THE KIPSUMMIT RACE

THE KIPSUMMIT RACE

Carbon Plated Trail Running Shoe

Women’s

Men's

KIPSUMMIT RACE product view

A new era for trail running

A new stride is arriving on forest and mountain trails. The KIPSUMMIT RACE is the first carbon-plated trail running shoe engineered by KIPRUN. It is designed to support your performance goals. This model pairs high responsiveness with proven real-world durability. It is built to perform well on short courses. It is also ready for 106-mile ultra-marathons like the UTMB® or the Western States Endurance Run 100®.

A VISUAL IDENTITY INSPIRED BY THE EXTREME

Intense exhaustion? Ultra-distance runners know it by heart. This unique sensory experience, specific to trail runners, is what drove the design of the KIPSUMMIT RACE. A true visual signature, its chevron pattern embodies speed and constant forward momentum.

The design team set out to build a shoe that provides a serious advantage for trail runners. You can watch our behind the design video to see how our teams developed this project.

Propulsion and stability across all profiles

FASTECH+® technology and carbon plate: This combination provides exceptional energy return. It guarantees maximum propulsion with every stride. SCF® 100% ATPU foam: This technical compound scores an impressive 78% for dynamism. You get a highly responsive stride. The cushioning helps protect your muscle efficiency over long distances. Patented upper and sock construction: The upper is lightweight and highly breathable. The integrated sock construction prevents small stones and trail debris from entering the shoe. A dedicated lace-lock system ensures a secure fit.

Ce qui fait la différence
  • 1. INTEGRATED LACE KEEPER: A discreet elastic band on the tongue to securely tuck away your laces, preventing them from catching on trail brush or vegetation.
  • 2. PATENTED UPPER: Exclusive patented upper: lightweight, breathable, and highly durable.
  • 3. CARBON PLATE: Patented carbon plate for exceptional energy return while ensuring excellent stability.
  • 4. FASTECH+ FOAM: Fastech+ foam for plush cushioning and optimal energy return.
  • 5. VIBRAM® OUTSOLE: 4 mm Vibram® Megagrip Litebase lugs for maximum grip and traction on all terrains.
KIPSUMMIT RACE: Absolute grip with Vibram® outsoles

Absolute grip with Vibram® outsoles

To maintain control on technical and slippery surfaces, the outsole uses premium Vibram® rubber. The Vibram® Megagrip Litebase technology is paired with 4 mm Traction Lug shapes. This provides excellent uphill traction. It also ensures dependable downhill grip in all weather conditions.

Co-created and validated by champions

This shoe is the result of close teamwork with our professional athletes. European Champion Thomas Cardin worked directly with the design team through every prototype phase. He is the winner of the Ultra Trail Chianti Castles (Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB®), Les Templiers, and SaintéLyon. He also proved its versatility by finishing 3rd at the 2025 Marathon du Mont-Blanc 26-mile race. The outstanding performances achieved by Thomas Cardin and Blandine L'Hirondel prove this shoe is built to reach the highest peaks.

Thomas Cardin: Kipsummit Race

"We wanted to design a shoe to win. This KIPSUMMIT RACE combines our technical expertise and field experience to allow you to win your trail races."

- Thomas Cardin

KIPSUMMIT RACE:Proven durability beyond 1,200 miles

Proven durability beyond 1,200 miles


This shoe is built to last on the trails. Our prototypes completed more than 3.2 million feet of cumulative elevation gain during testing phases.

Our long-distance testers confirmed the durability of the footwear over serious mileage.

○ Multiple testers ran well past 870 miles and 1,080 miles.

○ One tester logged 1,277 miles and nearly 328,000 feet of elevation gain on a single pair.

Go deeper into KIPRUN

Stories, innovation and expertise behind our athletes and products.