If you’ve been following this page for any amount of time, you’ll know that challenger brand KIPRUN has been making some serious waves in the trail space this year. From the fast and furious KIPSUMMIT RACE performance shoe to the more comfort-focused KIPSUMMIT MAX, designed for the midpack to clock up the miles on rolling trails, the brand has been expanding its trail offering at an absolutely dizzying pace.
Enter the KIPCLIMB siblings. Or shall we say the KIPCLIMB ‘tanks’? For this third KIPRUN trail line up this year, we’re presented with “normal”, “waterproof” and “max” variations of the extremely rugged KIPCLIMB shoe.
The KIPCLIMB range promises grip, protection and structure, but at what cost to versatility? Can a shoe this burly transition from hiking to trail running? Or does its weight become what you end up regretting when the pace picks up? Can it deliver protection, comfort and runnability without compromising on any one of them?
We took the KIPCLIMB MAX out on mud, forest, rocks and high alpine terrain from May through October to see what this shoe was all about and what type of runner it could be the best suited to.
Upper and Fit of the KIPRUN KIPCLIMB MAX
What works for me
The first thing I noticed when picking up the KIPCLIMB MAX was the toe bumper. I don’t usually start a review here, but this might be the most robust toe cap I’ve ever seen on a trail shoe. Picture Doc Martens steel toes from yesteryears, minus the hard edge pressing against your toes. It’s practically bombproof, yet surprisingly comfortable from the inside, even on steep downhills.
True to Kiprun, the fit is on the narrow side, holding the foot securely in place to prevent lateral movement. The inside is generously padded all around, while a thick insole does a nice job of dampening repeated impact. I found the comfy, booty-style collar a little fiddly to get into, but it does a good job of keeping debris out. Who needs a tongue anyway?
The approach-style lace loops and extended lacing to the toes provide a tight lock. The lacing system and Matryx basket weave also create a rather distinctive silhouette from above. Do I see a canoe? An indigenous baby carrier? I can’t quite decide. Google those things, look back at this shoe and tell me I’m crazy. To me, this is a German lumberjack’s shoe. It’s not exactly winning any beauty contests, this shoe is all about functionality. The upper encases the foot and protects it from the elements whether wind, rain or dust making it a good autumn-winter shoe.
What doesn’t work for me
The upper is on the stiff side, though I appreciate that’s part of the protective package. I wished for a bit less rigidity in the toe-off where there was very little bending in the upper. The inseams around the heel cup also felt a little too present for my liking, at least initially. Those did fade into the background once I fitted the shoe with thicker socks, which are an absolute must in this shoe given its rigidity. The one thing I never quite warmed to however, was the thin lacing. I don’t think I ever managed to get the tension just right, without creating pressure points.
Midsole and Ride of the KIPRUN KIPCLIMB MAX
What works for me
The KIPCLIMB MAX uses KIPRUN’s proprietary Shiftech+ foam in the midsole. This foam is intentionally firm for stability when the terrain is no longer flat, yet has just enough responsiveness to keep you moving, helped along by a late-stage rocker. The clever bit is what KIPRUN has added to the ball of the foot. There’s a secret rectangular Fastech insert designed to deliver higher energy return. That embedded rectangle gives the ride a little extra life and adds a lot of comfort, which was a smart addition to an otherwise firm ride. I definitely noticed a distinct reactive sensation under the midfoot in that area.
This is a moderate to max cushioned shoe, with a heel stack of 34mm. This stack gives you enough cushion for long days out, yet is low enough to the ground to keep you from toppling over. The 4 mm drop further reinforces the shoe’s stable, reliable, tethered feel. The KIPCLIMB MAX isn’t going to get you out there chasing splits. It’s built for really long mountain days where you aren’t looking at your watch except to find your location in the mountains.
What doesn’t work for me
At faster paces, there’s simply a lot of shoe to carry around, and that weight can lead to some leg fatigue. It’s not as bad as the number on the scale but the KIPCLIMBS aren’t light.
