Disclaimer: The Run Testers sometimes use affiliate links. This means that we may receive payment if you buy products on our website or YouTube. Our use of affiliates supports the channel and does not affect how we review shoes, tech or gear.
The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo is a plateless performance shoe designed to handle faster sessions and tempo efforts. It uses a high stack of responsive foam combined with a firmer stabilising layer to create a shoe that aims to bridge the gap between daily trainers and race shoes.
On paper it looks similar to many super trainers, but the key difference is price. At just under £120 in the UK, the Kipstorm Tempo is significantly cheaper than the majority of its closest competitors while promising similar versatility.
The goal of the shoe is simple: provide a lightweight, energetic ride that works well for tempo sessions, long runs at marathon pace, and steady workouts, while still being comfortable enough for everyday training.
After we tested the shoe across a mix of long runs, tempo efforts, easy runs and faster sessions, it was clear that it’s one of the best running shoes to arrive over the past year.
Design & Key Stats
- Price: £119/$169.95
- Weight: 232g/8.2oz (men’s UK 8/US 9)
- Drop: 8mm
- Stack: 45mm heel, 37mm forefoot
- Upper: Breathable knitted sock-style upper
- Midsole: FastTech Plus foam with CMEVA stabilising layer
- Outsole: Thick rubber coverage
Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo review
The Fit
The Kipstorm Tempo fits on the roomy side, with noticeably more space in the toe box than in many other performance-focused shoes. Some testers found that going half a size down produced a better overall fit, especially if they preferred a more dialled-in feel for faster running.
The toe box itself is fairly spacious and allows plenty of room for the toes to splay, which can be beneficial during longer runs. The upper material is flexible and moves naturally with the foot, which helps prevent any pressure points around the forefoot.
Through the midfoot the shoe provides a secure wrap thanks to its sock-like design and lacing system. The laces allow for a good level of lockdown without creating pressure across the top of the foot.
Around the heel there is a moderate level of padding that strikes a good balance between comfort and weight. Overall the fit feels comfortable and secure, although runners who prefer a tighter performance fit may want to consider sizing down slightly.
Check out more of the best marathon running shoes
The Run Test: Likes
The standout feature of the Kipstorm Tempo is the ride. The combination of the high stack and responsive foam delivers a lively, energetic feel that makes it enjoyable to run in. There is plenty of cushioning underfoot, but the shoe never feels overly soft or sinky. Instead, it provides a firmer, snappier rebound that helps maintain a quick turnover.
The transition from heel to toe is smooth and efficient. The geometry of the shoe helps roll the foot forward nicely, which makes it particularly well suited to tempo runs and longer efforts at steady paces. It feels like the shoe gives a small amount of assistance when holding marathon pace, helping the runner maintain rhythm without feeling forced into a faster stride.
Despite the large stack height, the Kipstorm Tempo also feels surprisingly light and agile. The weight is comparable to some of the lightweight super trainers currently available, and on the run it never feels bulky. This makes it capable of handling a wide range of sessions, from longer steady runs to tempo workouts and even shorter intervals.
Another positive is the stability. The firmer foam layer underneath helps control the ride and prevents the shoe from feeling unstable despite its height. This gives the shoe a reassuring level of support during longer runs, particularly when fatigue starts to set in.
The outsole also performed well during testing. The thick rubber coverage provides reliable grip, even in wet conditions, and should offer good durability over longer mileage.
Finally, the biggest positive is the value. At its UK price point the Kipstorm Tempo offers performance that competes with significantly more expensive super trainers.
The Run Test: Dislikes
While the dual-density midsole works well overall, the firmer layer underneath can occasionally create a slightly slappy feeling on the road. It does not ruin the ride, but it does make the shoe feel a little firmer compared with some other high-stack trainers that use softer foams throughout.
The ride is also not quite as lively as some premium competitors. Shoes that use full-length high-end foams can feel slightly more energetic and fun when running fast. The Kipstorm Tempo still performs very well, but it lacks that extra layer of bounce found in some of the top-tier models.
The roomy fit may also be a drawback for some runners. Those who prefer a snug racing-style fit might find the toe box a little too spacious unless they size down.
Verdict And Alternatives
The Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo is one of the most impressive value performance trainers currently available. It delivers a high-stack, energetic ride that works particularly well for tempo sessions, marathon-pace efforts and longer workouts, while still being comfortable enough to use for everyday training.
What makes the shoe stand out is the balance it strikes between cushioning, responsiveness and stability. The dual-density midsole provides plenty of bounce without becoming unstable, and the lightweight build makes it feel more agile than many other shoes with a similar stack height.
In terms of alternatives, the shoe sits in a similar category to models like the Asics Superblast 3 and the Asics Megablast. Those shoes offer slightly livelier midsoles, but they also cost considerably more. The Kipstorm Tempo manages to deliver a similar style of performance at a far lower price.
Other shoes worth considering include the Adidas Adizero Evo SL, which is lighter and more focused on faster workouts, and the Hoka Mach 7, which provides a smoother and more fluid ride but with less cushioning. Compared to those options, the Kipstorm Tempo offers a more balanced combination of comfort, speed and versatility.
Overall, this is a shoe that performs well across a wide range of runs and represents exceptional value for money. For runners looking for a non-plated performance trainer that can handle everything from steady miles to fast training sessions, the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo is definitely worth a look.