Introduction:
A shoe with a proven pedigree, the KIPRUN KD900X LD+ has already set the French marathon record on the feet of Méline Rollin. Then, it took European half marathon gold with Jimmy Gressier. Its elite credentials are clear and can’t be argued with. However, I would wager that the majority of our dear readers are not world class demigods of running. We are mere mortals. With that in mind, we took the KD900X LD+ to the streets to see how it worked for us.
Has KIPRUN managed to make another budget conscious banger like the KD900X.2?
The upper is great for the right shaped foot
Andy: As ever with a KIPRUN shoe, there are a few foibles with the upper. Perhaps, the biggest one is down to my foot shape. From my experience in running shoes, I seem to have an American shaped foot. German shoes from adidas and PUMA seem narrow and long. French race shoes, in the guise of KIPRUN, seem to be a little narrow. I also have an issue with the bottom of the lace chain. When I pull the laces tight to get a solid lockdown, the bottom of the lace chain really pushes against my foot. If you are a wider footed runner, it may be best to try before you buy. To continue the theme of consistency in KIPRUN shoes, the laces are, again, hugely long.
Personal fit issues aside, the upper is as you would expect from a race focussed shoe. Padding is minimal to reduce weight and the placement is strategic and purposeful. A tiny pad on each side of the achilles helps to lock the shoe down although I have experienced some heel slip on longer runs. Meanwhile, we find a very similar arrangement on the tongue. A small pad on each side helps to keep the lace bite away. The gusset on each side of the tongue wraps the midfoot and ensures a snug hold. Other than that, it is just your foot and the mesh.
As far as breathability goes, the temperatures have been hitting double figures recently and I have found that while the foot gets warm, it is never unpleasantly so. On some of the rainier runs I have taken in the KD900X LD+, it has become soaked but due to the nature of the mesh, it has dried out very quickly. Overall, it is a decent upper especially if you have the right shaped foot for it.
One last issue I have with the upper (and every KIPRUN shoe I have ever used) is the placement of the product labels. At times, it seems like KIPRUN’s designers are having a private battle for who can place the label in the silliest way. The KD900x LD+ is a top contender here, the labels are attached via a piece of elastic to the medial side of the top of the tongue. Perhaps it is designed to be cut off? Who knows, but I do look forward to this game every time I look at a pair of KIPRUN shoes.
Ivan: Luckily, my foot shape seems to work well with KIPRUN running shoes. Sizing can be inconsistent lengthwise, but the width is usually spot-on for me. As usual, I go down half a size in KIPRUN, and that’s also what I did with the KD900X LD+.
In that size, the KD900X.2 was perfect in length. The Cushion 500 was a bit short, and this one runs slightly long. If I had gone true to size, the KD900X LD+ would’ve been way too long for my liking. Especially since I prefer a snug fit for uptempo runs and races.
The lockdown is great. There’s a thin, narrow heel counter with padding on both sides, which prevents heel lift – even for my narrow heel. Midfoot lockdown is solid too, enhanced by some unusual padded strips under the tongue.
The upper feels a bit rugged to the touch, but it hasn’t caused any issues. It probably helps with structure. It’s not the lightest or thinnest race upper out there, but breathability has been fine. The laces are basic but work well, and thankfully they don’t stretch. Unlike what Andy experienced, they are just the right length for my usual double knot.
Overall, I’m impressed with the upper and fit – just like I most often am with KIPRUN running shoes. I could see them saving some weight with lighter materials, and I wouldn’t mind if this particular model ran a bit shorter. But otherwise, the KD900X LD+ really suits my foot shape and preferences.
Maisie: KIPRUN doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to the fit and upper of their shoes. Unfortunately for me, the KD900X LD+ still hasn’t quite hit the mark. It is certainly an improvement from its predecessor, the KD900X LD, but in my opinion KIPRUN are still not quite there yet.
Starting with the feel of the upper, although overall it is softer and more comfortable than its predecessor it is still quite ‘plasticy’. As Ivan notes, the upper is still quite rugged. Although I didn’t experience issues with rubbing or chafing, I would worry that others might.
The fit experience for me is similar to Andy’s and I find the KD900X LD+ too long and narrow. The midfoot seems to have widened slightly, when compared to its predecessor, so this offers an improved fit across the top of the foot, which is welcome. However, for me the shoe still runs too long and makes the fit feel off.
