The Kiprun KS900.2 provides a max-cushioned choice to Decathlon’s vary of trainers and it sits above the Kiprun KS900 Gentle by way of the quantity of froth underfoot and its value.
It’s cheaper than lots of the finest cushioned trainers (although this isn’t a funds shoe) and whereas it carried out properly sufficient, there are extra snug and fulfilling cushioned choices accessible for the same value. This makes Decathlon’s cushioned cruiser a difficult promote.
Kiprun KS900.2: Value And Availability
The Kiprun KS900.2 launched in February 2024 and prices £119.99 within the UK and €140 within the EU. It’s not accessible within the US, and there’s no indication that will probably be. It’s the most costly cushioned shoe in Decathlon’s Kiprun vary, sitting above the KS900 Gentle, which is £89.99/€100.
How I Examined This Working Shoe
I ran 35 miles within the KS900.2, utilizing it primarily for simple and restoration runs throughout marathon coaching. I’ve examined different Decathlon sneakers just like the Kiprun KD900 and KS900 Gentle, in addition to a wide range of the very best cushioned trainers from different manufacturers.
Design And Match
The KS900.2 has a stack of Decathlon’s MFOAM materials within the midsole, standing 39mm on the heel and 33mm on the forefoot for a 6mm drop. The M stands for mattress, although MFOAM isn’t a comfortable materials. It’s properly balanced to supply assist and luxury, with sidewalls of froth serving to so as to add stability regardless of the excessive stack. All that foam makes it a heavy shoe: It weighs 11oz/314g in a UK 9.5, which is similar to different extremely cushioned sneakers, such because the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 and Nike Invincible 3.
The mesh higher has lots of padding on the tongue and heel to create a cushty and safe maintain, whereas an inner heel counter provides extra stability. I examined a shoe half a measurement up on my common measurement and it was a little bit too lengthy, so I’d stick along with your typical working shoe measurement.
There’s uncovered foam on the underside of the shoe however the heel, sides and forefoot are all properly coated with a thick layer of rubber that ought to final a very long time. It gripped properly for me on moist paved surfaces. I’d count on the KS900.2 to final a very long time, with its sturdy midsole and outsole supplies.
Working Efficiency
The KS900.2 is constructed to be a cushty and supportive shoe for racking up simple miles, and that’s precisely what it’s. The midsole foam isn’t very comfortable or squishy, but it surely’s undoubtedly snug, and the shoe rolls by fairly easily when ticking alongside at a relaxed tempo.
It’s not versatile and I didn’t take pleasure in doing any form of quick working in it, however ideally it will be utilized in a working shoe rotation with lighter, quicker choices to your pace session. The MFOAM didn’t really feel bouncy and there are livelier supplies used on cushioned sneakers from different manufacturers. It’ll soften a bit over time and final lots of of miles, however don’t count on essentially the most thrilling journey from the KS900.2 in contrast with cushioned sneakers that use Peba foams or nitrogen-infused supplies.
The KS900.2 is sort of a bit narrower than different high-stack cushioned sneakers. Many max-cushioned sneakers have a large base to make sure they’re nonetheless steady, and whereas the KS900.2 has sidewalls of froth (and the firmer midsole means it didn’t really feel unstable) it might not work as a stable-neutral choice for individuals who overpronate a little bit.
Is The Kiprun KS900.2 Price It?
The KS900.2 isn’t thrilling or versatile, however it’s snug and sturdy and can cowl all of your simple runs. It’s additionally good for novices who desire a protecting shoe that isn’t as wildly costly as some cushioned cruisers, which now typically value greater than $150/£150.
Nevertheless, many of the finest cushioned trainers present higher rides, providing a softer, bouncier really feel due to the extra superior midsole supplies they use. Some aren’t way more costly than the KS900.2, whereas some are even cheaper. The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 and Puma Enlarge Nitro 2 are higher cushioned sneakers that supply extra worth, particularly as they’re typically in gross sales in addition to having a reasonably low listing value.
If value isn’t a consideration, the Brooks Ghost Max and Brooks Glycerin 21 are glorious cushioned sneakers, as are the Saucony Journey 17 and Saucony Triumph 21. The KS900.2 is an efficient addition to Decathlon’s vary, but it surely’s a really aggressive cushioned shoe market proper now, and it doesn’t do sufficient to face out on both value or efficiency.
