Kiprun KD900X LD+: Review and Verdict

Kiprun continues to make its mark in the fiercely competitive running shoe market. With the KD900X LD+, Decathlon’s running brand is looking to offer a carbon-plated model capable of taking on the big names. Designed for long-distance racing, the shoe has received strong backing from Kiprun athletes including Méline Rolin and Jimmy Gressier. I covered more than 100 kilometres in this pair, from the track to the road, across a wide range of intensities. The verdict? Here’s my full review.

Kiprun targets the long distance

After a promising first model, the KD900X LD, Kiprun returns with a revised version: the KD900X LD+. The brand’s aim is to improve comfort, energy efficiency and, above all, long-distance performance. Kiprun is looking to specialise and is targeting experienced runners: “This shoe was co-designed with our athletes. It is intended for experienced runners looking for fast times. From the 10K to the marathon, with performance in mind.” Kiprun is directly targeting runners aiming for a sub-40-minute 10K, a sub-1:30 half marathon or a sub-3:30 marathon.

The French brand is therefore positioning the KD900X LD+ as a road racing shoe, tuned for relatively fast runners tackling long distances.

Technical specs

Drop: 4 mm (39 mm at the heel, 35 mm at the forefoot)
Weight: 219 g in a men’s size 42 and 201 g in a women’s size 39
Full-length carbon plate
VFOAM+ midsole: softer PEBAX foam than on the previous model
Upper: knitted engineered mesh
Gait: Neutral
Price: €220 at Decathlon (currently on sale for €179.99)
Intended use: half marathon, marathon, tempo runs and high-intensity long runs

Fit and comfort

The shoe runs large, especially in length. I recommend going half a size down from your usual size. During my first runs in the shoe, using a standard lacing setup, I immediately noticed rubbing and developed blisters on the little toe of each foot. To fix this, I used the final eyelet, which often goes unused, to lock my foot down and limit movement. The result was a much more secure fit.

The overall fit is generous, rather than ultra-snug. Neither too wide nor too narrow. I have a fairly narrow foot, yet there is enough room in the toe box to stay comfortable throughout my stride. The heel counter is soft and lightly structured. Some runners will see that as an advantage if they have a slightly misshapen heel, while others may miss the extra support and structure. The knitted mesh upper is very lightweight and breathable. Tested in hot conditions, the upper ventilates well and keeps the foot cool. Even after a 25 km long run in the sun, my feet never felt particularly hot. That said, I’ve worn softer uppers. There are areas where I noticed some unpleasant friction, especially around the little toe, once again. That may also have been caused by the shoes being slightly too large.

The tongue is thin and flexible, independent of the upper and stitched directly to the shoe’s midsole. It feels almost like a second skin. I also appreciated the padded sections on the inside, which protect the foot from over-tightening the laces.

Things to note:
➜ Removable insole (compatible with orthotic inserts)
➜ Not designed for walking (the goal is to run fast)
➜ Stiff and not very flexible, as expected with a carbon plate
➜ Decent durability for a super shoe (generally estimated at 300 to 500 km)

Ride and performance

From the first few strides, I didn’t get the “wow” factor you find in some highly bouncy super shoes. But that’s not necessarily a drawback. The KD900X LD+ delivers a more controlled, stable ride. The VFOAM+ midsole, a PEBAX foam developed by Kiprun, provides a smooth ride rather than explosive dynamism. The foam is softer and less firm than in its predecessor, but it is nowhere near as soft as some other models. It offers good muscle efficiency, although you won’t necessarily get a huge sense of bounce or forward propulsion.

➜ On the track, during short intervals such as 400 m reps or VO2 max sessions: at 5K and 10K pace, it gets the job done, but this is not where it shines. With my midfoot strike and high cadence, I didn’t feel a huge energy return at paces between 3:15 and 3:00/km. For short speed sessions, lighter models that allow for a quicker, higher-cadence stride are preferable, such as the KD900X.2 (195 g) or the ultra-high-performance KD900X LAB, due next September (167 g).

➜ During tempo and threshold sessions: this is where it shows more of its potential. The cushioning is well judged, the carbon plate provides good stability and the VFOAM+ delivers a solid energy return without feeling like a trampoline. It clearly excels at moderate intensity, around half-marathon and marathon pace (3:45 to 3:30/km for me).

➜ On long runs at steady endurance pace: this is clearly its comfort zone. The shoe is stable, reassuring and comfortable, with enough liveliness to hold the pace without draining you. At around 4:00 to 4:15/km, the forefoot is well cushioned, helped by the low 4 mm drop, which encourages a midfoot strike. I did feel that the shoe loaded my calves quite heavily, probably because of the foam’s density, or perhaps simply because I was tired that day.

The KD900X LD+ isn’t chasing flash and spectacle, but it delivers reliable performance. It offers good muscle efficiency and will see you through long distances, from the half marathon to the marathon. And honestly, that is sometimes all you want as race day approaches: a dependable shoe with enough cushioning to last 21.097 km, or even the full marathon distance.

Durability and grip that deliver

As a bonus, the grip is excellent, even on wet roads. I ran in the rain and had no stability issues at all. A thin rubber outsole layer does a good job of protecting the foam, and the shoe’s durability appears more than adequate for a model in this category. To maximise its lifespan, it is obviously best to save it for race day or key workouts. But the KD900X LD+ can take the punishment. After 100 km, it shows very few signs of wear.

Who is it for?

The KD900X LD+ will appeal to runners looking to perform over long distances. It should be particularly well suited to the following runners:
✔ Runners with a neutral, midfoot or forefoot strike,
✔ Chasers of fast times looking for a carbon-plated shoe at a reasonable price,
✔ Runners who want a reliable carbon-plated model for the half marathon and marathon.

On the other hand, runners who love ultra-dynamic, highly bouncy shoes may be left wanting. Pure heel strikers may also find the transition a little unstable, as the low drop and rocker are better suited to runners landing on the midfoot or forefoot.

What I liked and what I didn’t

Strengths:
✔ Reliable cushioning and good stability over long distances
✔ Effective carbon plate without excessive stiffness
✔ Ultra-breathable mesh
✔ Good price for a super shoe
✔ Durability looks good

Weaknesses:
✘ Mesh comfort, with some friction points, so take care choosing your size
✘ Lacks dynamism over short distances and is not the most versatile model on the market
✘ Cushioning may feel too restrained for runners who like a bouncy ride, and it lacks aggression for short, fast efforts
✘ Still slightly heavier than some rival models

The KD900X LD+ is a super shoe that isn’t trying to stand out through sheer exuberance. I liked its balance: stability, muscle efficiency and long-distance performance, all at a lower price than the competition. It won’t suit everyone, especially fans of huge bounce and wild sensations, but it should win over runners looking for a reliable carbon-plated shoe built for long distances. Kiprun continues to improve. This is only the second version of its carbon-plated racing shoe, yet the brand is already showing huge progress. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.

Find the KD900X LD+ in Decathlon stores, at the new running store in Bordeaux and on Decathlon’s official website for €179.99 in Orange and €219.99 in Violet.