobtrusive, the plastic clip provides support during landing
As a marathon option, it offers speed when it is required and security when conditions become more challenging. An excellent alternative for runners who prefer a non-plated shoe.
Soild heel base.
If I had to draw comparisons, I would place its ride somewhere between the ASICS Superblast 2 and the Megablast. It combines the solid character of the former with some of the energy return of the latter. At the same time, its rocker is more pronounced than either, giving it a distinctive rolling sensation.
Conclusion
The Kipstorm Tempo successfully fills the gap between the Kipride Max daily trainer and Kiprun’s racing models. It is a very balanced and versatile shoe, featuring top-tier materials and effective geometry. I believe it will appeal to the majority of runners, with the possible exception of those who specifically seek deep and highly compressive cushioning.
All of this comes packaged at a remarkably attractive price. I intentionally mention that at the end, so as not to focus on cost from the beginning and miss the essence of the shoe itself.
Kiprun appears to have entered its new era with confidence. Not only because it is producing very good products, but because it is doing so with its own identity.
