decathlon kalenji ld running shoes review
Kiprun LD (abbreviated as LD) is a running shoe designed for long-distance running. There are also Kiprun SD for short distances and Kiprace for racing. Among the three, this LD offers the best protection and stability. Let's discuss the features of this shoe:
1. Appearance
1. The first thing that catches the eye is the shoe's striking fluorescent yellow color, which many runners find irresistible. The appearance and color scheme are reminiscent of the fluorescent yellow of the Asics K22, but even brighter. The upper is made of a combination of fabric, heat-bonded film, and leather, with reinforced sections in the mid and rear parts. There is an external TPU stability frame around the ankle. The midsole features a semi-circular support strip and a honeycomb groove at the heel, which are the most noticeable parts of the shoe. The shoe uses stylish cylindrical laces with a touch of black for added sophistication.
2. In the midsole, you can see the first technology on the LD—Arkstab, which is the fluorescent yellow TPU support strip around the rear half of the shoe. On the inside, you can see the K-ONLY logo, which is said to accommodate various foot types and running styles. The official description is 'a single solution suitable for multiple stride types.' The honeycomb grooves at the heel are designed to enhance cushioning.
3. The outsole is covered with a large area of wear-resistant rubber. The Arkstab extends not only to the midsole sides but also to the heel bottom to provide anti-torsion. The horizontal flex grooves in the forefoot enhance flexibility during bending, while the longitudinal arc grooves serve as gait guidance lines. The rubber outsole is also quite thick, as seen in the bottom left image.
The above is a detailed introduction to the LD. Now, let's talk about the experience of using this shoe:
2. Experience
The single shoe weight of the LD is about 305 grams (US size 8.5), which is comparable to top-tier running shoes. However, running for a long time can make them feel cumbersome. Its HTD is 10mm, making it suitable for heel-first running. For ordinary EVA material, you might feel it harden and lose performance after 15 kilometers or even 10 kilometers. However, long-distance testing of the LD showed that the K-RING cushioning and rebound in the heel still performed well, which is commendable. The outsole's durability and grip are also decent.
Yesterday, I did a 10-kilometer medium-fast run and found the shoe's wrap-around fit to be excellent, and its breathability was very good. However, the stability was not as good as expected. After long runs, the shoe tends to tilt slightly outward. Personally, I prefer a soft, flat horseshoe-shaped heel. Additionally, as a common issue with long-distance running shoes, the LD is relatively heavy to ensure good support, stability, and elasticity. The weight of about 305 grams per shoe can affect pace and performance in the latter half of a marathon (my usual running shoes are the K22, which weigh around 300 grams and have the same issue). On the plus side, the running traction grooves on the bottom of the LD are very comfortable and can help correct and encourage proper running posture to some extent.
3. Overall Evaluation
The Kiprun LD running shoes maintain good cushioning and rebound even after long-distance runs, and their breathability is quite good. This makes them capable of meeting basic performance needs, and they exhibit stable performance, which is characteristic of a good long-distance running shoe. Considering they are priced under 500 yuan, their cost-effectiveness is quite high.