Kiprun’s goal with the KS900.2: “redefine the concept of comfort.” And at first glance, it looks like they deliver: a towering stack of plush foam, a snug knit upper, and enough padding to rival your favorite couch.
But here’s the thing—while it looks like it should deliver a pillowy, effortless ride, the experience is more grounded. It’s undeniably soft and well-cushioned, but the weight and firmness take away some of the spring you might expect from a daily trainer. So, does the KS900 2 live up to its comfort-first promise, or does it leave something to be desired? Let’s dive in!
The Kiprun KS900.2 is best suited for short, casual miles.
Who Is It Good For?
Who is the Kiprun KS900.2 a good fit for? Let’s break it down by some common categories:
- Wide Feet: Wide-footed friends need to stay clear of this shoe. It has a tapered design that narrows considerably from heel to toe.
- Heavier Runners: Yes—this shoe boasts cushion galore, so it could be a great option for heavier runners, plus it’s going to be very durable.
- Long Runs: Depends on your definition of “long run,” but I’m inclined to say no. I found this shoe more enjoyable for relaxed, easy, or recovery runs up to eight miles.
- Front of the Pack: This shoe is geared more towards the middle and back of the pack and is perfect for relaxed miles.
Overall, the KS900 2 is best suited for runners who prioritize comfort over speed and don’t mind a snug fit—just don’t expect it to carry you effortlessly through high-mileage days or race-pace efforts.
KS900.2 Overview
A few years ago, Kiprun—the running brand from French retail giant Decathlon—stepped into the road-running scene with the KD900X (a race-day shoe) and the KS900 (a cushioned daily trainer). While both showed promise, neither quite nailed it. Now, Kiprun is back with updates to both models.
They recently rolled out their revamped racer (check out my review of the KD900X LD+ here!), along with the KS900.2, a shoe designed with one clear goal: max cushion and comfort.
When I first unboxed the shoe, one thing jumped out immediately—the THICK midsole foam. And while a big slab of cushioning might scream comfort, we all know that thick doesn’t always mean soft, bouncy, or smooth.
Kiprun’s midsole is made from its EVA-based MFOAM—short for Mattress Foam—which, let’s be honest, sounds like a dream. Pressing into the foam with my fingers, it felt promising. I was eager to see how it performed.
For this version of the KS900, Kiprun added 10mm of stack height—an eye-popping increase. That much extra cushion guarantees a comfortable ride, right? Well…sort of.
At first, footfalls in this shoe felt a bit firmer than I expected, but after logging around 20 miles, they softened considerably! This shoe is built for relaxed miles.
During runs longer than six miles, I found myself longing for a little more responsiveness. All of that cushion does come at a price, as the shoe is a touch on the heavy side.
Where the shoe performs and feels best? Short, easy miles. And some days, that’s all you need!
KS900.2 Specs
- Weight: 10.6 oz (Men’s), 8.64 oz (Women’s)
- Stack Height: 39 mm
- Heel Drop: 6 mm
- Available in: 7 Colors
- Not available in wide sizes
- Available on Decathlon.co for $157.00 — Not currently available in the US
Now, onto one of my favorite parts of this shoe—the outsole. The grip is outstanding, even on wet pavement, and durability is next-level. This is one of the thickest outsoles I’ve seen in a while, and after 35 miles, there’s barely any visible wear. For a shoe at this price point, that kind of longevity is a huge plus!
KS900.2 Fit
From the moment I slipped on this shoe, it was clear that comfort was the priority. Kiprun packed it with plush padding from heel to toe, creating a snug and supportive fit. But let’s get into the details.
The upper features a durable, full-knit mesh that’s breathable and comfortable, but there’s a trade-off—it adds to the shoe’s weight. If you’re after that ultra-light, barely-there feel, this isn’t it. But also…not why they made this shoe, so really is it a downside??
Then there’s the tongue. It’s thick. Really thick. At first, it feels like a bonus feature, but as the miles add up, it starts to crowd the fit a bit. On the plus side, the flat laces stay locked in—no mid-run retying necessary.
Kiprun clearly went all in on cushioning, and you feel it, especially in the heel. There’s ample padding that delivers a secure, slip-free lockdown. But as you move through the midfoot, things get noticeably snug. If you’ve got narrower feet (like yours truly), this creates a nice, locked-in feel.
If you need extra width, though? This shoe might not be your match. It continues tapering toward the toe, and while my toes had just enough room, the toe box leans on the restrictive side. If you’re between sizes, going up a half size isn’t a bad idea.
KS900.2 Feel
In the end, Kiprun clearly set out to prioritize comfort in the KS900 2. And while they nailed durability and lockdown, the ride itself is a bit dense . If you’re looking for a cushioned, easy-day shoe and don’t mind a firmer feel, this might work for you. But if you want bounce, energy, or a lightweight ride, you might consider other options.
Despite not being a true stability shoe, the structured fit and firm lockdown add a supportive feel, making it a great option for runners who like a bit more control. One interesting note? I recently tested the Kiprun KD900X LD+, which ran long, but this shoe fits much snugger in the same size. If you’re used to Kiprun’s fit, expect a slightly different experience here.
The shoe delivers a plush, structured fit that hugs the foot securely, but it’s definitely better suited for runners with narrower feet. It’s a fantastic option for relaxed miles and recovery runs.
Similar Shoes to the Kiprun KS900.2
We’ve tested a few that feel similar but different based on brand fit:
- Saucony Endorphin Trainer – More comfortable fit, built for long runs with a plate
- Hoka Bondi 9 – Cushioned feel for those long runs, wider fit
- Brooks Glycerin Max – Bouncier ride.
That’s it, friends! Thanks for checking out this review. Have you run in this shoe or any other models from Kiprun? Drop your thoughts and comments.
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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