Transform Your Running: AI Coach for Speed Improvement

Although I have worn many pairs of running shoes, whether from the four major brands, domestic brands, or even some niche brands, this is my first time trying Xtep. Strictly speaking, this is also my first running shoe review. I may not provide much information about the technology or materials of the Xtep RACE RUN, but rather my subjective experience. Since everyone's ability level, running posture, and body structure vary, this article only represents my personal views but also has some general applicability. I hope it provides you with professional information for purchasing running shoes. If it achieves that, I would be very pleased. Running itself is an exchange of experiences, whether it's running posture, technique, stamina distribution, or equipment. These are common topics in the running community, which is why I love running. Communication, continuous improvement, gaining knowledge—this is what running life should be about.

In recent years, the Xtep brand has indeed become a leader among domestic sports brands in running. Xtep's positioning is quite accurate, and in my view, it is now focused on the running field and becoming increasingly professional. Whether it's various domestic running competitions, Xtep running groups, Xtep sponsorships, or even a dedicated Xtep running store in Beijing's Olympic Forest Park with a large area, complete products, and good experience, Xtep's ambition is evident. I hope this hometown brand continues to improve and offers more professional products to our beloved running friends, making running simpler and more enjoyable rather than more expensive and pretentious. Returning to the original intention, I believe we will see more excellent Xtep running products in the future.

Thanks to the Codoon review platform, I had the opportunity to review this pair of shoes. This opportunity is certainly fortunate, so I must cherish it. RACE RUN, as the name suggests, is a pair of speed-oriented running shoes. The clear classification gives me a basic understanding of these shoes at the start of the review, forming a fixed impression. I began to imagine the feel, speed, and smoothness of wearing these running shoes. Of course, the subsequent review will bring more insights.

RACE RUN160 is a meticulously crafted racing shoe by Xtep. The pair I received is a Chongqing Marathon version. The actual model should be called RC160. Why 160? I speculate that it might be because the average weight of these shoes is around 160g. I haven't measured the exact weight, but they are very lightweight. Only by comparison can you get a more intuitive sense of the weight of these shoes. Among several racing shoes, this pair is the third lightest. My SAUCONY Endorphin, which is terrifyingly under 100g, is the lightest I've seen. The Mizuno EKIDEN9 weighs about 130g, making it the second lightest in my shoe cabinet. Naturally, the third lightest is this RC160, estimated to be around 150g. Overall, it is very lightweight, fitting the characteristics of racing shoes. By the way, these shoes are much lighter than the Li-Ning Yunma 3, which is about 230g, and also lighter than my own Little Red Shoes. So, there should be no concerns about the weight; they are light enough, and there's no need to worry about smoothness. (The weights mentioned are for 255mm shoes and are estimates, not strictly measured).

I also like the appearance of the RC160. Since 2016, running shoes seem to have entered a new era of colors. The current trend is no longer those flashy shoes. Now, running shoes, like many sports industry shoes, have entered an era of dark tones—black, gray, returning to a new trend. In this sense, the RC160's color scheme is excellent. The upper features a splash-ink design, giving it an artistic feel. The large brand logo is very eye-catching. The highlight of these shoes is the landmark buildings of Chongqing on the heel's side (I guess it's Chongqing's landmark buildings). This design has a strong cultural touch. This is one of the important reasons I would choose these shoes without hesitation. The heel design includes reflective elements, considering night running safety, which many racing shoes often lack.

Of course, there are some unsatisfactory aspects of these shoes, primarily the sizing issue. I hope this suggestion can help designers be more professional and provide more perfect products in the future. Relatively speaking, these shoes run large, so when choosing, it's best to go half a size smaller. As a racing shoe, sizing is crucial. If the size is too large, it can easily affect the rhythm and speed during running, causing a lack of smoothness. The RC160 is generally wide, with less wrapping. Most of my racing shoes are relatively tight, providing better wrapping, smooth steps, and good rhythm. Additionally, because these shoes are lightweight, if they are too wide, the feet can become unstable during fast running, potentially causing injuries. Therefore, for the RC160, I think these two issues need attention. If these two issues are resolved, the next generation could be a top-notch domestic racing shoe. I look forward to the next generation's innovation.

The RC160 is a conscientious running shoe, at least in terms of price. For those looking to spend less and still achieve personal bests in full or half marathons, this shoe is worth choosing and trusting. The upper uses a popular hot-cut process, providing a soft wrap. The breathability of the upper might be slightly lacking, but during actual running, thanks to the breathable holes in the tongue, I didn't feel any stuffiness in my feet, even during the recent high temperatures in Beijing. Kudos to the designers for this detail. The tongue is made of the same thin material as the upper, lightweight yet fitting. The tongue also features the Chongqing Marathon logo, which I absolutely love. Wearing these shoes in next year's Chongqing Marathon, on a course conducive to personal bests, running in March in the mountain city, measuring the course with my steps, wearing the RC160, running for love, speed, and passion.

Unlike other racing shoes with thin designs, the RC160's design is more traditional. Unlike some of the extreme racing shoes I have, which are so thin that I only dare to wear them in races or for 10km or half-marathons, I dare to wear the RC160 and go all out in a full marathon. This confidence comes from the sole design. While the upper can be compromised, many people are less demanding about the upper, but the sole must be scrutinized. The midsole and outsole are the core of the shoe. The most important criteria for evaluating a shoe are the sole's cushioning and rebound.

The RC160's outer sole features a three-layer design. The top layer is green EVA, which is very soft. The second layer is black camouflage EVA, which transitions from thin at the forefoot to thick at the support and ankle areas, forming a good ergonomic design. The bottom layer returns to green EVA. Overall, these three layers of EVA are very soft and lightweight. The third layer at the heel features a honeycomb EVA design, providing excellent cushioning. When I run, I try to land on my whole foot, but as my ability declines in the later stages, I inevitably land on my heel. Heel striking can easily cause injuries, but the RC160 offers excellent cushioning in this regard, making running very enjoyable and alleviating concerns.

The RC160's inner sole uses a dual-density EVA design, which is a crucial material element in current running shoes. This design offers stability. The upper layer of EVA is harder, providing good support, while the lower layer of soft EVA offers excellent cushioning and rebound. During slow runs, especially my first slow run at a 5:30 pace, the benefits weren't very noticeable. However, during my second and third runs at around a 4:40 pace, the benefits were quite apparent. When pushing my limits, the body's coordination decreases, and during landing, especially forefoot striking, if there's significant overpronation, it can cause injuries. Fortunately, the Xtep RC160 effectively mitigates this disadvantage.

As a racing shoe, the RC160's outsole design isn't particularly surprising and even has some gaps compared to international brands. Although the RC160 is sincere and uses a zoned outsole design, it doesn't affect speed. However, for advanced runners, a finer tread pattern, similar to international brands, could enhance the RC160's competitive feel and speed, as shorter ground contact time leads to longer air time, making running more efficient.

1. A trustworthy domestic running shoe with a beautiful price. Overall performance can be rated at 80 points. If you seek protection, this shoe is not recommended. Beginners should be cautious.

2. Overall, it is relatively wide, reducing its wrapping score. The size runs slightly large.

3. The appearance is good, with excellent breathability and fit of the tongue. The reflective design on the heel is commendable.

4. The midsole offers good cushioning, providing excellent protection when landing on the heel due to fatigue or insufficient ability.

5. It is recommended to design the outsole tread pattern with finer particles to elevate the RC160's speed to a new milestone.