bimai 42k running shoes chinese domestic new force worth anticipating

First of all, I would like to thank Codoon and Bmai for providing this review opportunity. I think it is necessary to popularize some basic knowledge about running shoes before the review. When purchasing running shoes, many runners often see terms like cushioning, shock absorption, stability, control, and support. In fact, what is called shock absorption is equivalent to stability and support; it is a relatively neutral term. Different brands have different terminologies, but they all aim to make running more comfortable. Runners should pay attention to their foot type when purchasing. For example, if you have a high arch and buy shoes suitable for low arches, it will be very inappropriate and could cause more harm while running. Running shoes are generally divided into two levels: lightweight and heavyweight (some also categorize them as top-level and sub-top-level). Heavyweight shoes are suitable for heavier runners, and so on. Please pay attention when purchasing.

Bmai Men's Mile42K Professional Road Running Shoes in Bmai Purple, Model Number: XRMC005-3

¥399.00

Bmai Women's Mile42K Professional Road Running Shoes in Bmai Purple, Model Number: XRMC006-3

¥399.00

This is the surprising part. I initially thought it would be an ordinary shoe box, but to my surprise, these running shoes came without a shoe box. Emphasizing again, no shoe box. Unlike the boxes that are discarded after unboxing, Bmai designed a rectangular airbag-style shoe bag for these shoes, which is convenient for drawer-style storage and can also be carried by hand. I think this might be Bmai's consideration for transportation, as this design is waterproof and resistant to compression. It's refreshing. Additionally, the filling inside the shoes is quite ingenious, abandoning traditional paper balls and using airbag-style fillings, which greatly help in maintaining the shoe shape.

The flashy Bmai Purple significantly enhances the overall effect of the shoes. These running shoes feature a new midsole structure combined with four-layer density for more durable rebound.

Full-length cushioning, stable support, built-in dual-density insoles, especially in the forefoot force area. The high-density hemp fiber fabric is specially designed for runners, ensuring quick forward movement upon landing. Upper: Made of mesh fabric combined with PU material, making the mesh beautiful and attractive! Besides, this material can also reduce weight, increase support and wrapping, and has a certain anti-rollover capability. Tongue: Slightly large, with ample filling inside, making it slightly less breathable.

Laces: Flat design with many 3M reflective parts. Compared to round laces, they are more prone to coming loose, which is a drawback.

Insoles: According to the official statement, they use ortholite-like material covered with a layer of hemp, but I couldn't find the markings. Good quality, about 7mm thick. The biggest highlight of these insoles is the block design, with the front part (yellow area) feeling slightly harder.

The midsole is divided into three layers: the first layer is EVA, the second layer is cushioning material, and the third layer is white rubber. The three-layer material stack makes the entire shoe feel relatively soft. Outsole: Wear-resistant rubber with a block design, each block has patterns. The forefoot is divided into left and right sections. There is also TPV... X-shaped anti-torsion, which improves wear resistance and grip.

Overall, it feels slightly heavier than foreign shoes, suitable for runners with a pace of 5 to 6 minutes per kilometer for marathon running.

In actual testing, with an average temperature of 19°C, light breeze, running on a stadium track, plastic track, and road (cement surface), the breathability felt slightly lacking. Various conditions such as short distance, long distance, fast and slow speed, uphill and flat road were tested. The support and cushioning felt pretty good!

In summary: The appearance is beautiful, the materials are solid, and it's a conscientious good shoe. The drawbacks are that the laces are easy to come loose and there is a strong smell when unboxing. Comparatively, the cushioning is not as good as Asics, and the breathability is slightly inferior to Mizuno. However, for a pair of shoes priced at only ¥399, this is not a big deal; it's definitely value for money. For a new domestic brand, being able to produce such shoes is already commendable. I hope you can increase your research and development efforts to create more, better, and faster new running shoes, benefiting the majority of runners. Thank you!