bimai mile21k running shoes a pair of stunning running shoes
Michael82J
First of all, I would like to thank Codoon for giving me this review opportunity. The review will be conducted from the following three aspects:
1. Brand Introduction
Actually, this is my second encounter with BMAI. The first time I used BMAI products was at the 2016 Taishan International Marathon, where BMAI, as a sponsor, provided running T-shirts for all participants. At that time, I just thought the brand was quite novel, with a distinctive logo, but I didn't pay much attention to it afterward. After participating in this review, I specifically searched for BMAI's official website to learn more about the brand:
BMAI is an internet sports brand that has been established for just over a year. Starting with a dozen running enthusiasts, it provides high-quality professional sports equipment for runners. BMAI's logo, combining the Chinese '必迈' and the English 'BMAI', is inspired by QR codes and Chinese seal script, reflecting a blend of internet thinking and Eastern understated aesthetics. Additionally, the logo 'BMAI' is a phonetic translation of 'be myself', encouraging everyone who loves sports to dare to take a step to break through themselves and bravely be themselves.
BMAI's Model: Innovating the traditional model. Without the complex traditional sports goods manufacturing and wholesale model that lacks real user experience, BMAI uses internet information technology to eliminate all middlemen. User experience-driven: The product experience of users becomes the source of design and development iteration and upgrade. All online marketing is restored to offline sports scenarios, aiming to create a new business model that provides products and services for sports participants.
2. Appearance
(1) Unboxing
When I received the package, I could feel that the Codoon reviewers and the BMAI store were very attentive.
First, the shipping speed was very fast. After confirming the review list, a dedicated person was responsible for creating a group to collect everyone's shoe size and color choice, and then quickly shipped the items. Secondly, they used the relatively expensive SF Express, and the package arrived the next day after shipping. Thirdly, the outer packaging was well protected with inflatable plastic, ensuring that the shoes and even the shoe box were not damaged, giving a very good first impression.
The pure white shoe box, paired with the purple BMAI logo, has a simple yet eye-catching style.
(2) Color
The color scheme is a very bright purple, which is also the main color of the BMAI brand (the BMAI T-shirts provided for the 2016 Taishan Marathon were also purple, which will match well when worn together in the future). The shoelaces, tongue, and collar are all pink, and the sole is purple/pink/grass green. The overall color of the shoes is bright, very impactful, and full of personality.
The pink shoelaces and tongue are very bright.
(3) Material
The upper and body of the shoe mainly use mesh breathable material, which can ensure the breathability of the shoes. For a pair of running shoes positioned for a 21K half marathon, breathability is very important.
The toe cap has hard material to protect the toes, and both the toe cap and collar have reflective material to increase safety during night runs.
The arch area has Arch Support high-strength plastic material to enhance the support of the shoe body.
The sole has many rubber patterns to increase friction and help prevent slipping. The rubber material at the heel is different from that at the forefoot, presumably because the rubber at the heel is more wear-resistant.
3. Wearing Experience
Following the organizer's suggestion, I chose a size larger. After putting them on, the overall feeling is that the arch and heel have good wrapping, and the toe area has ample space, which is also suitable for the swelling of the feet after long-distance running.
A single 44-size shoe weighs 323g, and it feels relatively light on the foot, which is not easy for a cushioning running shoe.
4. Running Experience
Although I received the shoes early, the review was delayed until January 21st because I was out of town. During the Spring Festival, there were too many things to do, and I didn't have the time and energy to test a half marathon, so I mainly focused on 10-kilometer road runs. In less than three weeks, I ran 12 times, totaling about 120 kilometers. The main experiences are as follows:
(1) Breathability
Very good. Running on the road in the chilly northern wind, you can even feel the wind blowing through the shoes onto your feet... After running, the inside of the shoes is basically not damp, as the wind has dried them! It can be expected that the breathability will definitely not be a problem when running 21K in normal conditions.
(2) Comfort
The first feeling of wearing running shoes is very important, and being able to quickly adapt to the feel of the shoes, or the shoes themselves being able to adapt well to the shape of the feet, is what makes shoes beloved by wearers. The first feeling of wearing the BMAI 21K is quite comfortable, with the parts that fit the feet being naturally comfortable and without flaws. The heel and sole also have good adaptability. There was no discomfort during the first 10K road run, and it remained the same after 12 runs.
(3) Cushioning
As I am slightly overweight, I pay more attention to cushioning performance when choosing running shoes. During the review period, the cushioning performance of the BMAI 21K still made me quite satisfied. I could feel obvious rebound, and there was no discomfort in the knee joints after running. However, the long-distance cushioning still needs to be tested in a half marathon.
(4) Anti-slip
Under normal weather conditions, the anti-slip performance of the BMAI 21K shoes on asphalt roads is very good, with strong grip, and there are no problems with turning and going up and down slopes. The northern winter is dry and cold, and there was no rain or snow during the review period, so the anti-slip performance on wet surfaces still needs to be tested.
(5) Durability
Generally speaking, the durability of running shoes is not only related to the material itself but also to the runner's running posture, road surface, and environment. For all my running shoes, the outer side of the heel wears out the most, and the BMAI 21K is no exception. After the first 10K road run, there was some wear on the outer side of the heel and the toe, but the wear on other parts was not obvious. The wear resistance has exceeded my expectations.
After running 120K, apart from the obvious wear on the sole, there was no delamination or thread breakage, indicating that its durability is still very superior.
5. Summary
As a cushioning running shoe, the BMAI 21K has performed very satisfactorily in all aspects. From the design intention, it is more suitable for slow running at a pace of 6:30, with a distance not exceeding a half marathon. Its cushioning is good, making it fully qualified as a daily training shoe or for use in half marathon races where speed is not the priority.