Kiprun Kipsummit Max ($150 / 140€)
Introduction
KIPRUN, a part of sports activities gear big Decathlon could also be a brand new identify to many runners within the U.S., however in spring 2026 the French model will make a transparent assertion with the launch of three trail-focused fashions, together with the KipSummit Max examined right here—a max-cushion shoe constructed particularly for ultra-distance path operating.
RoadTrailRun additionally just lately examined and reviewed the pace path centered Kiprun Kipsummit Race RTR Assessment
The KipSummit Max is designed for lengthy hours and demanding terrain. It incorporates a supercritical VFOAM midsole created from 100% A-TPU foam, chosen for sturdiness and constant efficiency over lengthy distances. Stack top measures 38 mm within the heel and 32 mm within the forefoot, making a 6 mm drop that balances cushioning with stability.
Underfoot, the shoe makes use of a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4 mm lugs, clearly signaling technical path intent. With a said goal distance vary of 40 km to 170 km, this can be a shoe constructed for critical path and extremely runners.
Professionals
Extremely supportive and secure platform
Glorious Vibram Megagrip traction
Sturdy, well-constructed higher
Safe lockdown and lace system
Clear, trendy design
Cons
Stats
Approx. Weight: males’s 9.9oz / 280g US9
Pattern Weight: girls’s US 8: left 8.4 oz / 238g US | proper 8.32 oz / 235g
Stack Top: 38mm heel / 32mm forefoot
Platform Width: 95mm heel / 80mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot (US W8)
$150/ 140€. April 2026 US launch. Out there now in Europe
Tester Profile
Kelly, age 36, is a former Division I athlete turned distance runner and path fanatic. Initially from the East Coast and now residing in Park Metropolis, Utah, Kelly discovered her method to operating after graduating from Dartmouth Faculty, the place she performed on the sphere hockey group. She ran her first half marathon in 2012 and adopted it together with her debut marathon a yr later. Since then, she has run quite a few marathons and set her PR of three:08 at her second Boston Marathon. Today, Kelly spends most of her time on the paths within the Wasatch Mountains. Kelly is married with two younger boys, ages 4 and three. She beforehand labored at Google within the SF Bay Space, and is now centered on her household’s actual property enterprise in Park Metropolis.
First Impressions, Match and Higher
On step-in, the KipSummit Max instantly feels structured and purposeful. Cushioning is certainly current however not overly tender, and the general sensation is supportive slightly than plush. The match is comfortable all through with out feeling restrictive, and the shoe feels impressively mild for a max-cushion, ultra-oriented construct. The aggressive outsole is noticeable straight away, reinforcing that this shoe is designed for technical terrain.
Higher supplies really feel sturdy and trail-ready, prioritizing sturdiness and safety. Whereas considerably stiff initially, they by no means really feel harsh and I discovered that they soften barely as my runs progress. The semi-gusseted tongue wraps the foot effectively, making a safe, cradled really feel with no strain factors. Padding by the collar and inside helps consolation over longer efforts whereas sustaining construction.
It is a clearly performance-oriented higher, constructed for lengthy, demanding path runs slightly than brief, cushioned outings. The toe field felt effectively balanced for my foot— comfortable, however to not the purpose of discomfort or friction. Lockdown is superb as soon as laced, offering a safe, insulated really feel throughout the foot.
The tongue and collar work collectively successfully, delivering robust lockdown with no noticeable motion. The laces sit pretty excessive on the tongue, making preliminary lacing barely tougher than regular for me, however as soon as secured, the match stays secure. The elastic lace holder retains extra laces safe with out creating any strain factors on the highest of the foot.
Heel safety felt strong regardless of the upper stack top, which is greater than I’m accustomed to in path footwear. Whereas I used to be initially cautious—significantly as somebody susceptible to ankle rolls—the extensive platform and supportive geometry helped construct confidence over longer miles.
