The KIPRUN KIPSTORM Tempo is the new tempo companion in KIPRUN’s revamped KIPSTORM line, the brand’s fast franchise that also includes the KIPSTORM Lab racer. It is the successor to the KD900.2, and it is built to be the uptempo super trainer in your rotation, available through Decathlon. I ran it at a range of paces, and my honest read is mixed: it is a genuine improvement on what came before, and it is good value, but it does not quite land where I hoped it would. Here is the full breakdown.
Upper and Fit of the KIPRUN KIPSTORM Tempo
What works for me
The material improvements are real. Where the KD900.2 felt plasticky, this upper feels noticeably better, and the effort KIPRUN has put in is visible and appreciated. It has a sock-like, bootie-style construction, though not a full bootie, since you can still see through to the insole when you open up the eyelets. The tongue integration works well, and that bootie feel is executed better than a lot of past attempts. The direction here is right.
What doesn’t work for me
The lockdown is the problem. The midfoot hold is not great, and the heel lockdown let my foot move around inside the shoe, and that was in a pair a full size down from my true fit, so it would be worse at true size. For an uptempo shoe you expect your foot to be held well, and this does not deliver that. The heel construction also feels simple and short on padding, so it is not premium. On sizing, KIPRUN runs long and pointy as usual: this was a full size down for me and still fit. Go true to size if you have wider feet or want toe room, or half to a full size down if you want the right length without the extra volume. The upper overall is average, with the right intent but a need for more refinement.
Midsole and Ride of the KIPRUN KIPSTORM Tempo
What works for me
There is a genuinely interesting foam setup here. The midsole blends KIPRUN’s new Fasttech Plus, an SCF gas-injected foam I believe is TPU or ATPU based, as the core, wrapped in a firmer CMEVA rim that adds structure and stability. The Fasttech Plus core gives the cushion, softness and rebound, while the denser rim keeps things stable. There is a rigid TPU or EVA heel clip that adds structure and stability to the gait cycle without restricting the heel or the landing, and I actually enjoyed it.
The insole is thick and nicely made, and seems to add some cushion and even a bit of bounce. Cleverly, there is no plate: instead a firmer layer of CMEVA sits under the strobel, on top of the softer Fasttech core, acting as a rigidifier. It gives a nice pop and rebound when you bend the shoe, mimicking some of a plate’s benefits without the pounding or the gait-cycle disruption a plate can cause. It is a smart solution, and the shoe does everything a tempo trainer should: it is light enough to disappear at faster efforts and you can pick up the pace with it.
What doesn’t work for me
The geometry is my biggest issue. There is something slightly off, especially in the heel, that gives a wonky ride underfoot. It reminds me of the KD900 XLD from 2024, which also felt a bit weird. Some runners may not notice it, but it does not tick the box for me. The foam is also a touch too dense and firm for a true super trainer. Against the kings of the category like the Asics Superblast and the Novablast-adjacent crowd, or even the Nike Zoom Fly 6 and Adidas Evo SL, it does not feel on par. To be fair, all of those are more expensive, but the ride left me expecting a bit more, especially given how solid KIPRUN’s other recent launches have been.
Outsole of the KIPRUN KIPSTORM Tempo
Grip and Traction
The outsole was genuinely impressive, one of the best parts of the shoe. I ran it on ice and snow in Brussels and the grip held up really well. There is a thick layer of rubber with plenty of grooves, almost like lugs, and the traction gave me a lot of confidence.
Durability
The outsole is substantial with good coverage, so durability looks reassuring for a shoe in this category. No concerns from my testing so far.
Conclusion
Value for Money
At €140, the KIPSTORM Tempo is good value, and you can pick it up at Decathlon stores or online. The more expensive super trainers give you a bigger thrill and more fun on the run, but this is not far off for the money. If you are on a budget and building a rotation where you only have so much to spend on an uptempo companion, this does the trick despite not being perfect. With the discounts KIPRUN and Decathlon tend to offer down the line, it becomes even more competitive against pricier rivals.
Fitting it into a shoe rotation
This is an uptempo super trainer, the shoe you reach for when you want to run a bit quicker without pulling out a race shoe. It handles tempo efforts and faster training well, and it is light enough to work across paces. Slot it in as the up-tempo end of a budget-conscious rotation, paired with an easy-day cushioned trainer and, if you race, a dedicated race shoe. If lockdown matters a lot to you, try it on first.
Final Verdict
The KIPRUN KIPSTORM Tempo is a clear improvement on the KD900.2, and that is exactly the direction you want a brand to move in. The foam concept is smart, the outsole is excellent, and the €140 price makes it genuinely competitive. But the loose lockdown, the average upper and a geometry that feels slightly off keep it from being the shoe I hoped for. It lands in the middle tier for me: a good, improving, well-priced tempo trainer that does everything fairly well without excelling. KIPRUN is catching up to the bigger names, later than some but at a very competitive price, and if they keep going this way they will get there soon.
Comparisons Against Similar Shoes
KIPRUN KIPSTORM Tempo vs KIPRUN KD900.2
The KIPSTORM Tempo is the successor to the KD900.2, the “donut” shoe, and it is an upgrade across the board. The upper materials are the clearest win: where the KD900.2 felt plasticky, the KIPSTORM Tempo feels more refined and considered. The new Fasttech Plus foam core, firmer CMEVA rim and the plateless rigidifier layer give it a more modern, more capable ride than its predecessor. It is not a flawless shoe, but if you are coming from the KD900.2, this is a genuine step forward and the natural replacement in the lineup.
KIPRUN KIPSTORM Tempo Quick Questions
What is the KIPRUN KIPSTORM Tempo best used for?
Tempo runs and faster training. It is an uptempo super trainer and the fast companion in KIPRUN’s rotation, available at Decathlon.
Does the KIPSTORM Tempo have a plate?
No. Instead of a plate it uses a firmer CMEVA layer on top of the softer Fasttech Plus core, which acts as a rigidifier for pop and rebound without a plate’s downsides.
Does the KIPSTORM Tempo fit true to size?
It runs long and a little pointy, like most KIPRUN shoes. Go true to size for wider feet or toe room, or half to a full size down for the right length.
Is the KIPSTORM Tempo a good super trainer?
It does everything a tempo trainer should, but the foam is a touch firm and dense and the geometry feels slightly off, so it does not match the best in the category.
How is the KIPSTORM Tempo’s grip?
Excellent. The thick, grooved outsole held up well even on ice and snow, and it is one of the best parts of the shoe.
Is the KIPSTORM Tempo better than the KD900.2?
Yes. Better upper materials, a smarter midsole and an improved ride make it a clear upgrade over its predecessor.
Is the KIPSTORM Tempo worth €140?
Yes. It is strong value and competitive against pricier super trainers, even if it is not perfect. A good budget pick for an uptempo rotation shoe.
What is the main weakness of the KIPSTORM Tempo?
The lockdown. The midfoot and heel hold are loose, which is a real drawback for an uptempo shoe meant to hold your foot securely at pace.
