Once there was 'Scent of a Woman,' now there is 'Scent of Red PAO.' When I think of Da Hong Pao, I first think of the famous Chinese tea from Wuyi Mountain, known for its rich and lasting fragrance. But today, I want to introduce a different kind of PAO. The Toread Red PAO trail running shoes, also from a Chinese brand, are a classic creation crafted in 2018, born to surpass! Thanks to Sister Guan for the opportunity to review these shoes. I hope to experience their unique charm.
With the current marathon craze, trail running is gradually appearing in the public eye. Some even say that trail running will become the ultimate destination for runners, making trail running shoes an indispensable piece of equipment. Toread, as the largest outdoor brand in China, has been well-known and recognized as a famous Chinese trademark since 1999 and is gradually becoming international. The newly launched Red PAO-F1 in 2018 has become their representative trail running shoe. Let's take a closer look.
Unboxing
As the name suggests, the bright red shoe box is eye-catching, with the three large characters 'Red PAO' prominently displayed, simple and elegant. The side has size labels and basic shoe information (special note: this shoe runs large, so choose your usual size. I previously bought other brands of trail running shoes one size larger than normal, but this one is roomy with space for toe movement. I was conflicted about this for a long time, so thanks to the great Time God for the size reference, much appreciated).
Opening the box, the shoes are wrapped in anti-mold and antibacterial paper with a cross-sectional view printed on it. The first glance at the shoes reveals a striking red color.
However, upon closer inspection, there are many differences. The red shoe body is complemented by white lines, and the mid-low diamond-shaped 3D pattern enhances the overall visual effect.
The upper uses a seamless fusion process, with double-layered upper storage and fastening, providing stronger wrapping and enhancing the shoe's durability, making it more resistant to scratches, abrasions, and tears. The mesh structure on the instep is more comfortable and breathable.
The wide, upturned toe cap prevents kicks and collisions, reducing the feeling of toe compression.
The laces use a quick-lace system that can be adjusted by simply pulling up and down. The last set of lace holes is designed with hooks for more convenience and speed.
The tongue has a small pocket for lace storage, with elastic mesh on both sides extending to the sole, providing stronger wrapping.
The heel has a 3M reflective strip to increase safety during night runs, and the pull-tab design is convenient for use and drying.
The shock-absorbing insole and breathable sole further improve sweat-wicking and moisture removal.
Next is the most important part, the sole. The midsole uses FLIGHT technology, and its thickness indicates excellent cushioning and rebound. The large front-to-back drop in the midsole is a very traditional classic design, reducing the impact on the runner's joints during running, while the high rebound performance increases running speed, achieving two goals at once.
The frog-inspired SAFREE GRIP wetland anti-slip outsole, combined with the anti-slip tooth structure, has deep grooves. The protruding 'grip nails' are relatively flat and dense, better suited for various complex surfaces and environments. The embedded X-piece prevents sports injuries.
Field Test
I tested them on dry roads, gravel, dirt roads, steps, asphalt roads, and slippery post-rain mountain paths. The initial feeling when wearing them was that the heel area was tight but not constricting, indicating good heel fixation. The shoe's internal volume is very large, with ample space in the forefoot, avoiding toe and foot rubbing. Fortunately, the midsection's wrapping is good, preventing the foot from shifting inside the shoe while running on mountains. Despite the large volume, the shoes do not make the feet look big, and the strong wrapping is a plus. Although the quick-lace system is used, I found it easy to loosen but difficult to tighten due to high lace friction, which needs improvement.
At the beginning of the exercise, the sole felt slightly hard, but this sensation disappeared after running for a while. When climbing steps, the rebound and cushioning effect of the shoes was evident, reducing the impact on the knees and feeling light and not heavy. The upturned toe cap also protected the toes well. On dry roads and rocks, there was no slipping, and the grip was satisfactory.
I then conducted a mountain trail test. On dry mountain paths, the performance was decent. Due to the thick sole, climbing rocks, especially those with sharp edges, did not cause discomfort. On large rocks or dirt road descents, the grip was good. Occasionally stepping on loose rocks, the midsole's anti-torsion function played a role.
Halfway up, it suddenly started raining, providing an opportunity to test the sole's anti-slip function. The performance was slightly lacking, especially when stepping on large wet rocks downhill, where slipping occurred. This is a common issue with most trail running shoes, but I hope for improvements.
The overall feeling after the trail run was:
1. Although they are new shoes, there was no rubbing or discomfort, eliminating the need for a break-in period, which is a plus.
2. I wore thick hiking socks, and at an outdoor temperature of around 22°C, the socks remained relatively dry after the trail run, with minimal sweat odor, indicating good breathability.
3. The tightness of the laces is crucial. A bit loose and the fixation feels insufficient; too tight and it feels uncomfortable on the foot surface. After long distances, there is still a feeling of soreness in the arch.
Summary
The ultra-thick Flight midsole provides outstanding rebound and cushioning;
Breathable and well-wrapped upper;
Affordable price with high cost-performance ratio.
Disadvantages:
The quality of the laces needs improvement;
The outsole's durability and anti-slip performance need enhancement;
Due to good breathability, the waterproof performance is poor, not recommended for rainy days or muddy areas.
This is my experience with the Toread Red PAO. Overall, it is a highly cost-effective trail running shoe. For someone like me who values appearance, looking good is also very important. Just like a woman's lipstick, it gives a refreshing feeling. Trail running is no longer exclusive to men; women can also bloom beautifully in the forest.