How to Choose Your Running Shoes

How to Choose Your Running Shoes

KIPRUN’s guide to finding the perfect pair for your level, stride and terrain.

Find Your Perfect Pair

Run better, stay comfortable, and go further.

Choosing the right shoes is essential, so we’ve made it simple. In just a few steps, KIPRUN expertise will lead you to the pair made for your level, stride, and terrain. No guesswork, just performance.

CHOOSE YOUR TERRAIN

The right shoe starts with where you run. Your surface dictates the technology you need underfoot:

DEFINE YOUR RUNNING PROFILE

Beyond gear

HOW OFTEN DO YOU RUN?

Your weekly training volume determines the level of protection and energy return you need underfoot:

- Occasional (1-2 runs/week): Prioritise comfort and support to ensure every run is fluid and promotes a durable practice with total peace of mind.

- Regular (3+ runs/week): Look for a balance between cushioning and reactivity to handle increased mileage and intensity with total reliability.

- Intensive (Competition & Performance): Optimise your performance with a shoe rotation combining protective cushioning for your easy runs and a lightweight, explosive pair for your speed sessions.

Beyond gear

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL?

- Running for fitness and fun : Prioritise immediate comfort and a soft feel. These models feature generous cushioning to attenuate the sensation of impact and make every stride smoother. It is the ideal choice for de-stressing, staying active, and taking care of yourself with total peace of mind.

- Running for passion and freedom : Choose versatility and a natural stride. These shoes are your reliable daily partners, no matter the distance or pace. Perfect for runners seeking a balanced and fluid experience to explore new horizons without constraints.

- Running for performance and pushing limits : Focus on energy return and our propulsive technologies. Designed for speed, these models include our carbon plate range to optimise every foot strike and turn your effort into results. Ideal for pushing your boundaries and stepping up your game.

UNDERSTAND YOUR STRIDE

IDENTIFYING YOUR NATURAL FOOT MOTION

Your stride, meaning how your foot lands and rolls as you run, should guide your shoe choice. The three main types are neutral, overpronation and supination. If you are unsure, check the wear pattern on an old pair of shoes or visit a store for a gait analysis. Here’s what to know:

Beyond gear

Neutral

Our foot lands on the outer heel and rolls inward only slightly to absorb shock. Wear is even across the heel and forefoot. Neutral shoes offer balanced cushioning without corrective features.

Beyond gear

Overpronation

Your foot rolls inward excessively, often linked to flat feet or low arches. Wear is heavier on the inner edge of the shoe. Stability shoes provide extra support, such as reinforced midsoles, to guide your foot.

Beyond gear

Supination

Your foot stays on the outer edge, common with high arches. Wear concentrates on the outer sole. Neutral or cushioned shoes absorb impact without forcing correction.

Need extra support for pronation?

Stability & comfort: KS900 SUPPORT aligns your stride without compromise.

Men

Women

OUR EXPERT SELECTIONS

MATCH YOUR NEEDS

Beyond your stride, your experience level and body weight are the final keys to your perfect match. We’ve selected the best of our range to support your specific goals and protect your body, mile after mile.

ROAD RUNNING

ROAD RUNNING

Everyday Comfort & Discovery shoes selection

DAILY RUNS:

Focus on versatility. Perfect for starting out or varying your runs, this flexible model makes every mile easier to build your routine with pleasure.

Perfomance shoes selection

SPEED & PERFORMANCE

Step up your game. These lightweight, responsive models are perfect for interval training or tempo runs, providing immediate energy return with every stride.

MAX PROTECTION shoes selection

MAXIMAL CUSHIONING

Priority on protection. Our thick midsoles absorb shock to preserve your joints. Ideal for long runs, recovery, and long-lasting comfort.

ROAD RUNNING

TRAIL RUNNING

EASY TRAILS shoes selection

VERSATILITY & COMFORT

Generous cushioning and rugged protection to explore any trail with total confidence.

TRAIL RACING shoes selection

TRAIL RACING

Built for speed and precision. These models focus on reactivity with aggressive grip, from 10km trails to mountain marathons.

