Kipstorm Lab, Kiprun’s New Rocket Built to Break Records

If you follow running news, you can hardly have missed Jimmy Gressier’s performance in Lille’s 5K earlier this year. His astonishing 12:57 set a new European record, and on his feet was a shoe still unknown to the wider public: the Kipstorm Lab. Kiprun’s latest carbon-plated flagship is hard to miss in its bright pink colourway. But what is it really capable of? Who is it for? And how does it stack up against a market dominated by Nike, Adidas and Asics? Marathons.com takes an in-depth look at Kiprun’s new rocket.

A racing shoe built for speed. Serious speed.

Decathlon’s running brand has been firmly in the spotlight this year. So when Kiprun finally announced the launch of its lightest and most responsive shoe yet, it quickly became one of the week’s biggest talking points. At 167 g in a men’s size 9, the Kipstorm Lab joins the exclusive ranks of ultra-light racers, alongside the Asics Metaspeed Ray and Adidas Adios Pro Evo 2, while promising better durability, with around 300 km claimed.

If you follow running news, you can hardly have missed Jimmy Gressier’s performance in Lille’s 5K earlier this year. His astonishing 12:57 set a new European record, and on his feet was a shoe still unknown to the wider public: the Kipstorm Lab. Kiprun’s latest carbon-plated flagship is hard to miss in its bright pink colourway.

The shoe is built around two patented innovations:

➜ A J-shaped carbon plate called the Hook Plate. It was designed to maximise energy return while improving stability. Kiprun is the only brand on the market to use a carbon plate in this configuration. The material is integrated directly into the midsole during manufacturing, encapsulated between two foam layers. The result is stronger propulsion and well-balanced cushioning.

➜ VFOAM X technology: two foams sandwich the carbon plate in the midsole. The first layer is made from PEBA, delivering exceptional underfoot comfort and maximum energy return. The second uses TPU, produced through supercritical foam injection. It brings greater durability and adds structure to the shoe.

The 4 mm drop, with a 39 mm stack height under the heel, is designed to strike the right balance between energy return and a fast, close-to-the-ground feel. In short, every detail has been engineered with new road records in mind.

The KIPSTORM LAB is an incredibly responsive shoe that genuinely changes the game. It feels impressively light on the foot, creating a sensation of effortless speed. It drives me forwards, encourages me onto my forefoot and makes me want to accelerate. It is clearly revolutionary.
Jimmy Gressier, Kiprun athlete and European 5K record holder

Who is it for? Primarily sharp, well-trained runners

Kiprun is clear on this point: this shoe is not for everyone. It is aimed at fast, well-trained runners with a dynamic stride and sound technique. It is a demanding shoe that “needs to be pushed”.
➜ For fast runners looking for an ultra-light, highly responsive carbon-plated racer.

In racing, it should excel over:
➜ 5K / 10K: this is its ideal territory.
➜ Half marathon: possible, but you will need a strong, resilient foot to handle the shoe’s responsiveness.

This is not the shoe for an easy Sunday run or your first marathon build-up. It is a precision tool designed for elite-level performance, while still being accessible to runners who want to experience the same technology. If you want a less demanding model with more cushioning, especially for the marathon, the KD900X LD+ is the better option. Read our shoe review here.

Specifications

Foams: dual-density PEBA + TPU
J-shaped Hook Plate carbon plate
Recommended use: race day (5K, 10K or half marathon)
Weight: 167 g (men’s)
Drop: 4 mm (39/35 mm)
Price: €300

A credible alternative to the market giants

With the Kipstorm Lab, Kiprun is sending a strong message: the French brand can compete with the biggest names in the business. The €300 price tag may come as a surprise from Decathlon, a company usually associated with affordability. But this is a premium product, designed for a specific purpose and built around advanced technologies.

Where does the Kipstorm Lab sit in the Kiprun range?

True to its DNA, Kiprun has developed a running shoe range that is both accessible and seriously high-performing, matching the brand’s ambitions.

➜ Cushion 500 Premium: A versatile daily trainer that is above all extremely affordable at just €89.99.
➜ KS900.2: A maximally cushioned shoe, ideal for easy runs and everyday mileage.
➜ KD900X.2: A carbon-plated training shoe priced at just €99.99.
➜ KD900X LD+: A carbon-plated shoe designed for the marathon.
➜ Kipstorm Lab: The range-topping performance model, from 5K to half marathon.

Powerful, light and razor-sharp. The Kipstorm Lab is a genuine weapon built to chase records. The fact that it was worn for a European record is no coincidence. It represents a new ambition for Kiprun: to be more than an accessible brand, and to innovate at the highest level. The only sticking point may be the price. You will need to dig deep for €300 in return for around 300 km of durability, with a shoe intended exclusively for 5K to 10K racing, or possibly the half marathon. The maths is simple: €1 per kilometre. If you are a demanding runner chasing pure performance, this is a shoe that deserves your attention.

✔ The Kipstorm Lab has been available since 10 September 2025 from the Kiprun website in an ultra-limited edition priced at €300, with only 500 pairs produced.