Testing has to date been restricted by winter path circumstances, however on largely non-technical terrain, the higher felt confidence-inspiring. I’m wanting to see the way it performs on extra technical trails as circumstances enhance.
I put on US girls’s dimension 8 throughout the board and have medium-width ft, and located the KipSummit Max footwear to be very comfy. Nevertheless, these with wider ft may need points with the marginally narrower match.
Midsole & Platform
The VFOAM midsole made from 100% ATPU delivers a resilient, managed journey effectively suited to long-distance path operating. Quite than a tender, sink-in really feel, cushioning is firmer and extra responsive, offering efficient impression absorption with clean, constant power return.
The platform encourages environment friendly ahead motion, aided by delicate rocker geometry that helps information transitions from touchdown to toe-off, particularly noticeable throughout regular efforts on uneven floor. Regardless of the substantial stack top, the shoe by no means feels unwieldy. It’s clearly taller than conventional path footwear, however the width and geometry maintain it secure and unobtrusive.
Power return remained constant all through longer runs, with no noticeable breakdown late in efforts.
Stability is a standout characteristic: the platform feels effectively balanced and managed throughout uneven terrain. The absence of a plate permits the midsole to adapt naturally to rocks and roots, whereas the firmness of the froth supplies ample safety with out sacrificing path really feel.
Outsole
The Vibram Megagrip outsole performs exceptionally effectively. Traction is excellent throughout rocky, slippery, and blended surfaces, inspiring confidence in conditions the place footing issues most.
The 4 mm lugs really feel aggressive and purposeful—clearly supposed for technical terrain and high-consequences trails.
Whereas this stage of traction is greater than vital for gravel or mild path use, it looks as if it can excel precisely the place supposed: steep climbs, rocky descents, and technical terrain. The outsole contributes considerably to general stability and confidence.
Regardless of the aggressive tread, transitions onto firmer grime surfaces remained smoother than anticipated, avoiding the tremendous harsh really feel generally related to deeply lugged path footwear. Nevertheless, I’d not elect to make use of these as multi-surface trainers, as they begin to really feel and sound like soccer cleats when operating on pavement!
Trip, Conclusions and Suggestions
As an entire system, the KipSummit Max feels purpose-built for lengthy, demanding path efforts. The journey encourages regular pacing and helps handle fatigue over distance, making it a powerful choice for extremely runners tackling technical terrain. Whereas the higher leans extra towards sturdiness than breathability, this didn’t change into a limiting issue throughout testing, although warmer-weather efficiency stays one thing to revisit.
This shoe appears greatest suited to skilled path runners who prioritize safety, stability, and long-distance efficiency. It’s not an opulent, step-in-and-go consolation shoe, and runners searching for the softest attainable journey might need to look elsewhere. The place it appears to excel is in confidence and management over difficult terrain.
The KipSummit Max stands out as a real max-cushion technical path shoe. Whereas it might really feel agency in comparison with softer path choices, that firmness interprets into stability and assist over lengthy miles. Based mostly on testing to date, this can be a shoe I’d belief for lengthy distances or for back-to-back lengthy days on demanding trails.
Kelly’s Total Rating: 9.0 /10
Path Rating: 9
Trip (30%): 9
Match (30%): 8.5
Worth (10%): 9
Model (5%): 9
Traction (15%): 10
Rock Safety (10%): 9
Smiles Enjoyable Rating! 😊😊😊😊
$150/ 140€. April 2026 US launch. Out there now in Europe HERE
Video Introduction of the Kipsummit Sequence from The Working Occasion
Kiprun Kipsummit Race RTR Assessment
Kiprun Kipride Max street shoe RTR Assessment
Index to all RTR evaluations: HERE
Newest Critiques-Chronological Order HERE
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Samples had been supplied at no cost for overview functions. No compensation was supplied by manufacturers for writing this text. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and should earn fee on merchandise bought through buying hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are solely the authors’.
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