KIPRUN KD900X.2 Introduction:
The KIPRUN KD900X.2 is a budget-friendly uptempo supertrainer. Over time, the line up has seen steady refinement, and last year’s model was already a strong contender. This claim is aided at its very reasonable €130 price point. This latest version is even lighter and features an upgraded VFOAM midsole compound. So, the question is: can it take an already impressive option to the next level?
The upper is light, comfortable and retro feeling
Ivan: The previous iteration already had one of the best-fitting uppers I’ve encountered – at least for my foot shape. It fit like a glove. I’m happy to report that the KD900X.2 continues in that direction with another great fit. As always, be mindful of size conversions between regions. Fortunately, Decathlon offers a helpful sizing tool on their website for KIPRUN shoes to ensure you get the right fit.
That said, I’d note that this model runs slightly long. On the other hand, the width feels fairly standard. The thin mesh upper and materials are quite basic. There are no overlays and minimal structure apart from some light heel reinforcement and padding. The non-gusseted tongue is thin and unpadded. Meanwhile, the laces are nothing special – but they get the job done. Despite the simple construction, I experienced no lace bite, even with the minimal tongue.
Lockdown is really solid in both the heel and midfoot, which adds confidence during runs. It’s clear that the design prioritises weight savings – and likely cost savings too – in the upper. Still, they’ve managed to deliver a secure, comfortable fit with no hot spots. I suspect the simple upper helped keep the price unchanged from last year. This left more budget for the upgraded midsole for improved performance.
The KD900X.2 offers a perfect balance between weight, cushion and energy return
Ivan: It’s rare to come across a shoe that strikes such a perfect balance between weight, cushioning, and energy return – while still delivering outstanding versatility. And to offer all of that at this price point? Practically unheard of.
Honestly, I can’t think of a single type of running session the KD900X.2 can’t handle with ease. Popular all-rounders like the ASICS Novablast or adidas Adizero EVO SL are great at a lot of things. That said, in my opinion, they don’t truly excel in any one category. The KIPRUN KD900X.2, on the other hand, is unique in the sense that it’s genuinely difficult to find significantly better options across most running scenarios.
I’d go so far as to say it’s the best all-rounder I’ve come across for my style of running and personal preferences. That title used to belong to the Endorphin Speed 2, but even that had its limitations – mainly feeling unstable on recovery runs and lacking some punch at faster paces. The KD900X.2, meanwhile, handles everything with confidence and ease.
Yes, it was designed as an uptempo trainer, and it probably excels most in that role. But the beauty is how enjoyable and efficient the ride feels at any pace. The combination of the upgraded VFOAM, which I believe is made from A-TPU, a flexible carbon plate, and an early-stage rocker with a 6mm drop is just a joy. The foam manages to feel cushioned and protective without being mushy, while still delivering a responsive rebound that never feels like you’re ‘sinking in’ too much.
The carbon plate is flexible enough to avoid feeling stiff or cumbersome, and the rocker geometry helps you flow effortlessly through easy runs without the extreme instability you often find in similarly lightweight trainers. When you pick up the pace, the VFOAM midsole truly comes alive – further enhanced by a slightly springy insole adding another layer of responsiveness.
Sure, there are options that might handle recovery runs or long-distance races better – but for everything else, the KD900X.2 is the shoe to beat. But even in those cases, it still performs surprisingly well. If you’re looking for more inherent stability, this model will probably not offer enough to suit your needs. And if you prefer a more maxed-out race-day shoe – something with endless cushioning and a more aggressive, propulsive ride – there are definitely more specialized options out there for those scenarios. But for day-to-day versatility and value, it’s hard to top what the KD900X.2 delivers.
The overall package is nothing short of remarkable. It’s honestly hard to see where they could take this next. Add in the ridiculously low price, and this shoe blows most of the competition out of the water. This category of lightweight, versatile daily trainers is probably the fastest-growing one right now – and if the KD900X.2 is anything to go by, we’re in for some exciting times ahead.Shoes like this don’t just raise the bar – they shift the whole playing field. And they force other brands to rethink how to deliver fun, efficient running – not just for speed days, but for everyday running.
A full coverage outsole with excellent grip
Ivan: After all this praise, you might be wondering – did KIPRUN cut corners on durability? All I can say is this: the outsole is exactly the kind I wish more brands would use. It’s the type commonly found on many Chinese performance shoes – likely inexpensive to produce, but consistently durable in my experience.
The KD900X.2 features nearly full outsole coverage, with only a small exposed section on the medial midfoot in a low-wear zone, where there’s a cutout that reveals a peek of the carbon plate. That’s impressive coverage, especially considering how lightweight this shoe is.
Grip has also been excellent, just as I’ve come to expect from this type of outsole. Honestly, there’s nothing I’d change in this department either – it delivers exactly what I want in terms of traction and long-term durability.
The KD900X.2 is an all time favourite
Ivan: If you’re looking for not just a great uptempo supertrainer at a budget-friendly price, but a simply yet effectively constructed running shoe that can handle just about any scenario with ease – look no further. Honestly, I’d be willing to pay twice the price for what this shoe delivers.
The upper is lightweight and minimal, yet it gets the job done. The midsole offers a ride that’s comfortable, fun, and efficient at any pace. And to top it all off, the KD900X.2 comes with a durable, high-traction outsole that ties the whole package together.
Out of the hundreds of running shoes I’ve tried and tested over the years, this one gets the highest marks so far. Of course, I still need to put more miles on it to confirm if it holds that top spot long-term – but right now, the KD900X.2 is the one to beat if you’re looking for that single, do-it-all shoe that truly excels across the board.
