The Kiprun KS900.2 provides a max-cushioned choice to Decathlon’s vary of trainers and it sits above the Kiprun KS900 Gentle when it comes to the quantity of froth underfoot and its value.
It’s cheaper than most of the finest cushioned trainers (although this isn’t a funds shoe) and whereas it carried out effectively sufficient, there are extra comfy and gratifying cushioned choices out there for the same value. This makes Decathlon’s cushioned cruiser a difficult promote.
Kiprun KS900.2: Worth 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 out there within the US, and there’s no indication that it is going to 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 straightforward 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 mushy materials. It’s effectively balanced to supply help 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 quite a lot of padding on the tongue and heel to create a snug 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 somewhat too lengthy, so I’d stick together with your regular operating shoe measurement.
There’s uncovered foam on the underside of the shoe however the heel, sides and forefoot are all effectively coated with a thick layer of rubber that ought to final a very long time. It gripped effectively 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 snug and supportive shoe for racking up straightforward miles, and that’s precisely what it’s. The midsole foam isn’t very mushy or squishy, however it’s undoubtedly comfy, and the shoe rolls by way of fairly easily when ticking alongside at a relaxed tempo.
It’s not versatile and I didn’t get pleasure from doing any sort of quick operating in it, however ideally it could be utilized in a operating shoe rotation with lighter, quicker choices in your velocity 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 tons of of miles, however don’t count on essentially the most thrilling trip 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 secure, and whereas the KS900.2 has sidewalls of froth (and the firmer midsole means it didn’t really feel unstable) it could not work as a stable-neutral possibility for individuals who overpronate somewhat.
Is The Kiprun KS900.2 Value It?
The KS900.2 isn’t thrilling or versatile, however it’s comfy and sturdy and can cowl all of your straightforward runs. It’s additionally good for newcomers who need 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 usually are not rather more costly than the KS900.2, whereas some are even cheaper. The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 and Puma Amplify 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 checklist 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 effective addition to Decathlon’s vary, however it’s a really aggressive cushioned shoe market proper now, and it doesn’t do sufficient to face out on both value or efficiency.
