The Decathlon Kiprun XT8 is a trail running shoe that I have been using for a while now. It has accompanied me on numerous runs across different terrains, and after logging plenty of kilometers, it’s time to share my thoughts like I promised in the review that I published earlier on the Scarpa Golden Gate Kima RT trail running shoe. Enjoy the review!
- Price: €79,99 / £69,99
- Weight: 635.1 g UK 8 (Claimed 630g Mens UK 8, 570 g Ladies UK 5)
- Sizes: Men’s: UK 6.5 – 13 Women’s: UK 3.5 – 8
Fit
The Kiprun XT8 is designed for a standard to a bit wider foot shape and for persons up to 90kg. What is important to know is that this Decathlon shoe is only available in whole sizes. In my case the Kiprun XT8 in size 8 was too big, but realistically speaking the size 41 that I am reviewing here, is maybe a little bit snug. The length is fine – I have some play on the toes – but when I first tried them on, I noticed that the forefoot isn’t particularly wide. If you have broad feet, you might feel some pressure in this area, but for me, it worked out fine after running a couple of trails. The heel lock-in is excellent, and I never experienced any heel slip, even when running on steep inclines or rocky terrain. For the record: it features an 8 mm drop.
Weight
On my precise calibrated scale, the Kiprun XT8 in size UK 8 comes in at 635.1 g for the pair, which is only 5 g more than Decathlon’s claimed weight of 630 g. For a trail shoe this is a reasonable weight. It’s not the lightest trail running shoe out there but the weight is well balanced if you take the materials and price into account. If you’re used to minimalistic trail runners, you might find them a little on the heavier side, but for most trail runners, it won’t be an issue.
Snug Instep
Slipping into the Kiprun XT8 is straightforward but a bit cramped. I need to loosen the laces more than I am used to with some other trail shoes. Once inside, the fit feels snug and locked in, which is great for stability. The padded tongue ensures there’s no uncomfortable pressure on the top of the foot, and the shoe gives a reassuringly secure feel.
Lacing
The flat laces work well and provide a secure fit without causing discomfort. The eyelets are cut directly into the reinforced fabric of the upper. I was curious to see how well these would hold up over time, and after plenty of runs, they are still in excellent condition. The laces stay tied during runs, and I haven’t had any issues with them coming loose mid-run, even on long distances or technical descents. One little thing that I don’t like: the laces are ridiculously long so I have to tie them down with a double looped knot. Or… I could have used a pair of scissors.
Construction
The upper of the Kiprun XT8 is made from a durable synthetic mesh and reinforced overlays in key areas that add to the durability, especially around the toe box and sides, where trail shoes often wear out first. Breathability is super, making the shoe comfortable for long runs in warmer dry weather, but the trade-off is that fine sand and water can get inside when running in wet or sandy conditions.
Midsole & Cushioning
The Kiprun XT8 features an EVA midsole which is designed to absorb shock and provide a smooth run. The heel cushioning is particularly noticeable. It is helping to reduce fatigue on long runs and making descents feel controlled. The forefoot, however, is not overly cushioned, giving the shoe a firmer and more responsive feel. I personally like this balance because it provides enough protection without feeling overly soft or unstable on technical terrain.
Outsole & Grip
The outsole is one of the standout features of this shoe. It has 5mm deep lugs that provide good traction on muddy trails, loose gravel, and even rocky surfaces although on wet rocky surfaces I felt a bit less secure from time to time. The lug pattern is designed with different zones: the forefoot area is optimized for propulsion and grip, while the heel section is built for braking and stability on descents.
One minor downside is that the outsole doesn’t perform as well in deep sand. If you run on sandy trails or the beach often, you might find that the lugs aren’t aggressive enough to provide the best traction. However, for most other terrains, they work well.
In Practice
After testing the Kiprun XT8 across different terrains, I can confidently say that it holds up well over time. The shoe provides a stable ride, with good grip and enough cushioning for long-distance runs for a long period of time. That said, I notice that the stability after a year, especially in the area where I land my feet when running, is getting worn out. More than with some other trail running shoes that I own, like the Scarpa Golden Gate Kima RT trail running shoe that I reviewed. After a while I also noticed that the white on the sides of the midsole is a paint and it wears off. The true color of the midsole is blue.
I appreciate the breathability on warm days, but in wet conditions, water does get in fairly quickly. Running through puddles and ‘rivers’ is refreshing. So they get wet easily but the shoes also dry out reasonably fast. Taking the removable insole out helps! One thing to note is that fine debris like sand or small pebbles can sometimes make their way inside so I had to empty the shoes regularly on those kinds of trails. This might be a consideration depending on where you run.
Verdict
For its price, the Kiprun XT8 offers exceptional value for money. Except for the white paint on the sides of the midsole, it’s durable, provides great traction and is comfortable enough for longer runs. While it’s not the lightest shoe on the market, it makes up for it with stability and protection. If you often run in wet conditions or on very sandy trails, you might want to look for something with a more enclosed upper or deeper lugs. However, for most runners tackling mixed terrain, the Kiprun XT8 is a solid choice.
The Decathlon Kiprun XT8 is a fantastic budget-friendly trail running shoe that delivers mostly excellent grip, durability, and comfort. It performs well on most terrains and offers a stable and responsive run. At € 79,99 / £69,99, it is an absolute bargain considering the quality.
Information
Link to the manufacturer for your convenience: Decathlon
