© KIPRUN
Running shorts with built-in menstrual underwear: Kiprun aims to break a taboo in running
A running and trail brand from Decathlon, Kiprun continues to innovate. On March 8, marking International Women’s Day, the brand unveiled a technical running short with built-in menstrual protection, designed to allow women to train even during their periods. An innovation that remains rare in the running industry.
Women’s specific needs have long been overlooked in the sports industry. Most studies, equipment, and products were initially designed with men in mind. Yet female athletes face distinct physiological constraints — periods, urinary leakage during effort, light discharge, or managing perspiration. These factors can be barriers to participation, and in some cases even lead women to stop running altogether.
It is precisely these issues that Kiprun set out to address with a pair of running shorts that directly integrates menstrual underwear.
| A menstrual running short developed in collaboration with Smoon
The Run 900, developed with the French company Smoon, features seamless menstrual underwear that remains discreet, with bonded finishes. Its absorption capacity is equivalent to around two tampons, offering up to 12 hours of protection according to the brand.
Lightweight and breathable, the garment is based on the textile construction of an existing performance model (Run 900 Light) from Kiprun, enhanced with integrated absorption technology. “Running with peace of mind during your period” is the promise put forward by the company.
“My job is to speak with runners from all over the world. I realized that many of them face physiological challenges linked to the menstrual cycle — but not only that,” explains Elodie Chenu, product manager at Kiprun.
Through several studies, she also found that urinary leakage during exercise affects a significant number of women. “It’s not just one week a month — sometimes it’s ongoing. Some even stop running because of it. These are situations people don’t talk about, still considered taboo, especially because there aren’t really suitable solutions on the market,” she adds.
Numerous testimonies further convinced her that there was “something worth exploring” in this area.
“I spoke with several media outlets and runners about this, notably with Laurie from Culotte & Trail. She highlighted the issue of menstruation during training, and how little it is discussed in the running world.”
The project really took shape after a meeting with the teams from Smoon at the Paris Marathon Expo in 2024. Decathlon had already developed menstrual swimwear with the French manufacturer, and the idea of adapting this technology to technical sportswear gradually emerged.
| A topic that is still taboo
Developing this type of product still remains relatively taboo in the sports world. Running, in particular, is still largely male-dominated — both in participation and within the industry itself. According to Elodie Chenu, awareness is nevertheless growing, especially when these issues are clearly explained.
“There are several topics that men don’t necessarily think about or fully understand, but once the challenges and their complexity are presented, they become aware. They’re able to put themselves in the shoes of female runners and see the opportunity to address needs that had previously gone unnoticed.”
In the long term, the goal could be to integrate this kind of technology into other types of equipment.
| Testing ahead of a 2026 release
Before its launch, the product underwent extensive research, including surveys and questionnaires with around 1,000 respondents to assess interest in this type of innovation. Blind tests were also conducted against other menstrual sports technologies to refine development.
Around a hundred real-world tests then followed, notably through partnerships with women’s running communities. The model was even offered as a preview in the specialized Culotte & Trail box six months before release, in order to gather feedback from users who had actually purchased it. “When you buy a product, your expectations are much higher — it’s different from simply receiving it for testing,” adds the product manager.
According to the brand, initial feedback has been positive, particularly regarding comfort and the discreet nature of the integrated underwear. “It shows there is a real demand for this kind of product,” she explains.
The idea is not to create gear used only one week per month, but rather a textile designed for everyday use. “We want to reduce the mental load women may feel when managing menstruation, leaks, or discharge.”
| A performance-oriented product
For its launch, the product is primarily aimed at regular runners and performance-oriented profiles, with a cut similar to racing models. However, the brand is already working on more covering and accessible options, such as 2-in-1 shorts, tight shorts, and leggings featuring the same technology.
“We chose this direction first because performance-driven runners train every day, regardless of their cycle. They’re also the ones who will naturally promote the product. Occasional runners tend to look for advice from more experienced athletes,” explains the product manager.
The launch price is set at €50, with a clear intention to later introduce a more affordable version, potentially developed entirely in-house by Decathlon. In the long term, the brand aims to offer a model priced at around €30.
| The menstrual short, first step in Kiprun’s “Women” project
This innovation is part of Kiprun’s “Women” project, which aims to identify the barriers female runners face — including safety, confidence, equipment, and female physiology. “If we can remove these obstacles with the right products, services, and experiences, it will allow many more women to start running without fear,” explains the product manager.
The group is already exploring solutions around group running, route safety, and dedicated services for women. “We have ideas to ensure everyone feels comfortable running — whether in their own body or in an environment that can sometimes feel hostile. 2026 marks the launch, and 2027–2028 look promising for what comes next.” Kiprun’s ambition is to reach all profiles and all levels, from the youngest to the oldest, helping every woman run with confidence.
This short represents the first step in that initiative — “the beginning of a long story,” as Elodie Chenu puts it. For the brand, the challenge goes beyond performance alone. While women’s participation in running continues to grow, many barriers remain — particularly during adolescence, a period when many girls drop out of sport. The lack of suitable equipment, guidance, and support, along with the need for properly adapted sports bras, are still issues that receive too little attention.
“These issues are essential, and there’s still a lot of work to be done. For a long time, companies focused primarily on a male audience, and less on women. Now, it’s time for Kiprun to restore a better balance and respond to the needs of all these runners, to support them.”
Elodie Chenu
For the specialist, the company also has a role to play in education and awareness. “The idea is to show that you can keep running even during your period. We want to encourage all women to take part in sport, to prove to themselves that they are capable, and to thrive just as much as men in this field,” she concludes.
With this menstrual short, Kiprun is not just introducing a new product — it is launching a broader initiative that reflects a deeper rethink of women’s place in running. Decathlon is positioning itself as a pioneer in this space, offering early solutions that can help remove some of the barriers to participation. This type of equipment remains relatively niche in the running market, where traditional menstrual protection is still the most widely used option among female athletes.
➜ The KIPRUN menstrual running shorts are available on the official Decathlon website
Emma BERT
Journaliste
