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It’s a wild time to be a runner—shoe tech is evolving sooner than ever, and race instances are tumbling. For the reason that OG Nike Vaporfly shook issues up in 2017, we’ve seen breakthrough designs and new gamers step onto the scene. One of many newest? Kiprun, a French model making waves with the KD900X LD+, their newest tackle a marathon racing shoe.
The Kiprun KD900X LD+ is an attention grabbing, sturdy racing shoe that delivers a cushioned experience. However does it have the velocity to compete with the very best? Let’s dive in.
Who Is It Good For?
Who’s the Kiprun KD 900X LD+ a great match for? Let’s break it down by some frequent classes:
- Vast Toes: Sure! The shoe has room to spare within the mid and forefoot.
- Heavier Runners: Completely. It’s roomy and has a really cushioned experience. Runners of all sizes and styles can rock this shoe.
- Lengthy Runs: Are you sensing a pattern right here? Positively a stable future and coaching shoe however I feel it’s extra suited to the half marathon distance.
- Entrance of the Pack: Runners within the mid and again of the pack will vibe with this shoe. Its cushioned experience and beneficiant match make the shoe accessible to plenty of runners. However the lack of pop and bounce maintain it again from competing with the very best of the very best supershoes.
If you’d like a marathon or half-marathon shoe that leans extra cushioned than aggressive, the KD900X LD+ is a stable choose.
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Kiprun KD900X LD+ Overview
The second I unboxed the KD900X LD+, I assumed: These look quick. Thick foam? Test. Hollowed-out midsole? Test. An aggressive rocker that screams velocity? You bought it. Oh, and the colorway? Daring, contemporary, and able to roll.
In case you’re unfamiliar with Kiprun (quick for Maintain On Working), it’s Decathlon’s efficiency operating model. Decathlon isn’t some small startup—they’ve over 2,000 shops worldwide and a protracted historical past of sports activities innovation. In the event that they weren’t in your radar, I get it. They weren’t on mine both. However after placing this shoe by means of its paces, I can say they’re value taking note of.
The KD900X LD+ builds on Kiprun’s 2024 KD900X, marking their strongest push but into elite racing. With VFoam Plus cushioning tuned for the marathon distance, it guarantees each consolation and velocity over 26.2 miles.
I logged 50 miles on this shoe—simple runs, observe exercises, and an 18-mile future with marathon-pace efforts. If a shoe claims to be race-ready, I need to know the way it holds up when it counts.
Let’s dive into the shoe’s particulars.
Kiprun KD900X LD+ Specs
- Weight: 9.3 oz
- Stack Top: 39 mm
- Heel Drop:4 mm
- Accessible in 2 colorways
- Not out there in broad
- Accessible on decathlon.co for $243.99 — sorry not out there within the US but
Kiprun KD900X LD+ Match
Alright, this shoe seems freshy-fresh, however what in regards to the match? It discovered me wanting…rather less. My go-to males’s 11 was a bit too lengthy, so I like to recommend happening a half dimension.
The higher is a thicker mesh and on the stiffer facet – not precisely the sock-like match we now see in lots of racing sneakers. In case you like a structured really feel, this may give you the results you want, however for me, it felt somewhat inflexible.
The tongue is skinny and stays put (at all times a win), and whereas it has two small padding pods beneath, I didn’t really feel any further consolation from them. Each the tongue and heel tab sit a bit excessive, so when you’re delicate across the ankle or Achilles, you may discover some irritation—particularly with no-show socks.
The laces are positively on the longer facet, and I had a couple of mid-run untied shoe moments (by no means enjoyable). As for the match, my slim ft have been swimming a bit, and irrespective of how a lot I tightened issues up, I simply couldn’t get that locked-in really feel. On the flip facet, when you’ve acquired wider ft, you may truly love the additional house.
The heel was the place I bumped into probably the most hassle—I simply couldn’t fairly lock in. Regardless of the additional padding pods designed for safety, I nonetheless discovered myself slipping round greater than I’d like.
On the plus facet, the midfoot and forefoot are generously broad, making this a terrific choose for runners who want further room. And the toe field? Tons of house. Loads of wiggle room for toe splay.
The match is on the roomier facet, making it a terrific choice for runners with wider ft or those that want a bit extra space to maneuver!
However how does all this translate to the experience? Let’s dive into how the shoe truly feels on the run.
Kiprun KD900X LD+ Really feel
This shoe delivers a comfortable and regular experience, however it’s not notably bouncy. In comparison with standouts just like the Endorphin Elite 2 or Hoka Cielo X1 2.0, this one leans extra plush than punchy.
Kiprun’s PEBA-based VFoam Plus midsole offers ample cushioning, however it’s not probably the most responsive foam on the market. That mentioned, it’s undeniably comfortable—influence feels mild by means of all levels of the run, even deep into longer efforts. My legs and ft felt contemporary each throughout and after each run, which isn’t one thing you may say for each race-day shoe.
However let’s discuss weight. It’s heavier than some race-day rivals, and whereas not a dealbreaker, you do really feel it. The forefoot presents probably the most noticeable cushioning, however the heel-to-toe transition feels somewhat segmented.
That mentioned, as soon as I locked into marathon tempo (6:40-ish/mile), the shoe discovered its rhythm. The transition from simple operating to steady-state miles felt pure, and marathon tempo was comfy and pleasing. However after I cranked up the depth to 5K-10K effort? Not a lot. Throughout 1K repeats at 10K tempo, the shoe felt a bit unresponsive – so it’s positively higher suited to the half marathon and marathon!
The carbon plate acts extra as a stabilizer than a springboard. It offers a balanced foot strike however not a ton of vitality return.
Kiprun actually nailed the outsole too! Grip is stable, even on slick pavement, and the rubber feels sturdy. After 50 miles, put on was minimal—kudos to Kiprun for making a race-day shoe with actual longevity.
This shoe can completely carry you thru 26.2 rapidly and comfortably! Whereas it’s not the quickest of the quick, it’s a stable race day choice.
Related Sneakers to the Kiprun KD900X LD+
We’ve examined a couple of that really feel related, however completely different based mostly on the model match:
That does it for our evaluate of the Kiprun KD900X LD+ – I hope it’s useful instrument for you as search for your subsequent race day shoe!
Who Tried It?
Hey buddies! I’m Jeff, a marathon-loving runner in Kansas Metropolis. Working retains me mentally and bodily wholesome, and day by day, I fall extra in love with the game. I normally log 45 miles per week, however proper now, I’m coaching for the OKC Marathon in April and Grandma’s Marathon in June—let me know when you’ll be at both!
Observe my operating journey on Instagram @jaruane.