Craft Xplor 2
Kiprun Kipclimb Max
Quick verdict
Craft Xplor 2
$149.95
The better pick if you want:
- More cushioning (38.5 vs 34 mm heel stack)
Kiprun Kipclimb Max
£149.99
The better pick if you want:
- A lower drop (4 vs 6 mm)
Spec profile
Each axis ranks against the 173 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).
Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest
Craft Xplor 2· leads in 1
Kiprun Kipclimb Max· leads in none
Tied
Cushioning
39 mmTop 17%34 mmLightness
316 g315 gGrip
No data5 mmTop 13%Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm4 mmAffordability
$150Top 31%$150Top 32%
A spec without data for a product is left out of its shape, so it doesn't count as a low score.
Technical Specifications
Compare features between Craft Xplor 2 vs Kiprun Kipclimb Max
Essentials
Overview
Cushioning
Grip & protection
Upper & fit
On the terrain
How Craft Xplor 2 vs Kiprun Kipclimb Max should behave on each kind of ground, estimated from lug depth, stack height, weight and outsole rubber. Pick a ground to see what decides it.
| Pick a ground | Average | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craft Xplor 2 | 50 | ||||||
| Kiprun Kipclimb Max | 58 |
FlatPacked, runnable trail
Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.
- Cushioning37/40
- Lightness9/35
- Smooth roll25/25
Estimated: no data on lug depth, assumed average.
- Cushioning29/40
- Lightness9/35
- Smooth roll17/25
A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.
Have you used the Craft Xplor 2 before?
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Have you used the Kiprun Kipclimb Max before?
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Video Reviews
Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.
Craft Xplor 2
Kiprun Kipclimb Max
Visual Comparison
See the differences between Craft Xplor 2 and Kiprun Kipclimb Max in a side-by-side slider comparison.
Comparison Questions
Answers based on product data and key differences.
Ask your own question
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which offers better value: Craft Xplor 2 vs Kiprun Kipclimb Max?
For value comparison: The Craft Xplor 2 ($149.95) offers better affordability compared to the Kiprun Kipclimb Max ($149.99). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.
Which is newer, the Craft Xplor 2 or the Kiprun Kipclimb Max?
The Kiprun Kipclimb Max is newer: it came out in 2026, and the Craft Xplor 2 in September 2025.
Looking for alternatives to Craft Xplor 2?
Closest in price, with what each one does better.
Kiprun
Better than Craft Xplor 2 at:
- A higher overall score (88 vs 77)
- A lighter option (36 g less)
Hoka
Better than Craft Xplor 2 at:
- A higher overall score (93 vs 77)
- A lighter option (41 g less)
- More cushioning (44 vs 38.5 mm heel stack)
