Article by Markus Zinkl

Decathlon has recently entered the race shoe segment with a clear message: top performance doesn't have a fortune With the Kiprun KD900X LD+, they are sending their carbon competition shoe into the race, which on paper has everything a modern super shoe needs. Naturally, I was super excited to see whether a shoe at 219,99 € could really keep up with the expensive models from the competition. Here are my personal impressions.

Pros:

• Top price-performance ratio
• Comfortable, stable and reactive
• Excellent outsole.grip
• Suitable for many types of runners

Cons:

• Runs large (note size)
• Slightly less support in the midfoot
• Performance just below the absolute top level

Tester: 

Markus Zinkl
is 35 years old and lives in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. He started running only to support his main sport, soccer. Since he stopped playing soccer, running has become his main sport to stay fit. He now runs between 60 and 80 kilometers 5-6 times a week. Apart from a local relay race, he rarely runs races. Markus runs both on the trail and on the road and is an absolute gear geek. Besides running, he spends most of his free time hiking, especially in the mountains, where his interest in equipment also comes into play.

Stats

Weight

Official: 219 g (men's EU 42)

Sample: 244 g (men's EU 44)

Stack Height: 39 mm / 35 mm (5 mm)

Available now 219,99 €

First impressions, fit and upper

I was surprised by the workmanship of the shoe when I unpacked it. I couldn't fault the workmanship at all. A small detail: the shoe comes without a shoe box, which certainly saves costs and benefits the environment - a clever move by Decathlon. Very important is the note on sizing. 

Order the shoe at least half a size smaller than usual! I normally wear a 44.5, but a smaller size was the right choice here.

Once put on, the fit was really excellent "out of the box". The upper material is very thin and breathable.

The tongue is also very thin and sewn to the side so that it doesn't slip. I was initially concerned about possible "lacebite" (pressure points caused by the laces), but the wide and slightly stretchy laces distribute pressure perfectly.

The heel also has a rather minimalist design, but has just the right amount of padding in the strategically important areas.

All in all, the shoe is pretty comfortable for a racer. The only small point of criticism for me is the support in the midfoot area. The shoe has a little too much volume there for my foot, which means that the support could be a little better. Nevertheless, the price-performance ratio in terms of comfort and workmanship is very competitive.

Midsole

The heart of the KD900X LD+ is the midsole. This is where the "V Foam Plus" foam is used, a modern, PEBA-based midsole foam.

This is combined with a full-length carbon plate and a rocker design.

Decathlon has opted for a rather low 4mm drop. This combination creates a running sensation that I would describe as soft and "bouncy due in part to the big 35mm forefoot stack height. Despite this softness, the shoe feels surprisingly stable, especially compared to many other super shoes on the market.

Outsole

Decathlon has only placed the outsole in the high-wear areas, which saves weight. The rubber is extremely grippy. Even in wet conditions and on slippery cobblestones, I always had a secure grip - there is absolutely nothing to complain about here.

Running Feel and Conclusions

The 4 mm drop is very comfortable and, together with its good stability, makes the shoe incredibly accessible. You don't have to be a professional athlete to get to grips with this shoe. The energy recovery through the carbon plate and the foam is clearly noticeable and it is simply a lot of fun on every run.

My conclusion: The Kiprun KD900X LD+ may not quite play at the top performance level of an adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, but it is damn close. Its greatest strength is that it makes this performance extremely accessible to a wide range of runners. If you then consider the unbeatable RRP, you get one of the best price-performance ratios in the entire competition shoe segment. A top shoe!

Markus’ Score: 8,5/10

Ride: 8 - Fit 8,5 - Value: 9 - Style 8

3 Comparisons

adidas adizero adios pro 4 (RTR Review)

In direct comparison to the adidas adizero adios pro 4, the Kiprun KD900X LD+ is a much more accessible and stable shoe. While the Adios Pro 4 with its aggressive rocker and extremely energetic foam is designed for absolute top performance and new best times, the Kiprun offers a more forgiving and controllable running feel. The adidas is the thoroughbred racing machine for experienced runners, whereas the Kiprun offers similar technology for a wider audience - at a fraction of the price. For the hunt for the last few seconds, the Adios Pro has the edge, while the Kiprun scores as a versatile and affordable competition shoe.

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 (RTR Review)

The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 and the Kiprun KD900X LD+ are quite similar in their versatility and are both considered to be great value options. The Puma is slightly lighter and offers a more direct feel with fantastic grip thanks to the PUMAGRIP outsole. The Kiprun counters with its noticeably higher stability, making it a safe choice especially for long distances or for runners who need a little more support. The Puma is an excellent, lightweight all-round racing option, while the Kiprun's strengths lie in its combination of comfort, stability and a very springy ride.

Nike Alphafly 1 (RTR Review)

A comparison with the Nike Alphafly 1 shows the big differences in running feel. The Alphafly is unique with its dominant Air Zoom pods in the forefoot and offers an extremely bouncy, almost trampoline-like feel that can be unstable and take some getting used to for some runners. The Kiprun KD900X LD+ feels much more traditional and predictable, but still delivers a modern, high energy return through its PEBA midsole. The Alphafly is a specialist designed for maximum cushioning and propulsion. The Kiprun is the more straightforward all-rounder that works for almost every foot and running style without feeling like you're running on springs.

Shop for the KD900X LD+3 at Kiprun Here