The biggest concern I have is the poor fit around the heel counter. As Andy notes there are pads to each side of the achilles, unfortunately for me these feel quite pronounced. This contributes to quite a large gap between my heel and the shoe. Unfortunately, for me this translates to a really poor heel lock down which adds to a feeling of instability.
A midsole which excels under elite feet
Andy: For me, this is the highlight of the KD900X LD+. I have run in previous versions of the shoe and found it to be firm, flat and unforgiving. I worried that this would be another shoe which was less than the sum of its parts. Thankfully, we find a bouncy midsole with a well cushioned forefoot and some lovely energy return. KIPRUN’s VFOAM PLUS takes the duties here.
It is an enjoyable shoe to run in up to about the half marathon distance, for me. Around that mark, I find the cushion starts to run out. Then, I can really feel the carbon plate underfoot which makes for a harsh landing. This is a shame as it is a very easy shoe to run in. I have used it for a range of sessions so far. Longer, tempo efforts are pleasant. In normal running, without any extra effort measured on my Stryd pods, I find my pace surprisingly more rapid on my watch. This has been a great annoyance to my morning running buddies.
For shorter reps, the KD900X LD+ offers a lively toe off and a good sense of propulsion. It is certainly a fast shoe as proven at the elite level. That said, Jimmy Gressier and Méline Rollin could beat me over any distance while wearing a pair of slippers. At my level, the KD900X LD+ is a good do it all shoe which falls just short of being a top tier racer for my personal preference. The combination of the bottoming out of the forefoot combined with the overly snug upper hamper it. Foe me, it as a shoe that I could probably go to a half marathon distance in as a maximum.
It is a fun ride which offers a good feel at toe off and protects the legs with the VFOAM PLUS. However, when compared to other shoes, there are others which I find more comfortable over longer distances. This will remain in my rotation for those days when I know that I need a little extra to keep up. It will also come out for those sessions where we are cruising at tempo paces over middle distances. That said, on race day, it will probably remain on the shelf.
Ivan: Let me start by saying this: the KD900X LD+ has been a bit of a letdown. It’s marketed as a race day shoe, and the relatively high price – by KIPRUN standards – backs that up. But in practice, it just didn’t deliver for me. I would probably go as far as saying I’d take the “little brother” KD900X.2 any day, regardless of pace or distance. That shoe just felt more fun, more responsive, and simply more suited to my running style.
However, I do think the KD 900X LD+ probably works better for elite runners with longer, more powerful strides. As a semi-fast recreational runner with a high cadence and light midfoot strike, the geometry doesn’t seem to support my gait.
There’s a midfoot void that makes the shoe feel almost like it has a negative drop – unless I shift my weight aggressively onto my forefoot. The carbon plate isn’t very stiff either. There’s a flex point under the midfoot that bends early, creating a collapsing sensation at most paces. That said, forefoot strikers with a strong push-off might not feel this at all. But for me, it’s a deal breaker.
The VFOAM PLUS midsole does offer some dampening. It’s soft enough to be comfortable, but not very energetic to be honest. Again, it might feel more dynamic to someone with a stronger stride and push-off, but I’m not getting much energy return.
Surprisingly, despite the midfoot groove, it’s more stable than I expected – though still less stable and less fun than the KD900X.2.
Ultimately, the geometry kills it for me. That midfoot void flattens out the otherwise promising early rocker. I just don’t feel it, because the ride collapses before it engages.
Despite not enjoying the ride, I could still see it working as a light, snappy uptempo trainer. But even then, there are better options out there. Especially at this price point. Maybe I’m being a bit harsh. Runners with different mechanics or preferences might have a completely different experience. But even with that in mind, I find it hard to consider the KD900X LD+ a true top-tier race-day shoe as intended.
Maisie: I had high hopes for the KD900X LD+ and my first few strides in the shoe felt pretty good. Therefore, I was full of optimism for the shoe. However, as the miles rolled in and I settled into a rhythm, something wasn’t quite right. I am afraid to say that I wholeheartedly agree with Ivan and, for me at least, the ride of the KD900X LD+ is a real let down.
