Decathlon’s running brand is entering the competitive U.S. market with athlete-engineered shoes, strategic specialty-retail partnerships and a 2026 launch designed to introduce its European performance line to American runners
One of Europe’s major running brands will soon make its debut in the competitive United States market.
France-founded Kiprun, an offshoot of global sporting goods giant Decathlon, is hoping to sway American runners with its footwear line and prominent European presence, sponsoring athletes like 2025 10,000-meter World Champion Jimmy Gressier and world trail running champion Blandine L’Hirondel.
“Our launch in the U.S. is a natural next step in our aspirations of becoming a global brand, and something we’ve been working towards for the last two years,” Kiprun’s chief marketing officer, Julien Vancauwenberghe, told Athletech News.
“We’re already trusted by runners in more than 70 countries, but we know there is a tremendous opportunity to bring high-performance products to one of the world’s most vibrant running communities,” Vancauwenberghe added.
The announcement comes at the end of a successful year for the brand’s athletes — including Gressier and L’Hirondel — with strategic timing during one of America’s largest running annual conferences and running specialty trade shows, The Running Event.
Kiprun is hoping to stand out with its products co-engineered with elite athletes at competitive prices.
“Our focus at launch is clear: offer U.S. runners a tight, meaningful range built around three performance-driven footwear franchises for everyday running, racing and trail,” Vancauwenberghe explained. “Each model reflects years of research, biomechanical testing and athlete input.”
Kiprun’s U.S. launch will feature its core product lineup:
- Kipride Max ($160): higher cushion shoe for everyday, recovery and long runs
- Kipstorm Elite ($250): ultralight shoe built for speed workouts, racing and performance
- Kipsummit Max ($150): maximum cushioning, protection and traction for trail running and varied terrain.
The brand plans to focus on distribution partnerships with running specialty retailers serving local running communities nationwide, but has plans for key activations and campaigns closer to its April 2026 launch date.
“For almost 50 years, we’ve helped people around the world enjoy the benefits of sport and movement,” said Decathlon general manager of wholesale for the Americas Lynsey Lambert. “We’re excited to take that mission further by growing our running brand built for performance and inspired by the spirit of accessibility and togetherness that defines Decathlon globally.”
The launch also returns the brand, founded in 2008, to its roots — the Kiprun name was inspired by the cheers of the 2007 New York City Marathon crowd, specifically the cheer heard throughout the course, “Keep running!”
Starting next April, consumers in the U.S. can purchase Kiprun shoes online or through specialty run retailers, including Running Warehouse and Run Moore, in addition to a select line of hydration vests and belts.
“Together with key wholesale partners like Running Warehouse and Run Moore, we’re excited to democratize high-performance running and inspire one of the world’s most vibrant running communities to keep running,” Vancauwenberghe said.
Kiprun is entering a market filled with brands looking to capitalize on the running boom. Major brands like Saucony and Rabbit are doubling down on women’s running in particular, as more female athletes look to participate in races like the marathon.
