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The Kiprun Kipstorm Elite is a carbon plate running shoe that offers exceptional value in the UK, though it’s priced in line with other racing options around the rest of the world. It’s not the lightest super-shoe, but has a fast and natural ride that’s a bit more stable than most, and is a durable option that can handle a lot training and racing.
While it doesn’t hit the standards of the best carbon plate running shoes for pure speed, the Kipstorm Elite is a fast shoe with some attributes that might make it an attractive option to some runners, especially in the UK thanks to its relatively low price.
Design & Key Stats
- Price: £180/$250/€240
- Weight: 217g/7.7oz (men’s UK 8/EU 42)
- Drop: 5mm
- Stack: 39mm heel, 34mm forefoot
- Upper: Seamless 3D knit upper
- Midsole: Fasttech+ – supercritical ATPU surrounding a supercritical PEBA insert with full-length carbon plate
- Outsole: Rubber on forefoot and heel
Kiprun Kipstorm Elite review
How’s The Fit
Nick and Kieran tested the Kiprun Kipstorm Elite for our review and both found that it came up a bit long, so would advise going at least half a size down on your normal running shoe size. Once the fit is right for length, the upper is comfortable and we had no problems with rubbing or hotspots, which has been a concern with some of Kiprun’s older racing shoes.
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The Run Test: Likes
The blend of foams in the midsole of the Kipstorm Elite works well in creating a fast, bouncy ride, even if it’s not as squishy and springy as some options like the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0. Every time we’ve done fast runs in the shoe it has impressed, and it has a higher level of comfort than many super-shoes, which means it can handle slightly slower paces well.
It’s also a more natural and stable ride than that of many carbon plate racers, and the rocker on the Kipstorm Elite, while not being as dramatic or aggressive as some, is effective in pushing you onto your forefoot where the combo of foams and carbon plate come to life to propel you on your way.
Kiprun has a well-deserved record for making durable running shoes, and that will extend to the Kipstorm Elite, and thanks to its more stable ride you’ll be able to use it for a lot of training along with your racing.
Given the low price of the shoe in the UK, all of the above makes the Kipstorm Elite an attractive option for those on a budget, since you can use it as a trainer/racer and it’s considerably cheaper than most other carbon shoes at full price.
The Run Test: Dislikes
While it’s not a heavy shoe, the Kipstorm Elite is heavier than most of the new carbon plate racers we’re testing these days, with the trend being towards hyperlight shoes than come in around 170g in a UK 9, whereas the Kipstorm Elite is 217g in a UK 8. That extra weight is never welcome in a racer.
It’s also doesn’t feel as fast as our top carbon options, like the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo and Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3, which have more aggressively rockered or bouncy rides. The Kiprun Kipstorm Lab is also lighter and faster, and we hope to see that shoe or a similar top-level racer get a wider launch from Kiprun.
Finally, while the Kipstorm Elite is good value in the UK, that’s not really the case in the US or Europe, where there are superior racers available at the same price or less. Even in the UK, you might find a deal on an older racing shoe like the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 or Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris that makes it cheaper than the Kipstorm Elite, and the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 is only £30 more expensive and a more impressive racer in our opinion.
Verdict And Alternatives
Kiprun has had a very strong start to 2026, releasing a couple of the best running shoes we’ve tested so far this year in the Kiprun Kipride Max and Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo. The Kipstorm Elite is not as attractive an option as those shoes are in their categories, with other super-shoes offering lighter, faster designs.
The Kipstorm Elite might still work for some runners though, especially in the UK thanks to its low price. It’s a more stable shoe than many racers, and can be used for a lot of training as well. That said, if you’re looking for a more natural ride from a racer, the Hoka Rocket X3 and Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 also offer it in lighter designs that offer more speed.
Kiprun has shown it can make a high-class racing shoe with the Kipstorm Lab, and the Kipstorm Elite is certainly a good shoe, so it will be interesting to see how the brand’s racing line develops in the future.