Added to this, there’s the firm midsole, which is appropriate to keep things stable on technical terrain, but it doesn’t exactly reward you when you want to inject a bit of speed. While fine on the verticals, on smoother sections, I consistently found myself wishing for something lighter and a little more nimble.
Outsole of the KIPRUN KIPCLIMB MAX
Grip and Traction
It’s refreshing to see deep 5 mm lugs on a shoe designed for rocks and mud. I also enjoyed the extra stability from the lugs extending beyond the outsole pattern, especially around the heel. Lugs here are long and chunky, though I’m convinced the traction could be improved even further. I found it striking to have no lugs through a wide section of the midfoot. Presumably, the idea is to rely on the forefoot for climbing and the heel for braking. I faced some slippage on wet logs or rocks when striking slick objects midfoot.
A outsole rubber runs the entire length of the shoe, giving the shoe solid durability but also too much tension and somewhat limited flexibility. That rubber compound itself feels less tacky than I’d like on wet surfaces, but the chunky lugs with microspurs do a decent job of making up for it, digging into softer ground and providing reassuring traction. That said, I’d still have preferred Vibram rubber, as found on the other KIPRUN trail line ups this year.
Otherwise, I appreciated the painted lug tips, which give you a visual cue as the outsole wears down.
Durability
It’s still early to draw any firm conclusions on durability, but the overall package is promising. The protective toe bumper, full-length outsole and robust Matryx upper all suggest a shoe built to take a beating. The small finishing details could be better, with some stitching beginning to fray on the Matryx. Nothing alarming just yet, but worth keeping an eye on.
Conclusion
Value for Money
While the KIPCLIMB MAX hasn’t even been on the market for six months, I’ve already spotted it for as little as €100. For this much shoe, that’s an absolute steal.
Even at its original price of around €150, it’s well worth a look if you live on or near the trailhead. Sure, it’s a pretty specialised shoe, with limited use cases for casual runners, but for hiking, run-hiking and jogging up your local mountain, it is money well spent.
Fitting it into a shoe rotation
he KIPCLIMB MAX sits slightly adjacent to my normal trail shoe rotation. It’s more like a big mountain, run-hike or fastpacking specialist: the shoe you reach for when the terrain gets rough and protection matters more than pace. On a 4-5 hour outing, it’s the kind of shoe that earns its place on long, technical ascents, where its stability and protection are more important than the extra weight.
If you’re building a rotation around KIPRUN, the KIPSUMMIT MAX is your rolling long trail companion, the KIPSUMMIT RACE your race-day weapon, and the KIPCLIMB MAX your go-to for technical mountain terrain.
Final Verdict
Where many brands are releasing high-versatility trail shoes, Kiprun is going in the opposite direction with the KIPCLIMB MAX. Built for technical mountain terrain, this shoe delivers impressive protection, a secure fit and a stable, well-cushioned ride for long days on rocks, mud and everything in between. This makes the KIPCLIMB MAX a solid choice for autumn and winter trail outings, when mud and softer ground are part of the setup. The trade-off is its weight and a stiff upper, which keep it in its lane as a fast packing or multiday adventure shoe. While this will be too specific a shoe for many runners, it makes a compelling case for itself on big mountain days at a very reasonable price.
Comparisons Against Similar Shoes
KIPRUN KIPCLIMB MAX vs. KIPRUN KIPSUMMIT MAX
The KIPCLIMB Max and the KIPSUMMIT Max are both new Kiprun trail shoes presented this year, built for different settings. The KIPSUMMIT Max is the bouncier of the two with a Fastech+ midsole that feels noticeably softer and livelier than the stiffer Shiftech platform in the KIPCLIMB Max. The KIPSUMMIT Max is also lighter, at roughly 275 g against the KIPCLIMB Max’s whopping 315 g for the same sample size.
That said, I preferred the KIPCLIMB Max on technical ground and through hiking, where its grip and firmer, more protective platform keeps you stable and confident. The upper on the KIPCLIMB Max surpasses the KIPSUMMIT Max for me thanks to a bootie-style collar and better closure to hold the foot more securely. If you mostly run rolling trails and want a lighter, bouncier ride, the KIPSUMMIT Max is a great pick, but if your runs get steep and technical and you want a secure, protective fit, go for the KIPCLIMB Max.
