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.
Changelog
-
Updated Jul 07, 2026:
We've updated the Popular Comparisons section to add more context to Kiprun's running line-up and help distinguish between their racing shoe options.
- Updated Jun 22, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.12, which fixes how we measure firmness, a component of the Stability and 5K/10K Racing usages. There may be inconsistencies between the text and the scores for these usages, but the scores should still be considered valid. We've also brought back the Energy Return score and added two new usages: Daily Training and Long Run. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Jun 22, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.11, adding two new rocker measurements to the Design section, and three new responsiveness tests to the Performance section. The Energy Return usage score has been replaced with Responsiveness. Check out the details in our changelog.
- Updated May 25, 2026: Review published.
Check Price
We've bought and tested more than 250 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
Test Results
Energy Return
Stability
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.
Cushioning
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.
Responsiveness
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.
True To Size
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.
Check Price
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, the most versatile racing shoe, and the Kiprun Kipstorm Elite, the more accessible racing option. 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 Kiprun Kipstorm Challenger are both performance shoes from Decathlon's running line, but they're built for different jobs. The Tempo is the unplated uptempo trainer, with a taller heel stack, deeper cushioning, and a rockered geometry that helps it roll through workouts, long runs, and faster daily mileage. The Challenger is the more aggressive shoe overall, coming in much lighter, with a carbon plate and much more energy returned through the heel and forefoot, which gives it a more propulsive ride for race day and faster efforts.
The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo and Dynafish Xiaonian are both versatile trainers that can handle daily mileage but feel most at home during uptempo running. The Dynafish is lighter and uses a full-length TPEE midsole that feels much bouncier and more energetic overall, while still providing plenty of protection for longer runs. The Kiprun is higher stacked, with its FastTech+ A-TPU foam sitting above a firmer EVA-based carrier layer, creating a more controlled ride that feels slightly less propulsive. It also has quite an aggressive geometry that feels less forgiving.
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 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.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We bought and tested the Kiprun Kipstorm 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.