Rugged Terrain shoes selection

LONG DISTANCES

Aiming for an ultra? Protection and cushioning are vital. These robust shoes absorb impact on demanding terrain to keep you going, mile after mile.

THE TECH SPECS

6 KEY FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR

OUR SIGNATURE FOAMS: CHOOSE YOUR SENSATION

OUR SIGNATURE FOAMS: CHOOSE YOUR SENSATION


1. Cushioning & Comfort (SOFTECH™): Your joints’ best ally. Our SOFTECH foam is designed for pure comfort—a plush, airy recipe that absorbs impact so you can glide in a blissful, weightless rhythm. It’s not a luxury; it’s the key to finding joy in every movement.

2. Energy Return (FASTECH™): Unlock your extra gear. FASTECH is our recipe for joyful energy—a responsive, springy foam that turns effort into effortless momentum. It’s a serious engine designed for precision, making speed feel fun, bouncy, and exhilarating.

3. Stability & Control (SHIFTECH™): Total confidence in every stride. SHIFTECH acts as a mentor for your movement, providing a secure foundation without forcing your foot. It increases motion control and manages pronation, allowing you to push your limits with a solid sense of support.

TECHNICAL DESIGN: MASTER EVERY DETAIL

TECHNICAL DESIGN: MASTER EVERY DETAIL


4. The Drop: This is the height difference between the heel and the forefoot. A high drop (8-10 mm) reduces tension on the calves and Achilles tendons. A lower drop (6 mm or less) promotes a more natural midfoot strike and offers better stability, a major asset in trail running to better feel the terrain.

5. Grip & Traction: Don't let the ground dictate your pace. Look for aggressive lugs for superior trail traction on mud and rocks, or flat, durable outsoles engineered for maximum rubber contact and grip on city pavements.

6. Carbon Plate Technology: The ultimate springboard. When paired with our high-performance foams, the carbon plate maximizes energy return and structural stiffness, acting as a mechanical boost to shave seconds off your personal records.

THE PERFECT FIT & SHOE CARE

TRY THEM ON: TRUST YOUR FEELINGS

TRY THEM ON: TRUST YOUR FEELINGS

Technical specs are vital, but your feet are the final judge. Even the most advanced shoe must feel like a natural extension of your body. Comfort is non-negotiable.

When testing your future pair, follow these expert tips:

- Demand Instant Comfort: A great running shoe should feel perfect from the very first step. With modern materials, there is no "break-in" period. If you feel pinching, rubbing, or your heel slipping in the store, it will only get worse on the road.

- Test in Motion: Don't just stand there—move! Jog, jump, or walk to assess the dynamic fit. Your midfoot should feel securely locked down, while your toes must have enough freedom to splay naturally during impact.

- The Rule of Thumb: Your feet will swell during exercise. Always leave a thumb’s width of space (approx. 1cm) between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Expert tip: Try your shoes on in the afternoon or evening, wearing your usual running socks, to get the most realistic fit.

GO THE DISTANCE: CARE TIPS FOR LONGEVITY

GO THE DISTANCE: CARE TIPS FOR LONGEVITY

At KIPRUN, we’re proud to engineer shoes built to keep you moving for up to 1,000 kilometers. While our technology is designed for the long haul, a little maintenance goes a long way in preserving the "pop" of your foam and the grip of your soles.

- Air-Dry Naturally: After a wet or sweaty run, remove the insoles and let your shoes air-dry at room temperature. Never use a radiator or a hairdryer; extreme heat makes midsoles brittle and weakens the adhesives, leading to premature aging.

- Gentle Hand-Wash: Brush off mud and grit as soon as they dry to prevent them from damaging the mesh. For a deeper clean, use cold water and mild soap. Pro Tip: Never put your shoes in the washing machine—the mechanical cycle and detergents destroy the technical properties of our high-end foams.

- Smart Storage: Treat your shoes like your best teammate. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid leaving them in a hot car trunk, as extreme temperature swings can warp their shape and compromise performance.

THE KIPRUN PROMISE

We don’t believe in one shoe for everyone; we believe in the right shoe for you. Our diverse range is engineered to ensure every runner finds their unique match, regardless of their goal or terrain. Explore our collections today and discover the pair that will carry you to your next breakthrough.

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