© Kiprun
Kiprun Unveils a Game-Changing Tights: The Run Compress 900 RHEON
Known for pushing the limits of running shoe technology, Kiprun — Decathlon’s performance running brand — is now shaking up the apparel side of the sport. Its latest innovation, the Run Compress 900 RHEON tights, marks a new chapter in performance wear. Developed in partnership with the London-based engineers at RHEON LABS®, these next-generation running tights aim to redefine muscle support and freedom of movement — on both the road and the trails.
| Rheon™ Technology: The Future of Running?
At the heart of the project lies a simple yet ambitious goal: to create tights that provide enhanced muscular support without compromising mobility. Kiprun noticed that many long-distance runners love compression tights for their lightness and freedom — but saw room for improvement.
The solution came through RHEON™ technology, a reactive polymer that instantly adapts to movement intensity and impact. It delivers dynamic support when muscles are working hard, and total flexibility when they relax.
Until now, such innovation was mostly reserved for footwear. With the Run Compress 900 RHEON, performance-enhancing apparel has entered a new era. And the numbers back it up: laboratory tests show up to a 19% reduction in quadriceps acceleration forces compared with running without tights, and a 4.6% improvement over Kiprun’s previous model. The result — better muscle efficiency, less fatigue, and greater endurance over long distances.
This breakthrough is the result of years of R&D at RHEON Labs, a British company that originated from a 15-year NASA research project. Combining scientists, engineers, and designers, RHEON Labs develops advanced protective and performance materials used by some of the biggest names in sports — and even beyond the athletic world.
| Designed for Performance — and Real-World Running
Every detail of the Run Compress 900 RHEON has been designed with long-distance runners in mind. Durable and versatile, it’s built for trail running and ultra-distance events, with a lighter summer version already in the pipeline.
Practicality is also front and center:
✔ Front pocket that fits two 250 ml soft flasks
✔ Rear zip pocket for a smartphone
✔ Two side mesh pockets for gels or energy bars
Runners can head out hands-free, without the need for a bulky hydration vest.
➜ Price: €69.99 / £59.99
➜ Weight: 412 g (size M)
➜ Available sizes: Men’s XS to XXL
| A Step Toward Sustainability
Kiprun also took care to reduce the product’s environmental impact. While the tights don’t yet include recycled fibers, they use a dope-dyeing process that colors the yarn directly during production — significantly reducing water and chemical use compared with conventional dyeing methods. A notable step forward, in line with the sports industry’s ongoing push toward sustainability.
| 2025: A Pivotal Year for Kiprun
This launch comes during a defining year for Kiprun. After signing French star Jimmy Gressier earlier in 2025, the brand has clearly shifted gears toward high performance. Present at major road and trail events, Kiprun is steadily asserting itself against the sport’s global giants, aiming to break into the top five brands in the coming years.
Gressier’s European 5K record (12:57) set in Lille last February — wearing Kiprun’s carbon-plated Kipstorm Lab — marked a major media milestone. With the Run Compress 900 RHEON, the brand shows it’s not limiting innovation to footwear but expanding it into entirely new performance frontiers.
With these tights, Kiprun opens a new path in running apparel — one that balances muscle support, comfort, and mobility. It’s a clear statement: the future of performance isn’t just under your feet anymore. And this launch may well signal the rise of an entirely new segment in the running world.
With these tights, Kiprun opens a new path in running apparel — one that balances muscle support, comfort, and mobility. It’s a clear statement: the future of performance isn’t just under your feet anymore. And this launch may well signal the rise of an entirely new segment in the running world.
✔ Available in sizes XS to XXL, the Run Compress 900 RHEON retails for €69.99 online and in Decathlon stores. A women’s version is already in development.
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
