Kiprun, the France-based running shoe brand backed by 30 years of footwear expertise, has officially launched in the United States with an exclusive retail partnership through Running Warehouse. The move marks a significant expansion for a brand that has built a strong reputation in Europe but remained largely unknown to American runners until now, and it arrives at a moment when the US running shoe market is more competitive — and more receptive to new entrants — than ever before.
The initial US lineup includes two models that showcase Kiprun's technological approach. The Kipstorm Tempo is a lightweight, non-plated supertrainer designed for tempo runs and uptempo daily training. It features an A-TPU midsole — an amorphous thermoplastic polyurethane foam that Kiprun claims delivers energy return comparable to the PEBA-based foams found in shoes costing significantly more. The Kipstorm Tempo retails at $170, undercutting similarly positioned shoes from Nike, Adidas, and New Balance by $30 to $60.
The second model, the Kip Summit Max, targets the trail running market with a maximum-cushioned platform that pairs the same A-TPU foam with a protective rock plate and aggressive outsole lugs. At $150, it represents one of the most affordable high-cushion trail shoes available, competing directly with the Hoka Tecton X3 and Salomon Ultra Glide 3 at a lower price point.
The Running Warehouse partnership gives Kiprun access to one of the most influential specialty running retailers in the US, reaching a core audience of serious runners who prioritise performance over brand loyalty. Early reviews from European runners have praised the A-TPU foam's responsiveness and durability, though questions remain about how the brand will build awareness in a market dominated by established players. If the performance matches the pricing, Kiprun could become one of the most talked-about new entries in the American running shoe landscape this year.