Pound Out the Miles—Without Pounding Your Feet: KURU Review

Pros	Cons
Aesthetically pleasing colors and style	Cost prohibitive
Ideal for those who need arch support	First running shoe from the brand
Good for short, easy days	Not a long run shoe

When it comes to running, people fall all over the spectrum of loyalty to brands, models, and personal preferences. Some runners swear by a single shoe for years, while others are constantly on the hunt for the latest innovation.

My current trainers were recommended to me after a gait analysis at a running store many moons ago, and I’ve stuck with that brand ever since—even when it came time to choose a carbon plate.

That said, I’m always open to trying new shoes. Back when I first started this blog, I tested one of the early iterations of HOKAs. They were bulky, made me feel like I was going to trip, and quickly got demoted to walking shoes.

Fast forward many years, and I recently had the chance to test out KURU's first running shoe!

TRIPLE MAX Ion launched in November 2024, specifically designed for runners who experience foot pain—especially heel pain and Plantar Fasciitis. Unlike traditional orthopedic shoes, these were created with millennials in mind, offering stylish colorways and a modern design. These are not your grandparents' ortho shoes!

According to the brand, TRIPLE MAX Ion was three years in the making with five design iterations.

When I initially tried them, they reminded me of my carbon plates, though not as bouncy and harder on the bottom. They came laced differently than I prefer though that is just a personal preference. The toe box is also nice and roomy so nothing feels squished (no blisters!). The mesh makes them breathable though sometimes I think it made them feel a little loose.

KURU uses three key technologies according to the brand:

• KURUSOLE: "Our patented, heel-hugging technology that dynamically flexes with each step to hug and protect the heels."

  
  

• KURUCLOUD: "A premium, ergonomic dual-density insole that molds to your feet for superior arch support."

  
  

• ULTIMATE INSOLE: "A layer of shock-absorbing EVA foam."

I tested these once a week January through February for my easy hour-long run on Thursdays.

At first, I again really liked how they mimicked the feel of my carbon plates, though quite a bit heavier of course. However, after a while, I noticed they kept loosening up while I was running, requiring frequent stops to retie them tighter. Another issue was the arch support, which initially seemed fine for me, but eventually caused discomfort—the opposite of what they’re marketed for. The discomfort became more noticeable when I tried wearing them twice a week.

A plus was as a heel striker, the lift helped reduce the strain on my heel when I inevitably pound my foot down!

Overall, I will continue to use TRIPLE MAX Ion every so often on easy runs but they won't be my go-to. I’m looking forward to seeing how KURU evolves this model—just like we saw with HOKA’s transformation over the years.

I also always recommend going to your local running store or a Fleet Feet to get your feet analyzed and receive suggestions for shoes that will be ideal for your type of feet!

XO,

Lynette