It’s a wild time to be a runner—shoe tech is evolving faster than ever, and race times are tumbling. Since the OG Nike Vaporfly shook things up in 2017, we’ve seen breakthrough designs and new players step onto the scene. One of the latest? Kiprun, a French brand making waves with the KD900X LD+, their latest take on a marathon racing shoe.
The Kiprun KD900X LD+ is an eye-catching, durable racing shoe that delivers a cushioned ride. But does it have the speed to compete with the best? Let’s dive in.
Who Is It Good For?
Who is the Kiprun KD 900X LD+ a good fit for? Let’s break it down by some common categories:
- Wide Feet: Yes! The shoe has room to spare in the mid and forefoot.
- Heavier Runners: Absolutely. It’s roomy and has a very cushioned ride. Runners of all shapes and sizes can rock this shoe.
- Long Runs: Are you sensing a trend here? Definitely a solid long run and training shoe but I think it’s more suited for the half marathon distance.
- Front of the Pack: Runners in the mid and back of the pack will vibe with this shoe. Its cushioned ride and generous fit make the shoe accessible to a lot of runners. But the lack of pop and bounce hold it back from competing with the best of the best supershoes.
If you want a marathon or half-marathon shoe that leans more cushioned than aggressive, the KD900X LD+ is a solid pick.
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Kiprun KD900X LD+ Overview
The moment I unboxed the KD900X LD+, I thought: These look fast. Thick foam? Check. Hollowed-out midsole? Check. An aggressive rocker that screams speed? You got it. Oh, and the colorway? Bold, fresh, and ready to roll.
If you’re unfamiliar with Kiprun (short for Keep On Running), it’s Decathlon’s performance running brand. Decathlon isn’t some small startup—they have over 2,000 stores worldwide and a long history of sports innovation. If they weren’t on your radar, I get it. They weren’t on mine either. But after putting this shoe through its paces, I can say they’re worth paying attention to.
The KD900X LD+ builds on Kiprun’s 2024 KD900X, marking their strongest push yet into elite racing. With VFoam Plus cushioning tuned for the marathon distance, it promises both comfort and speed over 26.2 miles.
I logged 50 miles in this shoe—easy runs, track workouts, and an 18-mile long run with marathon-pace efforts. If a shoe claims to be race-ready, I want to know how it holds up when it counts.
Let’s dive into the shoe’s details.
Kiprun KD900X LD+ Specs
- Weight: 9.3 oz
- Stack Height: 39 mm
- Heel Drop:4 mm
- Available in 2 colorways
- Not available in wide
- Available on decathlon.co for $243.99 — sorry not available in the US yet
Kiprun KD900X LD+ Fit
Alright, this shoe looks freshy-fresh, but what about the fit? It found me wanting…a little less. My go-to men’s 11 was a bit too long, so I recommend going down a half size.
The upper is a thicker mesh and on the stiffer side – not exactly the sock-like fit we now see in many racing shoes. If you like a structured feel, this might work for you, but for me, it felt a little rigid.
The tongue is thin and stays put (always a win), and while it has two small padding pods underneath, I didn’t feel any extra comfort from them. Both the tongue and heel tab sit a bit high, so if you’re sensitive around the ankle or Achilles, you might notice some irritation—especially with no-show socks.
The laces are definitely on the longer side, and I had a few mid-run untied shoe moments (never fun). As for the fit, my narrow feet were swimming a bit, and no matter how much I tightened things up, I just couldn’t get that locked-in feel. On the flip side, if you’ve got wider feet, you might actually love the extra space.
The heel was where I ran into the most trouble—I just couldn’t quite lock in. Despite the extra padding pods designed for security, I still found myself slipping around more than I’d like.
On the plus side, the midfoot and forefoot are generously wide, making this a great pick for runners who need extra room. And the toe box? Tons of space. Plenty of wiggle room for toe splay.
The fit is on the roomier side, making it a great option for runners with wider feet or those who prefer a bit more space to move!
But how does all this translate to the ride? Let’s dive into how the shoe actually feels on the run.
Kiprun KD900X LD+ Feel
This shoe delivers a soft and steady ride, but it’s not particularly bouncy. Compared to standouts like the Endorphin Elite 2 or Hoka Cielo X1 2.0, this one leans more plush than punchy.
Kiprun’s PEBA-based VFoam Plus midsole provides ample cushioning, but it’s not the most responsive foam out there. That said, it’s undeniably soft—impact feels gentle through all stages of the run, even deep into longer efforts. My legs and feet felt fresh both during and after every run, which isn’t something you can say for every race-day shoe.
But let’s talk weight. It’s heavier than some race-day rivals, and while not a dealbreaker, you do feel it. The forefoot offers the most noticeable cushioning, but the heel-to-toe transition feels a little segmented.
That said, once I locked into marathon pace (6:40-ish/mile), the shoe found its rhythm. The transition from easy running to steady-state miles felt natural, and marathon pace was comfortable and enjoyable. But when I cranked up the intensity to 5K-10K effort? Not so much. During 1K repeats at 10K pace, the shoe felt a bit unresponsive – so it’s definitely better suited for the half marathon and marathon!
The carbon plate acts more as a stabilizer than a springboard. It provides a balanced foot strike but not a ton of energy return.
Kiprun really nailed the outsole too! Grip is solid, even on slick pavement, and the rubber feels durable. After 50 miles, wear was minimal—kudos to Kiprun for making a race-day shoe with real longevity.
This shoe can absolutely carry you through 26.2 quickly and comfortably! While it’s not the fastest of the fast, it is a solid race day option.
Similar Shoes to the Kiprun KD900X LD+
We’ve tested a few that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:
- New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4: Comfortable racer with cushion galore
- Saucony Endorphin Pro 4: Slightly firmer and smoother ride
- Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3: Similar cushion and width, faster
That does it for our review of the Kiprun KD900X LD+ – I hope it’s helpful tool for you as look for your next race day shoe!
Who Tried It?
Hey friends! I’m Jeff, a marathon-loving runner in Kansas City. Running keeps me mentally and physically healthy, and every day, I fall more in love with the sport. I usually log 45 miles a week, but right now, I’m training for the OKC Marathon in April and Grandma’s Marathon in June—let me know if you’ll be at either!
Follow my running journey on Instagram @jaruane.
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