Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe review – verdict, price, comparison, who it suits

Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe upper

The upper of the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe is made from a tightly woven mesh with better-than-average breathability. It does not have large ventilation holes, but the many small openings keep it airy. The upper material feels slightly coarse and firm rather than soft and stretchy, but it does not rub your feet. The rougher material initially looks durable, but it frays easily after extended use. There is little structure to it, and it conforms well to the foot; only the large Kiprun logo on the lateral side adds support to the upper.

For a relatively lightweight shoe designed for faster running, it is quite wide. The toe box is wide, but I found it very shallow. So much so that I tried it without the removable insole, which is 4 mm thick, and my foot had much more comfortable room inside. The upper provides good midfoot lockdown, and the heel is also wider than average. Lengthwise, it fits true to size for me, although many people say it runs long and fits larger than its stated size.

The upper makes it clear that performance takes priority over comfort. The tongue is thin, with strategically placed padding to protect against lace pressure. The tongue is attached, but instead of the usual side gussets, it is secured at the top eyelets, which makes the shoe a little harder to put on.

The heel collar also has minimal padding and is moderately stiff at the sides and back. However, a substantial plastic reinforcement runs along both sides at the base of the heel collar to improve foot support.

The thicker-than-average insole is removable and is not glued into the shoe.

Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe midsole

The midsole of the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe combines two foams with different properties. The lower layer is a firmer, stiffer EVA foam that is thicker at the heel and tapers towards the forefoot. This layer gives the shoe a high level of cushioning and better stability. On top sits a supercritical ATPU foam called Fastech+, which is softer, lighter and offers greater energy return. Together, the two layers create a midsole that leans towards a firmer, stiffer feel. It compresses slightly but rebounds strongly. Its torsional rigidity is high, much like that of a plated shoe, and it barely twists at all. You can immediately tell that this shoe is designed for faster running.

Somewhat at odds with this is the higher-than-average midsole, measuring 45 mm at the heel with an 8 mm drop. I found it slightly heel-heavy, encouraging heel or midfoot landings, which is also unusual for this type of faster running shoe. The forefoot rocker starts very early, making transitions extremely quick as the shoe tips you forward readily. The forefoot is wider than average, providing very good stability up front. The heel is narrow, but the thicker EVA foam helps stabilise the shoe there.

At slower paces, the midsole feels very stiff and firm. Despite its high level of cushioning, I would not recommend it at all for longer, low-intensity runs. At moderately brisk or race paces, when you push off with more force, you can bring the midsole to life. Both the geometry and the bouncy, firm midsole clearly help you run faster.

Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe outsole

The outsole of the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe uses a harder rubber compound, which benefits abrasion resistance but tends to reduce grip. To compensate for the rubber’s weaker grip, the outsole features a deep tread pattern with numerous closely spaced small grooves. It gripped well on dry surfaces, and traction was also fine in wet conditions. The outsole is unusually thick for this type of faster running shoe, and its tread is unusually deep. Since it is a thick, hard outsole by the standards of this category, its durability is better than the category average.

The outsole is segmented and does not cover the entire midsole, primarily to reduce weight. Given the shoe’s stiff midsole, the extensive outsole segmentation helps improve flexibility a little, although that is not its main purpose.

What is it like to run in the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe?

Cushioning and midsole

The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe has a higher-than-average midsole, which also provides a higher level of cushioning. The midsole combines two foams with different properties: a softer, lighter and more responsive top layer, and a harder, firmer layer underneath.

Despite its high stack, the Kipstorm Tempo is lightweight and stable.

Stability and guidance

The midsole of the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe is wider than average at the forefoot, improving stability. The heel is narrower, but the firmer EVA foam layer is thicker there, so stability is good at the heel too. The stiff, firmer-than-average midsole provides pronounced guidance through the stride. The 8 mm drop and slightly heel-heavy geometry encourage heel or midfoot landings, but I had no trouble landing on the forefoot at faster paces. The midsole has a pronounced forefoot rocker, which the firmer foam maintains, resulting in quick transitions.

Upper and comfort

The upper of the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe clearly prioritises performance over comfort. It has minimal padding and a thin, breathable construction. It is not uncomfortable, but comfort is not the main focus.

Footstrike and grip

The midsole geometry of the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe tends to encourage midfoot or heel landings. However, as this is a fast shoe, landing on the forefoot at higher paces does not feel uncomfortable either. The outsole uses a harder rubber that would offer only moderate grip on its own, but the deep, closely spaced grooves make a substantial difference to traction.

Pace and responsiveness

The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe clearly shows what it can do on faster runs. The firmer sole delivers its strongest rebound when you put more energy into it. The pronounced rocker geometry also promotes a quick roll through the stride.

The stiff midsole feels responsive at faster paces, but too firm on slow runs.

Long runs vs tempo runs vs training

The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe offers a high level of cushioning and good stability, making it suitable for longer runs too. However, its midsole is stiff, so for longer runs it is recommended only for experienced runners who want to cover the distance at a faster pace. There are better, more responsive options for racing, but the Kipstorm Tempo is already a fairly fast shoe, so you can race in it too.

This shoe is a good choice for tempo runs and race preparation.

Who is the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe recommended for – and who should avoid it?

The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe is recommended for experienced runners looking for a performance-focused running shoe for their faster workouts. It can be a good choice if breathability and low weight are priorities. It can also work well if you want to save your racing shoes from wear and need a more durable shoe that offers a similar pace and feel. The Kipstorm Tempo’s strength lies in its combination of speed, stability and an affordable price.

The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe is not recommended if you are looking for a comfortable, generously padded running shoe. Although it has a high midsole and good cushioning, this is a firmer shoe, so it is not recommended for beginners or walking. You can also use it for racing, but if you want to get the absolute most out of yourself and achieve your fastest performance, there are better choices than the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe, even within the brand.

Alternatives to the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoe – comparison

Is there a difference between the men’s and women’s Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoes?

There is no structural difference between the men’s and women’s Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo running shoes. Their midsoles are the same height and use the same materials. Kiprun does not officially specify this, but women’s versions are generally built on narrower lasts, so the women’s version may be narrower. The women’s Kipstorm Tempo weighs 190 grams in size 38, while the men’s weighs 225 grams in size 42. This is a significant difference of 20%, suggesting that they probably differ in width as well as length.