Kiprun KIPNEXT CONNECT: the first running shoe with an integrated wear sensor

What if your running shoe could tell you when it’s time to replace it? With the KIPNEXT CONNECT, Kiprun introduces a truly groundbreaking innovation in the running world. More than just a new release, the French brand is shaking things up by partnering with startup MOVMENTA to integrate a sensor into its new performance-oriented daily trainer. This technology detects the wear level of your shoe—an intelligent solution to a well-known problem among runners: knowing when to change your pair. Because while external wear is visible, cushioning degradation is not—and yet it plays a crucial role in preventing injuries.

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| A major innovation developed with MOVMENTA

This is the core of the project. With the KIPNEXT CONNECT, Kiprun teams up with MOVMENTA, a Franco-British company specializing in connected sports devices, to integrate a sensor directly into the shoe. Its name: SOLLO.

This ultra-light sensor (around 3 grams), completely invisible and battery-free, measures the compression of the foam over time and mileage. This is key, as the degradation of cushioning directly impacts performance—and potentially injury risk.

The system is as simple as it is innovative. Just pass your smartphone over the heel, like making a contactless payment. The sensor uses electromagnetic waves to analyze the foam structure and sends the data to Kiprun’s dedicated app, PACER, which converts it into a wear percentage. A clear, precise, and objective indicator—the dream for data-driven runners.

| Making the invisible visible

Today, most runners rely on feel or the visible condition of the outsole to judge shoe wear. Logical… but not always accurate. A shoe may look fine while having already lost a significant portion of its cushioning performance. And that’s often when discomfort or injuries begin to appear.

This technology is far from a gadget. Kiprun provides a concrete solution to a real problem. With the KIPNEXT CONNECT, runners know exactly how worn their shoes are. The tool allows them to anticipate and replace their pair based on the wear indicator shown in the app. Simple—but arguably one of the most useful innovations seen in running in recent years.

| An innovation that meets a real need

With the KIPNEXT CONNECT, Kiprun isn’t just following market trends. The brand offers an innovative approach to solving a problem most runners face. While many brands provide vague estimates of shoe lifespan, Kiprun delivers a measurable, personalized solution accessible via smartphone. It’s a major step forward that could redefine how runners manage their gear.

| A maximalist super trainer built for high mileage

But the KIPNEXT CONNECT isn’t just about the SOLLO technology. It’s also a high-end shoe designed to perform on the road. With 53 mm of stack height at the heel, it clearly falls into the maximalist super trainer category. The cushioning is massive and designed to provide maximum comfort over long distances—a category that has become increasingly popular among runners.

The midsole features a next-generation supercritical A-TPU foam, promising a strong balance between softness and responsiveness. Kiprun even claims 20% more cushioning than the Kipride Max, a model already recognized as one of the best maximalist daily trainers on the market.

This is a shoe built for long runs, easy mileage, and high-volume training blocks. An ideal companion for runners who love racking up kilometers while protecting their legs without completely sacrificing dynamism.

Technical specs – KIPNEXT CONNECT

• Category: premium daily trainer (max cushioning)
• Usage: daily runs, long runs, tempo
• Cushioning: Fastech+ (supercritical A-TPU foam)
• Surface: road
• Level: all runners
• Weight: 265 g (men)
• Stack height: 53 mm / 45 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Price: €225
• Release date: late 2026

| Impressive versatility… but at a higher price

With these features, the KIPNEXT CONNECT positions itself as a premium training shoe, capable of handling high mileage while remaining dynamic enough for faster paces like steady runs or even marathon pace. It will particularly shine on demanding long runs where muscle fatigue kicks in during the final kilometers.

It’s not a pure speed shoe or a racing model, but rather a solid foundation in a modern rotation. A pair you’ll use regularly to accumulate mileage efficiently and safely. Its weight is reasonable for what it offers (265 g), and its 8 mm drop should suit a wide range of runners.

The main drawback may be the price. Kiprun has built its reputation on outstanding value for money—think of the Kipride Max at €150. Here, the KIPNEXT CONNECT is announced at €225. Naturally, this new technology and versatility come at a cost. Compared to models like the ASICS Superblast (~€240), the price seems fair. But within Kiprun’s own lineup, it’s surprising: the Kipstorm Elite, the brand’s top carbon racing shoe, is priced at €220. That would make the KIPNEXT CONNECT one of the rare daily trainers more expensive than its brand’s flagship racing shoe.

| Where does it fit in the Kiprun lineup?

This raises questions. Recently, Kiprun clarified its range into three main categories:
Kipride: daily training
Kipstorm: speed and racing
Kipsummit: trail

With the KIPNEXT CONNECT, expected in late 2026, the brand introduces a new name with no direct link to these categories. A surprising move, especially since the shoe feels like an evolution of the Kipride Max—only more dynamic and more technological.

This repositioning could create some confusion. Is this the start of a new category at Kiprun? A premium innovation-focused line? Or simply a standalone model? The answer will likely come with future releases.

The KIPNEXT CONNECT is likely to be one of the most anticipated launches of the year. Beyond its qualities as a maximalist super trainer, it’s the embedded technology that truly changes the game. By making cushioning wear visible, Kiprun offers a simple solution to a complex problem. Now the question is how runners will embrace this innovation. One thing is certain: with this model, Kiprun confirms it is no longer an outsider—it aims to be a leader.

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