As Andy notes the KD900X LD+ does indeed have a bouncy midsole and offers a relatively energetic rebound. However, I had a few big issues with the ride. The VFOAM PLUS offers a softer ride than its predecessor. However, this leads to increased compression, especially in the heel and midfoot area. Compounding this is the large groove in the midfoot area of the sole. Like Ivan, the geometry just did not work for me and I had the same ‘negative drop’ feel.
The softer ride, combined with the poor fit and lockdown around the heel meant that the shoe feels incredibly unstable. My poor ankles do not cope well when cornering in this shoe! For me overall this leads to an unnatural motion and increased impact through my heel. This is not comfortable.
Finally, I just don’t feel the pop or propulsion of the carbon plate. Perhaps this is due to the softer midsole and the change in geometry. Compared to its predecessor it has lost the propulsion I would expect in a carbon racing shoe.
The outsole offers KIPRUN’s consistent, reliable grip
Andy: The KD900X LD+ outsole is dependable and grippy. I have used the shoe in some very wet conditions and on roads where mud and other nastiness has washed over. At no time have I been worried about losing my footing. Being a KIPRUN shoe, I have no doubt that the durability will be high.
The forefoot of the shoe has a good amount of rubber coverage. Further back, the middle of the sole is left as a cut away where the carbon plate is exposed. Then we arrive at the heel where we find a decent length pad on each side of the groove. In summary, it is a very good outsole in my experience.
Ivan: As usual with KIPRUN running shoes, I’ve had no issues at all with the outsole grip. It’s consistently reliable, whether I’m running on dry roads or wet pavement. The traction feels secure and confidence-inspiring, which is especially important for a shoe aimed at race-day or uptempo use.
There’s also generous rubber coverage across the outsole, which not only helps with grip but should also aid durability over time. That said, the amount of coverage may contribute to the shoe’s overall weight. Especially considering that it already sits on the heavier side for a race-day model. A few additional cutouts in the forefoot area could potentially help trim some weight without compromising performance.
It is an improvement but it still has some way to go
Andy: For me, the KD900X LD+ is a real improvement on its predecessors. It feels softer, more forgiving and is a lot more fun to run in. However, I do find that the fun, softness and cushion runs out sooner than I’d like on a run. With the exception of the PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 3, the KD900X LD+ will save you money over its competitors. This is a real plus point for a shoe which performs well. Overall, my personal gripes are based on comfort issues due to foot shape and gait cycle.
KIPRUN is very much announcing itself as a competitor at the top level of the sport. The KD900X LD+ shows that it can compete in the upper echelons of the super shoe market too. In the future, I would also like to see KIPRUN work on their naming protocol. Alongside PUMA, they suffer with all of their running shoes sounding the same!
Ivan: Unlike Andy, I haven’t tried its predecessor – the KD900X LD – which is currently on sale for about half the price. If you’re looking for a truly budget-friendly carbon-plated option, it might be worth a closer look.
As for the KIPRUN KD900X LD+, I think it falls behind the competition. While I really enjoyed the fit, the ride is somewhat lacking to me. It’s fairly cushioned and not too unstable, but lacks the energy return and overall fun factor you’d expect at this level. The midfoot void also creates an inefficient transition, making the ride feel somewhat disconnected unless pure forefoot striking.
Runners with a stronger, more explosive push-off might be able to make better use of the shoe’s geometry. But for the broader running population, I’m not convinced it can compete with today’s top-tier race shoes.
That said, with the exciting KD900X Lab on the horizon, I’m not too worried about KIPRUN’s future as a competitive brand. They clearly have the tools – it just didn’t come together in this model.
Maisie: There are not many shoes that I shelve after testing. Unfortunately, the KD900X LD+ is one of them. Whilst this may seem incredibly harsh, I experienced both fit and ride issues. Although KIPRUN have certainly made some improvements from the KD900X LD, mostly in the upper, I actually much prefer the ride of the former version.
I really value KIPRUN’s ambition to make racing more affordable. But in this case, I don’t think the shoe matches the price point. In fact, I think they are overpriced at £180. Perhaps the KD900X LD+ is a bit of a marmite shoe, if it suits your running style and foot shape this could be a good shoe for you. In fact, if you are a light, forefoot striker with narrow feet, this could be your match made in heaven! Unfortunately the KD900X LD+ and I are just not ‘solemates’.
