KIPRUN launches three new franchises to sharpen its offer and take on the US

The running market is moving fast. Over the past two years, one brand in particular has been gaining ground: KIPRUN. DECATHLON’s running arm is no longer the likeable outsider it was a few seasons ago. It has become a serious market player, embracing an ambitious strategy built on innovation, real-world expertise and a clear move upmarket. The opening of a high-altitude performance centre in Kenya, the signing of Jimmy Gressier and a stronger presence at major international events marked the beginning of that transformation. In 2026, KIPRUN is set to take another decisive step: a complete overhaul of its product range, unveiled at The Running Event in San Antonio. Three new models are arriving: Kipride Max, Kipstorm Elite and Kipsummit Max. The goal is to make the range easier to understand for runners and support the brand’s major international expansion, particularly its arrival in the United States in April 2026.

Three new franchises make KIPRUN’s strategy clearer, sharper and more ambitious

One criticism often levelled at KIPRUN in recent years concerned the naming of its shoes: KD900X LD+, KS900.2, KD900X.2… strings of letters and numbers that were impossible to decode. Even experienced runners could struggle to find their way around the range. With the launch of KIPRIDE, KIPSTORM and KIPSUMMIT, the brand is addressing that problem and ushering its catalogue into a new era with names that have real impact. This is more than a simple update: it is the creation of a clear, consistent and durable system.
Each franchise now has its own clearly defined world:

➜ KIPRIDE: Versatile comfort
Designed for daily runs, recovery and longer sessions at an easy pace. This is a key segment of the market, where KIPRUN intends to challenge the established names in comfort.

➜ KIPSTORM: Road performance and speed
The line dedicated to performance and speed: racing, marathons and fast sessions. Its positioning follows the training ecosystem the brand has built between Kenya and the European elite.

➜ KIPSUMMIT: Trail and long distance
A range developed in the heart of the French Alps for technical terrain, cushioning and ultra-distance endurance. The brand is underlining its ambitions in both road running and trail.

With these three families, KIPRUN finally gives customers a clear route through the range. The simple, easy-to-understand structure is built on 15 years of research and innovation, as well as close collaboration with its own athletes, including Jimmy Gressier.

These new franchises will make it easier for runners to identify the models that match their needs.
Julien Vancauwenberghe, KIPRUN Marketing Director

Three new models to usher in the next era

To complete the announcement of its reorganisation, the northern French brand unveiled three key silhouettes representing each franchise.

KIPRIDE MAX: Effortless comfort
The ultimate versatile shoe. It uses SOFTECH+ foam, a blend of EVA, PEBA and OBC, to strike an ideal balance between cushioning and responsiveness. An internal SCF M-TPU layer, geometry designed to stabilise the stride and a generous stack height create the soft ride associated with modern daily trainers.

KIPRUN unveils three new franchises, KIPRIDE, KIPSTORM and KIPSUMMIT, to clarify its running range and cater to every type of runner. The strategic overhaul marks its international expansion and arrival in the United States in 2026.

KIPRIDE MAX

Category: Daily trainer
Use: daily runs, easy runs, long runs at an easy pace
Foam: SOFTECH+ (EVA/PEBA/OBC) + internal SCF M-TPU layer
Surface: road
Gait type: neutral
Level: beginner to advanced
Weight: 271 g (men’s), 226 g (women’s)
Stack: 42 mm heel, 36 mm forefoot (6 mm drop)
Available January 2026
Price: €149.99

KIPSTORM ELITE: Marathon performance
The brand’s performance showcase. Two foam densities combine ultra-responsive PEBA with denser A-TPU, while an embedded carbon plate delivers greater stability and a smoother stride. A breathable 3D-knit upper completes the package. Everything here is tuned for speed. It is the obvious choice for chasing a marathon personal best.

KIPSTORM ELITE

Category: Racing shoe (carbon plate)
Use: speed sessions, racing
Foam: dual-density PEBA + A-TPU
Surface: road
Gait type: neutral
Level: advanced
Weight: 216 g (men’s), 185 g (women’s)
Stack: 39 mm heel, 34 mm forefoot (5 mm drop)
Available February 2026
Price: €239.99

KIPSUMMIT MAX: Ultra-comfort for long trail days
Designed in the heart of the French Alps, this shoe is aimed at long-distance trail runners. Its FASTECH+ foam, made with SCF A-TPU, delivers 25% more cushioning and 21% more energy return than the Race Ultra 2. Add a Vibram Megagrip outsole, 4 mm lugs, a snug fit and reinforced mesh, and you have a shoe built to handle hour after hour on wet, technical and rocky terrain.

KIPSUMMIT MAX

Category: Long-distance trail shoe
Use: training, racing
Foam: FASTECH+ (SCF A-TPU)
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip, 4 mm lugs
Surface: all terrain, technical trails
Gait type: neutral
Level: beginner to advanced
Weight: 268 g (men’s), 233 g (women’s)
Stack: 38.5 mm heel, 32.5 mm forefoot (6 mm drop)
Available February 2026
Price: €139.99

A clear strategy: simplify, perform… and expand

This launch is more than a catalogue refresh: it is a pivotal moment in KIPRUN’s trajectory. By clarifying its range in this way, the brand:
✔ Reassures new runners, who will find it easier to choose the right shoe for their needs,
✔ Strengthens its identity by organising its universe around three clearly defined pillars, with bold model names,
✔ Moves closer to international standards, an essential step before entering the US market in 2026.

These three franchises reflect a strong ambition: to make modern, expert and inclusive performance accessible, while staying true to KIPRUN’s philosophy: KEEP RUNNING.

After several years of building momentum, KIPRUN is confirming its transformation. The training centre in Kenya was only the first signal. The collaboration with Jimmy Gressier was another. Now the brand is organising its range, investing in innovation and heading for one of the world’s most competitive markets: the US. With KIPRIDE, KIPSTORM and KIPSUMMIT, KIPRUN is no longer simply following the trend; it is defining its own vision. A clear range. International ambition. The brand is stepping up to another level. Above all, it is giving runners, from beginners to elite athletes, the tools to run longer and faster.

✔ KIPRIDE MAX, KIPSTORM ELITE and KIPSUMMIT MAX will be available from January and February 2026 on decathlon.com.