1. Preface
Running shoes are to runners what weapons are to soldiers; they are one of the most important pieces of equipment. When choosing running shoes, what do you focus on the most? Is it the appearance? The performance? The price? Of course, if you see running as a casual activity and only run occasionally, any reason might catch your interest. However, if you hope to make breakthroughs in your running, I suggest focusing more on the performance of the shoes, as this will help with your training and reduce the risk of injury.
I had the opportunity to test the Codoon Smart Running Shoes 21K, and I hope my experience will serve as a useful reference for fellow runners.
2. Unboxing & Details
As per international convention, let's start with unboxing.
The packaging comes in Codoon's custom color, Codoon Green.
I thought the test shoes would also be Codoon Green, but Sky Blue is another color I like.
After several upgrades, the appearance of Codoon's smart running shoes has improved significantly. At first glance, they have quite an international feel.
Let's showcase the 21K's appearance from multiple angles.
The 21K's toe cap features an anti-collision design, and parts of the toe cap use waterproof material, allowing runners to handle brief adverse weather conditions outdoors. The upper and toe areas have large breathable holes to enhance the shoe's breathability.
The large logo on the outer side of the upper is very noticeable, increasing the brand recognition of the 21K. There is no obvious support on the sides of the upper, only multiple diagonal stripes for decoration, which makes me question the shoe's support performance. However, this needs further testing during running, which I will explain later.
The tongue and laces: the tongue appears quite thick, which might make summer running less comfortable. However, the orange laces match well with the sky-blue shoes. It's a pity the laces aren't fluorescent, as this could improve safety during night runs.
The heel part is wrapped in thick resin to enhance the shoe's support performance. The 'R-21K' on the heel indicates the shoe's identity.
The deep treads on the 21K's outsole suggest good anti-slip performance. The midsole features an 'X' shaped anti-torsion design, a common design of a certain brand.
Removing the insole, the stitching between the upper and the sole is very uniform, indicating that Codoon's products, though not highly priced, are of reliable quality. The photos also show that the glue overflow is not obvious, comparable to some international brands.
The right shoe's sole has a slot for placing the smart chip.
The insole is about 5mm thick, and the arch design fits the foot better.
The so-called smart running shoes have a secret weapon: the smart chip, which can be placed in the reserved slot in the right shoe.
3. Highlights
The highlights of Codoon's entire series of running shoes include running training and exercise rewards. First, let me briefly introduce how to use the Codoon smart chip.
Open [Codoon] — click [My] — [Equipment] — [Link Smart Equipment] — [Codoon Smart Running Shoes 21K Series], then follow the prompts to complete the binding and installation.
After binding and installation, the shoes need to be calibrated for the first use. Follow the prompts to complete this.
Highlight 1: Personal Running Coach
Codoon's smart running shoes differ from other running aids I've used because they are connected to a mobile app in real-time. When the shoes detect your running data and analyze it, they provide real-time feedback through the phone. For example, you might hear prompts like 'Current cadence xxx, cadence too low, pick up the pace,' 'Your cadence is very standard,' or 'Current pace xxx, pace too slow,' which helps correct running mistakes. However, during the run, it can only monitor cadence and pace.
After the run, you can see a full analysis of your running data, such as whether you land more on the forefoot, midfoot, or heel, and whether you have pronation, supination, or a normal gait. Consistently correcting these issues can improve your running performance and prevent injuries. After some time using the shoes, I noticed an improvement in my cadence; initially, I often heard 'cadence too low,' but later, 'cadence standard' became more frequent.
Highlight 2: Exercise Rewards
Although the rewards after each exercise are not much, they are a form of recognition for sticking to your exercise routine. Getting a small reward every day can be a little motivation for everyone.
4. Basic Experience
First, here are some photos of the shoes on my feet.
I am quite satisfied with the 21K's fit. I tested a size 40, which is the same as my usual sports shoe size, and there were no issues with the fit. The overall feel is quite comfortable.
A single shoe weighs 267.5 grams, which is average. It can be classified as a cushioning running shoe due to its weight and questionable support performance. Therefore, I think this shoe might not be suitable for speed runners but is more suited for beginner and intermediate runners or as an option for daily long slow distance (LSD) training.
Regarding its support, as I feared, the sides of the upper indeed lack sufficient support when running.
As for the 21K's cushioning performance, I haven't done long runs due to a recent injury and am currently only doing recovery training. However, based on my experience with the first generation of Codoon smart running shoes, the upgraded 21K should also have improved cushioning, making it suitable for completing a half marathon. I will further test the 21K's cushioning performance in future training.
Although my post-injury runs have been short, after over 50 kilometers, I found that the outsole shows little wear, indicating good durability. The thick outsole seen during unboxing also suggests that the 21K is built to last.
5. Conclusion
Although my test experience was not very in-depth, my recovery training impressions suggest that Codoon has invested significantly in running equipment. From the first generation of smart running shoes to the current series, both appearance and performance have greatly improved. Based on my experience with the 21K, I believe these shoes will aid my recovery from injury. For runners looking to improve their performance, correct their running form, or find joy in running, the 21K might be a good choice. Of course, there are still many areas in my test experience that need improvement, and I hope for your understanding.