KIPRUN KIPCLIMB MAX vs. Hoka SpeedGoat 7
The Speedgoat 7 and the KIPCLIMB Max sit in a similar price range and both aim to be your technical trail companion, but they go about it differently. I found the Speedgoat 7’s fit less accommodating, with a pointed shape that caused more rubbing than I ever experienced in the KIPCLIMB Max. Where the Speedgoat 7 pulls well ahead is in weight, at 272 g versus 315 g in sample size, and that lighter build gives it a livelier ride, along with noticeably better breathability and impressively tacky Vibram lugs.
The KIPCLIMB Max, on the other hand, is the more protective shoe: it keeps your foot fully enveloped and feels stable thanks to its lug overhang, especially at slower paces. If you want something light, grippy, and lively and your feet can tolerate a narrower fit, the Speedgoat 7 is a solid pick, while the KIPCLIMB Max suits those who value comfort and protection over shaving grams.
KIPRUN KIPCLIMB MAX vs. Inov8 Mudclaw G60 v2
The Mudclaw G60 v2 is the shoe the KIPCLIMB Max reminded me of the moment I saw it. It’s an older model, so you may not find it in your size, but those long, toothy 8mm graphene lugs meant business like those on the KIPCLIMB Max. The Mudclaw was built to claw through snow and the boggy fells of northern England, and the grip is unbeatable next to the KIPCLIMB’s proprietary KIPRUN rubber. Both shoes have proven to be extremely grippy and durable though.
In my experience, where they differ the most is in how these two shoes treat your legs. Both shoes share a 4mm drop, but they feel nothing alike underfoot. The Inov8 sits much lower, with far less cushion, giving you the football cleat feel on anything other than soft ground. The KIPCLIMB gives you noticeably more comfort and cushion. It still gets you through the cow patties, but it’s gentler on the legs, especially on the road sections leading to your trail. The KIPCLIMB’s protective but kind upper and its extra cushion make it a better companion for multi-day adventures.
The Inov8 is a sharp tool for short, snowy, muddy outings, but your legs may start barking unlike on the KIPCLIMB Max after a half day in the mountains.
KIPRUN KIPCLIMB MAX Quick Questions
How should I use the KIPRUN KIPCLIMB MAX?
Use the KIPCLIMB MAX when you need a really protective shoe for technical running or hiking. Alternatively, in thick mud when all other shoes feel they are letting you down.
Is the KIPRUN KIPCLIMB MAX a good shoe for long runs?
This “max” shoe is made to go long and it will hold up on any multi-day adventure out there. The bullet proof casing and its weight, however, means that for me, it isn’t the world’s most inviting shoe for ultra distance racing.
Is the KIPRUN KIPCLIMB MAX a good shoe for fast sessions?
Going fast isn’t this shoe’s main promise. If you’re looking to go fast on rolling trails, I’d look at its older brother the KIPSUMMIT KIPRACE. For technical trails, check out its slightly lighter weight twin, the KIPSUMMIT KIPCLIMB.
Is the KIPRUN KIPCLIMB MAX a shoe for daily training?
Unless you live in a mountain hut with no running water, this shoe probably won’t be your daily trainer.
Can I wear the KIPRUN KIPCLIMB MAX as a lifestyle shoe?
Only if you wear Carhartt overalls to an afterwork party.
Is the KIPRUN KIPCLIMB MAX suitable for all terrains?
The softness of the lugs attenuates the tarmac beating, but this one is going to be saved for rainy days running up that mud mound and high mountain running days.
Is the KIPRUN KIPCLIMB MAX a good shoe for racing?
Not unless you are considering the Petite Trotte à Léon (PTL) where it’s less about pace than technicality.
Is the KIPRUN KIPCLIMB MAX a good shoe for stability?
Yes, I found good stability in this shoe thanks to the bathtub construction and lugs that splay outward beyond the midsole platform.
