Kuru TRIPLE MAX Ion Shoe Review: PF Running Shoe Winner

We’ve already fallen hard for the Kuru brand thanks to their special focus on plantar fasciitis support, so naturally, we had to try out a pair of their running shoes. The Kuru TRIPLE MAX Ion is a running shoe with a funky look, but some big benefits. Specialty shoes can be a total gamble. You cross your fingers when the box shows up, hoping they look as good in real life as they did online. Unfortunately, sometimes they lean more towards orthopedic than a flashy pair of running shoes.

Luckily, that wasn’t the case with the Kuru TRIPLE MAX Ion. They’re just as colorful and vibrant online as they are in person.

Will these pass the test and be included in our rotation? Keep reading to find out.

Kuru TRIPLE MAX Ion Overview

I’m not going to lie, when I opened the box, my typical women’s size 11 looked huge.

I wasn’t exactly excited to try them on at first, but I reminded myself to practice what I preach. I didn’t want to judge the shoes just by their looks (in this case, the size), especially since I’ve really liked the other Kuru pairs I already own.

They almost reminded me of the first time I saw and put on the Saucony Hurricane. It’s A LOT of shoe but feels nice underfoot, especially as someone who has dealt with plantar fasciitis.

The Kuru TRIPLE MAX Ion is a great choice for easy runs, recovery days, and those longer miles where you want to zone out and cruise.

It’s not the lightest shoe out there, so if you’re picking up the pace by sneaking in some strides at the end of a run, it’ll do the job.

But keep in mind it’s definitely not built for speed workouts. 

If you’re a heavier runner, the wide base and KURUCLOUD+ cushioning offer the kind of support and comfort that makes long chunks of time on your feet a whole lot better. Plus, we have a feeling that the rubber outsole will withstand many miles of wear and tear.

What makes Kuru shoes unique is their heel-hugging technology. All of their footwear is designed to support a heel-first approach, aligning with your foot’s natural biomechanics. Instead of spending extra money on inserts, Kuru shoes come with this support built in!

You may notice the heel cupping technology right away, but not in a get these off my feet kind of way.

It feels more like the shoe is gently guiding your foot, keeping things stable and preventing that inward collapse or pronation, whether you’re running or just walking around.

I kept reaching for these on days when I needed a little extra support, whether it was after a long run or when a tough workout left my legs feeling fatigued.

The TRIPLE MAX Ion has what we like to call a goldilocks amount of cushioning, soft enough to feel good but not so squishy that you’re sinking into the shoe.

Quick Take

Kuru TRIPLE MAX Ion Feel

In true fashion, I put the Kuru TRIPLE MAX Ion through the test on the treadmill, roads, and some lightly crushed gravel here in Colorado.

Chunky shoes haven’t always felt great on the treadmill; often, they feel awkward and, well, clunky.

The TRIPLE MAX Ion has a slimmer forefoot and felt really smooth on the treadmill. It struck that nice middle ground of not so cushioned that I felt disconnected from the belt but not so thin that I felt like I was pounding with every step.

Running outside, there was a subtle pep in my step that gave a little boost to my tired legs.

It’s not the kind of energy return that makes you want to hop into some speedwork, but for easy miles or recovery runs, it felt just right.

The heel counter helps provide support and stability for your heel and ankle. Every heel counter is going to be different; some will be super flexible, while others, like the TIPLE MAX Ion, will be firmer.

As someone who has dealt with plantar fasciitis in the past, a firmer heel counter is always better because it restricts the movement of the fascia.

There’s no curving of the heel counter here; it actually hugs the foot, but don’t worry, it’s not going to cause any irritation, especially if you’re still a fan of low-rise socks, like me!

You’ll also notice the beveled heel crash pad is slightly rounded and lifted off the ground. The added foam through the heel helps encourage a more neutral gait, especially if you tend to land on your heel or midfoot.

It’s a small design detail that adds to the overall smoothness of each step.

The outsole of the TRIPLE MAX Ion looks like it’s built to last. One thing I really appreciated is that the tread pods extend across the entire forefoot, so no matter how your foot lands, you’re not likely to wear down a weak spot where there’s no reinforcement.

I haven’t had the chance to test them on a rainy run yet, but based on the grip so far, I’m fairly certain they’ll hold their own and help prevent slipping and sliding around.

Kuru TRIPLE MAX Ion Fit

The Kuru TRIPLE MAX Ion fits true to size and doesn’t seem to change much with a thick or thinner pair of socks. While I didn’t hate the fit, it just felt a little different from the other pairs of shoes I run in.

I’m not sure if it was just me, but it felt like my foot was either sliding forward or sitting at a slight angle, maybe because of the built-in heel cup. It could also have been an optical illusion due to the design of the shoe’s sole.

I did notice my heel slipping in the back a little, but a quick change of the lacing and it was a more locked-in feel.

One thing that surprised me when I first put them on was that the tongue felt on the shorter side for a shoe that looks so long. That said, it didn’t move around or cause any irritation, so it ended up not even being an issue.

If you’re wearing these for longer runs, the toe box has plenty of room for when your feet start to swell. The mesh feels a bit thicker, but it’s designed in a way that still lets air flow through, so you’re not walking around after leaving super sweaty sock footprints everywhere.

Looking for more gear reviews?

• Topo Aura Review | Max Cushion & Stability
• Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit Review 
• Diadora Nucleo 2 Review | Light Stability With a Pop