KIPRUN KIPSTORM ELITE: a new benchmark marathon racing shoe from the French brand
At KIPRUN, everything has been accelerating over the past two years. After a strong rise marked by the signing of Jimmy Gressier and, more recently, a complete overhaul of its running lineup, the French brand now takes another major step forward with the KIPSTORM ELITE, its new high-performance marathon racing shoe. Faster, more innovative, and lighter, it replaces the KD900X LD+. With a clearer, more impactful name and even higher performance ambitions, the shoe perfectly embodies the DNA of KIPRUN’s new KIPSTORM performance range. Patented carbon plate, new Fastech+ foam—Marathons.com breaks down everything you need to know about KIPRUN’s latest gem.
| From the KD900X LD+ to the KIPSTORM ELITE: a logical evolution
Last year, the launch of the KD900X LD+ proved to the running world that KIPRUN could design truly competitive carbon-plated road shoes. The model carried Jimmy Gressier to a European half-marathon title and even played a role in the French marathon record, set by Méline Rollin in Seville.
With the KIPSTORM ELITE, KIPRUN shifts into an even higher gear. The brand builds on an already strong foundation and focuses precisely on what matters most over the marathon distance (42.195 km):
✔ Greater running economy
✔ Lighter weight
✔ More dynamism
✔ Improved long-distance comfort
✔ Better stability as fatigue sets in
| New Fastech+ foam for greater dynamism
One of the major innovations of the KIPSTORM ELITE is the introduction of A-TPU (aliphatic TPU) foam in the midsole. This material is increasingly used in performance footwear thanks to its resilience, responsiveness, and ability to maintain its properties over time.
The shoe features a dual-density midsole construction:
✔ An A-TPU foam that encapsulates the carbon plate and structures the shoe for stability
✔ A PEBA insert placed above the plate to deliver explosive energy return at toe-off
➜ Measured result by KIPRUN: +13% more dynamism, while shedding 10 grams compared to the KD900X LD+.
With a 39 mm heel stack, the shoe fully complies with World Athletics regulations.
Technical specs – KIPSTORM ELITE
- Category: Carbon-plated racing shoe
- Use: Race day, from 5K to marathon
- Midsole: Fastech+ (A-TPU + PEBA)
- Plate: Patented carbon plate
- Insole: 3 mm SCF M-TPU
- Surface: Road
- Level: All runners
- Weight: 185 g (women) / 216 g (men)
- Stack height: 39 mm / 34 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Available: February 1, 2026
- Price: €219.99
- Comparable models: On Cloudboom Strike, ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO
| Redesigned carbon plate and patented geometry
The carbon plate has been completely redesigned. Its new patented geometry integrates a unique lateral extension that enhances performance:
✔ Reduced excessive forefoot flexion
✔ Improved running economy
✔ Less energy loss, especially in the final kilometers
Another key innovation is the 64 mm rear bevel, also patented. This heel geometry was specifically engineered to soften ground contact, speed up transitions, and promote a quick forward roll. A small technical detail that makes a big difference—whether you’re a heel striker, midfoot, or forefoot runner.
| Improved comfort with a new engineered mesh
One of the weak points of the previous model was the upper. With the KIPSTORM ELITE, KIPRUN addresses this head-on by introducing a technical engineered mesh. Designed like a second skin, it merges the mesh, tongue, and collar into a seamless structure. The result: even pressure distribution, zero friction points, and precise lockdown—even after hours of racing.
A 3 mm SCF M-TPU insole adds cushioning without compromising stability. Despite these upgrades, the shoe remains impressively light at 216 g (men, EU 42) and 185 g (women, EU 38)—right where you want it to be in the carbon racer category.
| Approved by KIPRUN athletes
The shoe was developed in close collaboration with athletes from KIPRUN’s 42 House in Kenya, the brand’s high-performance training center. Tested and validated by runners such as Edward Cheserek (5th at the Sydney Marathon Major) and Brian Kibor (58:39 at the Valencia Half Marathon), it has also won over the rest of the team.
KIPRUN even states that 100% of its elite athletes have chosen the KIPSTORM ELITE over the KD900X LD+ for the 2026 marathon season. A clear sign that the balance between pure speed and long-distance reliability has been nailed.
| How it differs from the KIPSTORM LAB
It’s important to clarify: the KIPSTORM ELITE is not the KIPSTORM LAB.
The ELITE is built for the marathon, with more cushioning, more stability, and far greater tolerance over 42 km.
The KIPSTORM LAB, launched in early 2025, is an experimental showcase of KIPRUN’s innovation. Ultra-light and ultra-dynamic—but also demanding and less stable—it’s not designed for the general public. Jimmy Gressier wore it when he set the European 5K record (12:57) in Lille in 2025.
| Who is it for?
The KIPSTORM ELITE is designed for:
➜ Runners targeting a marathon personal best
➜ Sub-elite and high-level amateur athletes
➜ Those looking for an efficient yet stable carbon racer over long distances
➜ Runners who loved the KD900X LD+
➜ Racing from 5K to marathon
It perfectly represents KIPRUN’s new philosophy: products developed with elite athletes, but accessible to a much wider audience.
| The KIPRUN rotation
➜ KIPRIDE Max : Premium daily trainer with high cushioning for easy miles and daily runs
➜ KIPSTORM Tempo : Lightweight, fast training shoe with Fastech+ foam
➜ KIPSTORM Lab : Ultra-light, aggressive carbon racer for experienced runners (5K–10K)
➜ KIPSTORM Elite : Carbon-plated competition shoe for elites and amateurs, from 5K to marathon
| What really matters
With the KIPSTORM ELITE, KIPRUN takes a major step forward. New A-TPU foam, a redesigned carbon plate, significantly improved comfort, and clearer product positioning—all the ingredients are there for success. At €219.99, the price remains unchanged from the previous model, and it even undercuts many competitors priced between €230 and €250.
Paired with the KIPRIDE MAX for easy mileage, the KIPSTORM ELITE becomes KIPRUN’s new marathon flagship. It is the performance shoe for both the general public and experienced athletes.
More than just a replacement for the KD900X LD+, the KIPSTORM ELITE marks a turning point. KIPRUN has clarified its message and now openly embraces its ambition: to become one of the world’s leading running brands. With this more refined, lighter, and more performant model, the French brand delivers—and is likely to be seen on many start lines at major marathons in 2026.
✔ The KIPSTORM ELITE is available for €219.99 on decathlon.com.
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
