Craft Xplor 2 vs Kiprun Race Ultra 2

Craft Xplor 2

$149.95

Kiprun Race Ultra 2

£149.99

Quick verdict

Craft Xplor 2

$149.95

The better pick if you want:

A lower drop (6 vs 8 mm)

Kiprun Race Ultra 2

£149.99

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (88 vs 77)
A lighter option (36 g less)

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 none

Kiprun Race Ultra 2· leads in 1

Lightness

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
39 mmTop 17%
No data
Lightness
316 g
280 gTop 40%
Grip
No data
5 mmTop 13%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
8 mm
Affordability
$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 Race Ultra 2

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (17)

Essentials

$149.95

£149.99

September 2025

October 2025

316 g

280 g

Overview

Road-to-Trail Running Shoe

Trail Running Shoe

roads, gravel and dirt paths

technical and alpine trails, mixed dry, rocky, and muddy terrain

Mixed road, gravel and trail running

Ultra-distance trail running, technical terrain, long training sessions, and competitive ultra trail races

Cushioning

6 mm

8 mm

38.5 mm

—

32.5 mm

—

Softer Px Foam™ ETPU midsole

SCF foam providing 38% more cushioning and 10% more propulsion than previous version

Soft, versatile cushioning

Enhanced cushioning and breathable upper for long-distance comfort

Grip & protection

Vittoria outsole inspired by the Terreno gravel tyre

Rubber with 5 mm lugs for grip on all-terrain surfaces

Two-layer engineered mesh upper

Cushioned midsole protects muscles and joints during long-distance running

Vittoria rubber for gravel and dirt

5 mm lugs with grippy rubber compound for secure footing on steep and muddy trails

Upper & fit

Two-layer engineered mesh with body-mapped zones

MATRYX® EVO woven material, light, breathable, and abrasion-resistant

PU foam insole

Standard ergonomic insole for comfort during ultra-distance runs

Craft Endurance Fit® with narrow heel cup, midfoot lock-in and roomy forefoot

Knitted collar with quick-lace system for snug fit and optimal control

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Craft Xplor 2 vs Kiprun Race Ultra 2 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 Race Ultra 2							62

FlatPacked, runnable trail

Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.

Craft Xplor 271

Cushioning37/40
Lightness9/35
Smooth roll25/25

Estimated: no data on lug depth, assumed average.

Kiprun Race Ultra 258

Cushioning22/40
Lightness19/35
Smooth roll17/25

Estimated: no data on stack height, assumed average.

A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.

Have you used the Craft Xplor 2 before?

Help the community by answering

Have you used the Kiprun Race Ultra 2 before?

Help the community by answering

Video Reviews

Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.

See all 9 video reviews

Craft Xplor 2

Kiprun Race Ultra 2

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Craft Xplor 2 and Kiprun Race Ultra 2 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

Ask your own question

Can't find what you're looking for? Ask anything about Craft Xplor 2 vs Kiprun Race Ultra 2 and our AI will answer.

Try asking:

Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Craft Xplor 2 vs Kiprun Race Ultra 2?

For value comparison: The Craft Xplor 2 ($149.95) offers better affordability compared to the Kiprun Race Ultra 2 ($149.99). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.