Kipstorm Lab: Kiprun’s New Rocket Built to Break Records
If you’ve been following the running scene, you’ve probably heard about Jimmy Gressier’s incredible performance earlier this year at the Lille 5K — a jaw-dropping 12:57, setting a new European record. On his feet? A mysterious pink pair never seen before by the public: the Kipstorm Lab. This new flagship in Kiprun’s carbon range is impossible to miss — both visually and technologically. But how does it perform? Who is it for? And can it really compete with the giants — Nike, Adidas, and Asics? Let’s take a closer look at Kiprun’s new rocket.
| Built for Speed. Pure Speed.
This year, Decathlon’s running brand Kiprun is squarely in the spotlight. And now, with the launch of its lightest and most explosive racing shoe ever, it’s stealing the headlines once again.
At just 167 grams (size EU 42 / US 8.5), the Kipstorm Lab joins the elite circle of ultra-light racers — right up there with the Asics Metaspeed Ray and Adidas Adios Pro Evo 2 — while promising better durability, rated at roughly 300 km (186 miles).
The shoe is built around two major patented innovations:
➜ The “Hook Plate” carbon plate, a J-shaped plate designed to maximize energy return while improving stability. Kiprun is currently the only brand in the market using this unique plate geometry. The carbon plate is embedded directly into the midsole, sandwiched between two layers of foam, providing explosive propulsion and optimal cushioning.
➜ VFOAM X technology, a dual-foam system enclosing the plate within the midsole. The top layer is made of PEBA for exceptional comfort and rebound, while the bottom layer uses TPU, created via supercritical foam injection, offering greater structure and durability.
With a 4 mm drop and a 39 mm heel stack height, the balance between energy return and ground feel is finely tuned. Every element is engineered for one goal: faster times on the road.
© Kiprun
© Kiprun
© Kiprun
© Kiprun
“The Kipstorm Lab is incredibly dynamic — it truly changes the game. It’s unbelievably light underfoot, giving that effortless feeling of speed. It drives me forward, encourages me to run on my forefoot, and makes me want to accelerate. It’s clearly a revolution.”
Jimmy Gressier, Kiprun athlete and European 5K record holder
| Who It’s For: The Sharpened Runners
Kiprun makes it clear: this shoe isn’t for everyone. The Kipstorm Lab is built for fast, well-trained runners with a strong, efficient stride. It’s a demanding shoe — one that “needs to be pushed.”
Ideal for:
➜ 5K / 10K racing: its natural territory
➜ Half marathon: possible, but only for experienced runners with robust legs
This isn’t your everyday trainer or long-run shoe. It’s a precision tool, designed for elite athletes — but still accessible for those chasing that same feeling. For runners seeking a more forgiving carbon shoe with extra cushioning, especially for the marathon distance, Kiprun recommends the KD900X LD+.
Tech Specs
- Foams: Dual-density PEBA + TPU
- Carbon Plate: J-shaped Hook Plate
- Best for: Race day (5K, 10K, possibly half marathon)
- Weight: 167 g (men’s size EU 42)
- Drop: 4 mm (39 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot)
- Price: €300
| A Serious Challenger to the Market Giants
With the Kipstorm Lab, Kiprun is sending a clear message: the French brand can now compete with the best. Sure, the €300 price tag might raise eyebrows coming from Decathlon, known for affordability. But this is a premium performance shoe, built for specific use and powered by high-end materials and design.
| Where It Fits in the Kiprun Lineup
Staying true to its DNA, Kiprun continues to offer accessible models alongside elite-level innovations, catering to runners of all levels:
➜ Cushion 500 Premium : Versatile daily trainer, ultra-affordable (€89.99)
➜ KS900.2 : Maximum cushioning for easy runs and recovery
➜ KD900X.2 : Carbon-plated trainer for workouts (€99.99)
➜ KD900X LD+ : Marathon-focused carbon shoe
➜ Kipstorm Lab : The ultimate performance model, built for records from 5K to half marathon
Powerful. Lightweight. Razor-sharp. The Kipstorm Lab is a true racing missile — and the fact that it already powered a European record is no coincidence. It represents Kiprun’s growing ambition: to move beyond “accessible performance” and innovate at the elite level. The only catch? The price. €300 for around 300 km of racing use — roughly €1 per kilometer. But if you’re a serious runner chasing personal bests, this shoe absolutely deserves your attention.
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
