© KIPRUN
KIPRUN launches three new footwear franchises to clarify its lineup and accelerate its U.S. expansion
The running market is evolving fast — and one brand has been gaining ground with impressive momentum: KIPRUN. Once seen as Decathlon’s friendly underdog, the French brand has transformed into a genuine contender, backed by a bold strategy centered around innovation, on-the-ground expertise, and a clear move upmarket. The opening of a high-altitude performance center in Kenya, the signing of French star Jimmy Gressier, and increased visibility at major global events have all signaled this shift. And in 2026, KIPRUN is entering a decisive new phase: a complete overhaul of its footwear lineup, unveiled at The Running Event in San Antonio. Three new franchises are launching — Kipride Max, Kipstorm Elite and Kipsummit Max — with one goal: make the range easier to understand, enhance brand identity, and support an ambitious international expansion, beginning with the U.S. in April 2026.
| Three new franchises for a clearer, stronger, more ambitious strategy
One critique often aimed at KIPRUN in recent years was its naming system: KD900X LD+, KS900.2, KD900X.2… A string of letters and numbers that meant very little — even to seasoned runners. With the introduction of KIPRIDE, KIPSTORM and KIPSUMMIT, the brand is fixing that once and for all. This is not a simple update; it is the creation of a long-term, structured, and easy-to-read system. Each franchise now aligns with a clearly defined universe:
➜ KIPRIDE — Versatile comfort
Designed for daily mileage, recovery runs, and longer outings at steady pace. A key market segment where KIPRUN aims to rival the biggest comfort-focused brands.
➜ KIPSTORM — Road speed & performance
The performance line built for racing and fast workouts. A natural extension of the brand’s training ecosystem developed between Kenya and its European elite team.
➜ KIPSUMMIT — Trail & long-distance mountain running
Developed in the heart of the French Alps, this franchise targets technical terrain, cushioning, and durability for very long distances.
With these three families, KIPRUN finally offers a clear, simple, intuitive path for consumers, backed by 15 years of R&D and extensive work with their contracted athletes — including Jimmy Gressier.
“These new franchises will help runners identify the right shoe for their needs more easily.”
Julien Vancauwenberghe, KIPRUN Marketing Director
| Three new models to embody this new era
To support the rollout of these franchises, the brand unveiled three flagship silhouettes.
KIPRIDE MAX — Effortless comfort
A true all-rounder built around a SOFTECH+ foam blend (EVA/PEBA/OBC) designed to balance cushioning and energy return. A SCF M-TPU insole adds structure, while a high stack and stability-oriented geometry give it the smooth, modern ride expected from premium daily trainers.
KIPRIDE MAX — Specs
- Category : Daily trainer
- Ideal for: Everyday runs, easy mileage, long steady outings
- Foam: SOFTECH+ (EVA/PEBA/OBC) + SCF M-TPU insole
- Surface: Road
- Gait: Neutral
- Weight: 271 g (M) / 226 g (W)
- Stack: 42 mm heel / 36 mm forefoot (6 mm drop)
- Available: January 2026
- Price: $160
KIPSTORM ELITE — Pure marathon performance
This is KIPRUN’s racing showcase. A dual-density foam setup combines ultra-responsive PEBA with a firmer A-TPU layer. A carbon plate enhances stability and transitions, while a breathable 3D knit upper ensures a locked-in feel. Everything here is built for speed.
KIPSTORM ELITE — Specs
- Category: Racing shoe (carbon plate)
- Ideal for: Fast workouts, racing
- Foams: PEBA + A-TPU dual density
- Surface: Road
- Gait: Neutral
- Weight: 216 g (M) / 185 g (W)
- Stack: 39 mm heel / 34 mm forefoot (5 mm drop)
- Available: February 2026
- Price: $250
KIPSUMMIT MAX — Ultra-trail comfort meets high durability
Developed in the French Alps, this model is built for long-distance trail runners. The FASTECH+ (SCF A-TPU) foam offers +25% more cushioning and +21% more energy return than the Race Ultra 2. Add a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4 mm lugs, a reinforced mesh and a secure, enveloping fit — this is a shoe designed to withstand hours on rugged terrain.
KIPSUMMIT MAX — Specs
- Category: Long-distance trail shoe
- Ideal for: Long trail training and racing
- Foam: FASTECH+ (SCF A-TPU)
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip (4 mm lugs)
- Surface: All terrains, including technical trails
- Gait: Neutral
- Weight: 268 g (M) / 233 g (W)
- Stack: 38.5 mm heel / 32.5 mm forefoot (6 mm drop)
- Available: February 2026
- Price: $150
| A clear strategy: simplify, perform… and expand globally
This rollout is not just a branding refresh — it marks a strategic turning point. Through this restructured lineup, KIPRUN aims to:
✔ Reassure new runners with a clearer, easier-to-navigate offering
✔ Strengthen brand identity with three distinct performance worlds
✔ Align with international standards, a key step before its U.S. launch in 2026
These franchises reflect a strong ambition: deliver modern, accessible, high-level performance for every runner, true to the brand’s philosophy: KEEP RUNNING.
After several years of rapid growth, KIPRUN has completed its transition. The Kenya training center was the first signal. The collaboration with Jimmy Gressier was another. Now, the brand is tightening its product story, investing in innovation, and stepping confidently into one of the most competitive running markets in the world: the United States. With KIPRIDE, KIPSTORM and KIPSUMMIT, KIPRUN is no longer following trends — it is defining its own. A simpler read. A global ambition. A brand evolving to the next level. And most importantly, giving runners — from beginners to elites — the tools to run farther, faster, and with more joy.
✔ The KIPRIDE MAX, KIPSTORM ELITE and KIPSUMMIT MAX will be available starting January and February 2026 on decathlon.com.
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
