KIPRUN Kipride Max: Tested After 100 km

Just a few years ago, KIPRUN was mainly seen as an accessible, effective brand, but not necessarily one operating at the same level as the other giants of running. Then things changed. Quickly. Between its high-performing carbon shoes, big-name athletes such as Jimmy Gressier and a completely revamped range, the French brand has clearly moved up a gear. I tested the KD900X LD+ last year, and it delivered a genuinely impressive performance. But I had never run in a KIPRUN daily trainer. Until the Kipride Max. And let’s say it straight away: the surprise has been a very good one. While preparing for London, I ran 200 km in the pair. Easy runs, long runs, high-volume days… In other words, exactly the kind of mileage this shoe was designed to handle. Here’s my detailed review of the KIPRUN Kipride Max.

The big picture: the Kipride Max, KIPRUN’s comfort flagship

Following its recent overhaul, DECATHLON’s running and trail brand has streamlined its offering into three categories:
✔ Kipsummit: Trail
✔ Kipride: Daily training
✔ Kipstorm: Speed and racing

The Kipride Max sits at the top of the comfort category. It is designed to soak up high mileage, with maximum cushioning and a protective ride. The direct successor to the KS900.2, but in a thoroughly modernized version.

The formula includes:
✔ Softech+ foam (EVA + PEBA + OBC)
✔ 42 mm of cushioning under the heel
✔ A broad, stable platform
✔ A manageable 271 g

The idea is simple: this is a shoe you can pull on without thinking when it’s time to log miles. That’s exactly what I did.

Kiprun Kipride Max review after 100 km: plush cushioning, comfort, performance and value from Kiprun’s daily trainer.

Testing conditions

I used the Kipride Max during my London Marathon build-up, at a point when my weekly mileage was starting to climb seriously for my level, reaching 100 to 120 km per week.

Here’s how I’ve used the shoe so far:
➜ 200 km covered
➜ Mostly on the road
➜ Mainly for easy aerobic runs, recovery runs and one slightly more active long run

I’m primarily a midfoot striker, with a fairly standard-width foot and a slightly bow-legged gait, thanks to my football background. In short, a fairly typical profile for testing this kind of daily trainer.

Fit and comfort: like a slipper

This is probably the shoe’s greatest strength. The moment you put on the Kipride Max, the message is clear: maximum comfort.

The upper is well executed:
✔ Fairly thick, very comfortable mesh
✔ A thin tongue with padding where it matters, and a precise fit
✔ Well-padded heel
✔ Comfortable collar

It really does feel like the kind of slipper-like fit you want from a training shoe. This is the pair you pull on for an easy morning run and think, “Right, today we’re just cruising.”

One important detail: the forefoot is fairly roomy. For runners with wide feet, that will probably be excellent news. My feet are relatively narrow, and I actually found there was a little too much space. On some runs, my forefoot moved around slightly, causing some rubbing around my toes. Nothing serious, but not especially pleasant either. Thank goodness for Nok cream, those who know, know… Thicker socks also solved the issue for me. This is a shoe that could suit wider feet very well.

Performance: a mileage-eating machine

Underfoot, you get Softech+ foam, a blend of EVA, PEBA and OBC. And honestly, it’s a real pleasure to run in. The ride feels genuinely enjoyable:
✔ Very soft cushioning
✔ Excellent shock absorption
✔ Smooth transitions

With 42 mm of foam underfoot, it really feels like running on a cloud. I mainly used the Kipride Max for easy jogs:
✔ The day after a hard workout
✔ When my legs felt heavy
✔ When I was stacking up the miles

Those were exactly the runs where I appreciated the shoe most. The more the miles piled up, the easier and more relaxed my stride felt. I also pushed it a little during a long run at steady aerobic paces. At faster speeds, the shoe responds well enough, but that is not where it shines.

At 271 g, with a 6 mm drop and a fairly stable geometry, the Kipride Max is first and foremost an easy-day shoe. It does not particularly drive you forward or encourage you to pick up the pace. Its job is to help you settle into a comfortable cruising rhythm. Stability is excellent: the platform is broad and reassuring underfoot, especially through the midfoot. In short, it reminded me a lot of the Nike Invincible, which launched a few years ago and became popular for its comfort.

Durability: a major strength

After 200 km, the shoe shows no worrying signs of wear. The outsole is holding up well, the foam has not noticeably compressed and the mesh remains in excellent condition. With my midfoot strike and slightly bow-legged gait, I have not seen any premature wear. In my view, this is a shoe that should easily last between 800 and 1,000 km, which is an excellent result for this category. There is some wear beneath the forefoot, but nothing significant. The rubber on the outsole is doing its job well.

Breathability: room for improvement

This is probably the shoe’s least convincing area. The mesh is very comfortable, but it is also fairly thick. As a result, I found that the shoe held on to too much heat, especially on some of the longer runs. Between the warmth and the rubbing caused by the roomy toe box, breathability is not its strong suit.

Weight: a pleasant surprise

At 271 g, the Kipride Max is fairly light for such a maximalist shoe. Many competing models in this category weigh considerably more. More importantly, you barely feel it on your foot. Despite the 42 mm of cushioning, the shoe still feels fairly natural to run in, which is particularly welcome on long easy runs during marathon training.

How it compares with the competition

The Kipride Max is clearly in the same camp as models such as the Nike Vomero Plus, Puma Magmax 2, ASICS Nimbus 28 and Brooks Glycerin Max. Compared with those shoes:
➜ It is a little less dynamic than the Vomero
➜ Softer than the Magmax, which has a slightly firmer ride
➜ Very similar in spirit to the Glycerin Max and ASICS Nimbus

But where it really stands out is the price.

Value for money: hard to beat

This is probably the shoe’s biggest selling point. The Kipride Max retails for €150. Compare that with its rivals:
Magmax 2: €180
Glycerin Max 2: €200
Vomero Plus: €180
ASICS Nimbus 28: €200

The value for money is simply excellent. In this category, it is probably one of the best deals on the market.

Final verdict

After 200 km, I’m sold on the Kipride Max. It has become a permanent part of my rotation. This is a shoe I love using:
➜ The day after a hard workout
➜ When my legs feel heavy
➜ When I have two easy runs in one day

Its soft, protective cushioning makes it genuinely easy to stack up the miles in comfort.

Strengths
✔ Extremely comfortable cushioning
✔ Excellent stability
✔ Outstanding value for money

Weaknesses
✖ Toe box slightly too roomy for narrow feet
✖ Breathability could be better

Who is it for?

After running 200 km in the Kipride Max, I have a clear idea of where it works best. In my view, it is a great fit for:
✔ Runners who rack up the miles
✔ Anyone who prioritizes maximum comfort
✔ Easy runs and long runs
✔ Marathon training

The KIPRUN Kipride Max is not built to go especially fast. But it is an excellent shoe for running often, running long and getting on with the miles without overthinking it. And given what the northern French brand now offers across its range, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: KIPRUN is now playing in the big leagues.

✔ Find the KIPRUN KIPRIDE MAX in DECATHLON stores and at decathlon.com for €149.99.