I’ve been testing Kiprun running shoes for years but the brand has only just launched its line-up in the U.S., and it’s the perfect time to do so because Kiprun has been firing on all cylinders with its new releases in 2026.
The comfortable Kiprun Kipride Max and trail-focused Kipsummit Max have both impressed me, but the star of the show is the Kiprun Kipride Tempo; a max-stack super-trainer that delivers a highly versatile ride at a more affordable price than is typical for shoes of its type.
It undercuts some of the best running shoes available, like the Asics Megablast and Adidas Hyperboost Edge, while offering a similar level of performance.
The Kipstorm Tempo is not quite as good value in the U.S. as it is elsewhere, but it’s still cheaper than its rivals and worth considering if you’re looking for an all-rounder or speed shoe for your running shoe rotation.
Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo review: price and availability
The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo launched in the U.S. in April 2026 and costs $170, making it more affordable than most super-trainers, which usually cost $200+. It’s an exceptional value in the U.K., priced at £120 and frequently reduced to £99.
Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo review: Design and fit
The Kipstorm Tempo is currently available in two colors, including the grey and blue design I tested. I found that going half a size down on my normal running shoe size created the best fit, as Kiprun shoes often come up a bit long in my experience.
With a midsole stack height of 45mm at the heel and 37mm at the forefoot, the Kipstorm Tempo is a very cushioned shoe, but it’s still impressively lightweight at 8.3oz in a US men’s 9.5, making it lighter than other super-trainers, including the Megablast and Superblast 3.
Upper
The Kipstorm Tempo has a knit upper which has a close fit around the toes, especially on the outside of the foot — it can rub a little in that area in my experience, but it never caused significant discomfort for me, even on long runs.
I found the upper breathable enough, though I used the shoe in mild or cold conditions, and it held the foot well during faster runs.
Midsole
The sizeable midsole on the Kipstorm Tempo uses two different foams, with a larger top layer of Kiprun’s Fastech Plus foam, which is a supercritical ATPU material, and a bottom layer of firmer compression-moulded EVA foam to create more stiffness and stability.
This combination of foams, along with the compression-moulded sock liner on the shoe, creates a responsive, comfortable ride that works well for a wide range of runs, from easy plods to fast workouts.
Outsole
The Kipstorm Tempo uses a fairly thick layer of rubber to cover the forefoot and heel on the shoe, and it offered reliable grip during my testing of the shoe, which included a lot of runs in very wet conditions.
While there is some exposed foam on the bottom of the shoe, the key impact areas are covered and I have no fears about the durability of the Kipstorm Tempo’s outsole.
Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo review: Running performance
After it received a strong recommendation from a friend, I was excited to test the Kipstorm Tempo and it hasn’t disappointed. I’ve used it for a wide variety of runs, including a 15-mile long run, interval and tempo workouts and plenty of easy, steady daily training.
For such a large shoe, the Kipstorm Tempo feels nimble at faster paces, and it transitions quickly from heel to toe. Some max-stack super-trainers feel a bit clumsy during workouts, but not the Kipstorm Tempo.
The foam in the midsole is firmer than some, like the FF Leap in the Asics Superblast 3, but I still found the shoe comfortable for long runs, and the Fastech Plus material on the Kipstorm Tempo delivers a lot of energy return, especially at faster speeds.
I also enjoyed cruising around in the shoe at an easy pace. It’s certainly comfortable enough for this, and unless you need extra support from your running shoe, I don’t think it’s too unstable to use day in, day out for your training.
Should you buy the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo?
The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo is one of my favorite running shoes of 2026 so far, and I rate it among the best daily trainers available purely on performance. When you add in its relatively low price, it becomes even more compelling.
In the U.K., it’s an easy shoe to recommend because it’s so cheap, but even in the U.S., I’d pick it ahead of shoes like the Megablast and Hyperboost Edge because it’s more affordable. The Megablast might still have the edge on pure performance for me, because its midsole foam is even better than the Kiprun’s, but it’s close.
There are a couple of cheaper shoes you could look at in the U.S. if you’d prefer to stick with a lower-stack daily trainer, like the Hoka Mach 7 and Saucony Endorphin Azura. These are both lightweight, versatile shoes, though not as cushioned and bouncy as the Kipstorm Tempo.
I’m delighted that Kiprun has finally made its move into the U.S. market in general, as the brand is going from strength to strength with its top running shoes, and the Kipstorm Tempo is a great place to start if you’ve never tried a Kiprun shoe before.
