Kiprun Kipsummit Review: The Toy in the Attic

Introduction to the Kiprun Kipsummit

JOHN: This review is an absolute treat for me. I’ve been wanting to test Kiprun for a while now, not just because the shoes look cool and interesting, but also because the company seems very environmentally conscious, extremely focused on runners of all abilities, and the shoes are priced very reasonably.

In fact, I’ve wanted to try Kiprun from the moment I learned about them, and I’m extremely thankful to Believe in the Run for letting me review a pair. I tested out the Kipsummit on a long training run with Virginia Happy Trails Running Club at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park right before a snowstorm hit. Even though we dodged the snow, it was around single digits, which seemed perfect for testing out the Kipsummit! Thank you, Lauren, for putting on the run. Now, let’s see how the Kipsummit performed.

MELISSA: This was my first experience with Kiprun, a brand I honestly hadn’t heard much about before this. So I came into this one pretty curious. The first thing that stood out to me was the look. The Kipsummit has a clean design and nice colorways that don’t scream “budget shoe,” which is impressive given the $130 price point.

In a world where trail shoes are pushing well past $160 or even $200, that price immediately gets your attention. It’s clear Kiprun is trying to create something accessible for a wide range of runners, and I was interested to see how it stacked up on the trail.

I took the Kipsummit out on a couple of trail runs to get a feel for the ride and see where it might fit in a trail rotation.

What we like about the Kiprun Kipsummit

JOHN: So one thing television series are missing these days is filler episodes. We need them back desperately. Breaking Bad, Twin Peaks, The Sopranos, I can go on, utilized the filler and did it well. To me, the Kipsummit is a filler episode. That’s not a bad thing — you don’t need high-dollar shoot-the-moon shoes for every run!

Let’s break down this nice change of pace, inexpensive option:

I really enjoy the pull tabs on the front and back of the shoe. They’re great for slipping on quickly. Being a dad, I’m constantly in a hurry, and every second counts. Also, I absolutely love the fit of the Kipsummit. It gave my foot enough room and felt very comfortable during a long run in single-digit temps. The shoe is also very protective. I’ll touch on one spot I didn’t enjoy in a bit, but for the most part, it was very good. The Kipsummit’s grip was reliable in the mud, and it drained water well.

For the most part, the Kipsummit was a fun shoe to run in!

Now, the best part of all, in addition to the company being extremely environmentally mindful and catering to all runners, is the price. As you probably know, I like inexpensive shoes and finding bargains, and the $130 price tag is stunning in today’s world.

MELISSA: The biggest highlight here is the value. For runners looking for an affordable option to get on the trails, the Kipsummit definitely earns some points. At $130, it sits well below many trail shoes currently on the market, making it a pretty approachable entry point for runners curious about trail running.

I also really like the overall aesthetic. The design feels modern and well put together, and the colorways are sharp. It’s a good-looking shoe.

Underfoot, the ride feels fairly smooth and approachable. Kiprun positions the Kipsummit as a versatile “workhorse” trail shoe built to handle a variety of terrain. In some ways, the ride actually reminded me a bit more of a road shoe adapted for trail use. Because of that, I could see this working well for runners transitioning from road to trail or for those who prefer a more road-like feel on less technical terrain, such as dirt paths, gravel roads, or smoother singletrack.

What we don’t like about the Kiprun Kipsummit

JOHN: There are a lot of rip tags on the tongue of each shoe. If you’re in a hurry for a group run or race, make sure you remove these beforehand. Not that big of a criticism, but it is annoying if you don’t get them before you do a run. As mentioned earlier, the shoe is very protective overall, but the toe guard is a bit lacking. I kicked a rock, and it didn’t feel great.

So, on group runs, I tend to get dropped from time to time. I didn’t like pushing the pace in this shoe. If I pushed pace, it kinda felt like a brick. Now, don’t get me wrong, this shoe is fully capable of good trail runs. It’s sturdy, protective, and feels good going up and down hills and on varying surfaces. I just didn’t like pushing pace. It’s more of an easy pace type shoe for me, and for the $130 price tag, you really shouldn’t be expecting the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail.

Set proper expectations because at times this shoe can be a bumpy ride. It’s serviceable. Again, think filler episode, like when the alien creature took over the ship in Cowboy Bebop. Was it a filler episode? Yes, was it highly entertaining? Also yes! That’s how I look at the ride of the Kipsummit.

MELISSA: Unfortunately, the fit didn’t quite work for me. I have a wider forefoot, and the toe box felt fairly snug. After a couple of runs, I started developing hot spots around my pinky toe area, which made it tough for me to keep testing beyond those initial outings. Runners with more narrow feet may appreciate the more secure fit, but those with wider forefeet may find it a bit restrictive on longer efforts.

The upper also felt a little bulky for the amount of protection it actually provides. If anything, I’d love to see a bit less bulk up top and a little more emphasis on trail-specific protection underfoot. I also didn’t find the upper material to be as breathable as some other trail shoes I’ve run in, which could be noticeable on warmer runs.

Underfoot, the cushioning leaned on the firmer side, which may appeal to runners who prefer a more controlled ride. The ride itself felt more road-like than I typically prefer in a trail shoe. At times, it felt like a road platform with trail tread added. That may actually work well for runners who like a smoother transition from pavement to dirt, but for me, it didn’t quite deliver the trail feel I usually look for.

I also noticed some knee and back discomfort during my runs in this shoe, which isn’t something I typically experience. It’s possible the foam, stack height, or overall geometry just didn’t line up with my mechanics. I generally do better in shoes with a little more inherent stability, and the ride here seemed to aggravate some underlying hip issues.

Final thoughts on the Kiprun Kipsummit

JOHN: A $130 price tag. I can’t rip this shoe at all for that. Yes, I have a few nitpicks, but overall it’s pretty comfortable, sturdy, and stable on varying surfaces. Any trail shoe rotation can benefit from a shoe like that. This shoe reminded me a lot of the Atreyu Base Trail — but I’m mainly just reminiscing about a trail shoe for $130 and under. I feel like this is a solid option for someone getting into trail running, a young person in school on a budget who needs trail shoes, or that older weirdo like me who needs a big rotation of shoes to eat up miles.

Basically, in my opinion, the Kipsummit works for everyone. I feel like if you have realistic expectations with this shoe, you won’t be disappointed. It’s an enjoyable low-budget indie movie that’s extremely refreshing. The Kipsummit is an amazing filler episode. I put it on for that run where you aren’t going for it, but not doing straight junk miles either. Like the lost filler episodes from today’s shows, the Kipsummit belongs. It’s not a bad shoe at all, just set expectations accordingly.

MELISSA: Even though the Kipsummit wasn’t the best match for me personally, I do think there’s a runner out there for this shoe. If you’re someone who likes a road-style ride and wants a shoe that can handle light trails, gravel paths, or mixed surfaces, this could be a good option, especially considering the price.

For runners with wider feet or those who prefer a more traditional trail feel with a roomier toe box and more coverage, this one may be a little harder to dial in. Overall, the Kipsummit feels like a practical, every-day option or road-to-trail hybrid that keeps things simple and accessible. At $130, it’s a solid choice for runners who are curious about trail running but don’t want to commit to a higher-end shoe.

You can pick up the Kiprun Kipsummit for $130 from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the buttons below.