The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo is a high-stack performance trainer built for runners who want a rockered shoe for their faster training. Its FastTech+ ATPU foam sits above a firmer EVA-based carrier, which the brand markets as False Plate technology, though in practice, it's simply a classic dual-layer midsole setup. This gives the midsole a structured, controlled feel, while the top layer adds some rebound for tempo runs, steady long runs, and pace changes. Because it has no plate, the shoe relies solely on its foam and geometry for propulsion, but its aggressive rocker makes it surprisingly rolling at top-end speeds. Despite its high stack, the shoe stays quite light thanks to the thin, sock-like upper, and its broad platform helps keep the tall midsole relatively stable underfoot. For Decathlon's running label, it fills a missing middle in the lineup: a serious performance trainer that sits between Kiprun's more basic shoes and its plated, race-focused super shoes.
Our Verdict
The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo is good enough for racing a marathon, though it won't feel as efficient as a dedicated long-distance super shoe. Its high stack height and excellent cushioning provide the protection needed for longer efforts, though the midsole itself feels more firm than plush. Also, the good energy return helps it feel reasonably lively when you settle into a steady rhythm. However, it lacks a plate, and its weight isn't super impressive by modern racing standards, so it won't feel as efficient and race-focused as true super shoes over marathon distances.
Fantastic underfoot protection.
Tall stack height.
Good bounce from the midosle.
No plate.
Not especially light for racing.
The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo is a passable choice for 5K/10K racing. Its good energy return and reasonably light build help it pick up the pace better than a standard daily trainer, but the forefoot feels only moderately firm, and the lack of a plate limits its snap at faster speeds. It can handle shorter races if you want a single shoe for training and occasional racing, but it won't feel as snappy and efficient as a dedicated 5K/10K racer.
Good bounce from the midosle.
No plate.
Not especially light for racing.
Not the snappiest forefoot.
The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo has good energy return. Its forefoot feels more energetic than the heel, which helps it come alive under load during tempo efforts or faster strides. The heel still feels only decent by comparison, but the midsole gives the shoe enough rebound to feel quite performance-oriented overall.
Good bounce from the midosle.
The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo has superb cushioning. Its tall midsole provides plenty of protection under both the heel and forefoot, making it a great option for runners who want a well-cushioned shoe for long runs, steady mileage, or harder efforts where impact protection still matters. That said, it doesn't have an extremely soft, sink-in feel, and its performance-oriented geometry can make it feel a bit harsher on easy miles than its cushioning score suggests. Still, it delivers a very protective underfoot experience, making it suitable for long runs.
Fantastic underfoot protection.
Tall stack height.
The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo is quite stable overall. Its wide outsole under the forefoot and sock-like gusseted tongue help keep the foot feel locked-down and planted. However, the softer, narrow heel makes the rearfoot a bit less supportive, so heel strikers or runners who need a very planted platform may notice some instability when cornering, running tired, or landing farther back. Still, this level of stability will be enough for most runners.
Stable forefoot platform.
No plate.
Soft heel feels less planted when landing.
The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo fits true to size overall, but it runs quite long. There's enough room at the arch to avoid feeling restrictive; however, the extra length makes the lockdown less precise, especially for faster efforts, and the lower forefoot height may feel a bit cramped despite the generous width.
Runs long.
Low forefoot height.
Performance Usages
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We bought and tested the Kiprun Kipride Tempo in men's US size 9, and here's the label for our pair. The pair we purchased is the Foggy blue / fluo neon pink, but you can also buy the shoe in other colors, depending on the region. This shoe isn't available in wide widths. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo is a high-stack, unplated uptempo trainer built for runners who want a cushioned but responsive shoe for workouts, faster daily training, and long runs with pace changes. In the broader market, it sits near unplated performance trainers like the R.A.D UFO and the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, since they all use a dual-layered midsole to balance bounce and control without relying on a plate. The Kipstorm Tempo's top ATPU layer adds the livelier, more responsive feel, while the firmer CMEVA carrier helps stabilize the tall platform. The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is an even better dual-density option if you want stronger long-distance protection with similar pace versatility, though it isn't quite as nimble as the Kiprun.
Within Kiprun's lineup, this model is part of a broader reset around clearer road-running categories and more serious midsole compounds. The Kipstorm Tempo falls within their faster-running range, below more race-focused models like the Kiprun Kipstorm Challenger and Kiprun Kipstorm Elite. On the other end, the Kiprun Kipride and Kiprun Kipride Max cover daily training and cushioned mileage.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, as well as the best long-distance running shoes and the best shoes for running a marathon.
The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo and ASICS MEGABLAST are two versatile shoes with similar weight, but they have a few important differences. The ASICS uses a full slab of A-TPU foam rather than just a top layer, which helps make it more cushioned and slightly more responsive overall. Its ride relies heavily on the midsole's bounce, giving it a more energetic, dynamic feel underfoot. The Kiprun takes a slightly more restrained approach, with a ride that feels a bit more conventional and controlled, as the shoe relies more on its aggressive geometry to help you generate propulsion. Meanwhile, the Kiprun's mesh upper gives it a more breathable and stripped-back feel.
The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo and R.A.D UFO are both cushioned, versatile trainers, but their midsoles give them different personalities. The R.A.D uses a dual-density full-PEBA midsole, which creates a bouncier, more energetic underfoot feel while remaining quite stable laterally. The Kiprun uses a supercritical A-TPU top layer for rebound with a firmer EVA carrier layer that adds structure. That gives the Kiprun a very cushioned ride, especially at higher forces, while still feeling lighter and more nimble overall.
The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo and ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 are both marketed as versatile shoes for a wide range of distances and paces, and both use an A-TPU top layer over an EVA-based carrier. In practice, the ASICS pushes that formula further: it has a higher stack, more cushioning, and better long-run protection because its impact absorption stays more consistent as the distance builds. The Kiprun is only a few grams heavier, and its forefoot is a bit more snappy, but the ASICS feels bouncier and more protective overall, making it the stronger option for longer runs with pace variations.
We buy and test running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes so team members can log in miles. This real-world testing is conducted at various paces and conditions, across different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
