bimai 42k running shoes your trusted marathon shoes
BMAI is the phonetic translation of 'be myself.' It is an internet sports company founded by a group of running enthusiasts at the end of 2014. The company offers various series such as Mile, Park, and Pace. In March 2017, they launched the Mile series 42K running shoes, positioned as professional long-distance marathon road running shoes. Below, I will review the Mile 42K running shoes, which BMAI has crafted over more than two years.
Shoe Box: The packaging is a vertical airbag shoe bag, which is both pressure-resistant and waterproof. It uses a drawer-style double-layer protection for the shoes. The color is a high-profile reflective silver, complemented by the BMAI logo and company information. With the drawstring pulled, you can head out to a marathon race in style!
Color Options: Available in fluorescent yellow, BMAI purple, basic black, and pearl white (not yet on the market). I chose the basic black, which is a simple and versatile black-and-white combination.
Toe Cap: The rounded, glossy, and upturned toe cap is printed with 'MILE PRO.' Inside, there is an invisible U-shaped support. The anti-collision toe cap provides some protection for runners. There is a 9mm height difference between the forefoot and the heel, providing cushioning support for the arch and knees.
Last: The running shoes are specially designed for Chinese people, with a standardized width that greatly enhances the comfort and fit of the foot.
Upper: Made of 'PU film + mesh' material, using seamless film technology combined with jacquard mesh for a one-piece fit. This makes the running shoes lightweight, breathable, and comfortable, enhancing the overall wearing experience.
Shoe Chamber: The overall fit is excellent, with meticulous stitching.
Tongue: The inner boot mesh design connects the tongue to the shoe body, enhancing the fit and preventing the tongue from shifting during running.
Laces: The flat nylon laces have some friction and feature 3M reflective design. Insole: Made of ortholite material with dual-density 3D support, covered with HEMP hemp fiber. It provides shock absorption while keeping the feet dry and effectively inhibiting foot sweat and bacteria.
Midsole: Newly upgraded to a four-density midsole design. The first layer is thick EVA material, the second layer is perforated cushioning material, the third layer is white rubber, and the fourth layer is an X-shaped anti-torsion TPU on the outside of the midsole. This luxurious midsole setup offers excellent support and protection, with a cracked pattern design on the outer rear.
Outsole: Made of wear-resistant rubber. The forefoot rubber is divided into left and right sections, with high-strength wear-resistant material around the heel. The X-shaped anti-torsion TPU in the middle ensures the outsole's pressure resistance and wear resistance, improving grip and anti-slip performance.
Heel: A rigid TPU bracket is embedded inside to securely lock the heel.
Reflective: The BMAI logo on the tongue, the '42.195' on the side, the 'B' character on the heel, and the laces all feature 3M reflective design, which is both stylish and enhances safety during night runs.
Upon wearing the Mile42K, you can immediately feel the comfort of the one-piece upper design. Weighing 281g per shoe (UK size 7), it is average for cushioning running shoes. The sock-like tongue design prevents the tongue from moving around during running. The upper provides some support and protection, but the hot weather in Guangzhou challenges the shoe's breathability.
Tester Information: Normal arch/normal foot width/height 171cm/weight 65kg/UK size 7/full-foot landing/no pronation/Guangzhou, Guangdong, 22 to 31 degrees Celsius.
Test Conditions: Ran 6 times, totaling 101 kilometers. This included 10 kilometers on a plastic track, 15 kilometers on park stone brick roads, 42 kilometers on riverbank asphalt and cement roads, 21 kilometers on the outer ring asphalt road of Guangzhou University Town, and 13 kilometers on mixed terrain in Dafu Mountain Forest Park.
Test Experience 1: Plastic Track
The plastic track itself has some cushioning, and combined with the Mile42K's EVA four-density midsole and unique Boom cushioning material similar to Boost, there is a noticeable rebound feedback during running. The X-shaped TPU anti-torsion component in the midfoot provides precise support while reducing sports injuries. The outsole's grip is promptly converted into forward momentum, making high-speed running and cornering on the track feel secure.
Test Experience 2: Various Road Runs
After multiple progressive break-in periods, the Mile42K becomes increasingly comfortable to wear, making running more effortless. Whether it's short-distance sprints or long-distance slow runs, the shoes provide a secure feeling of being well-wrapped. The midsole's soft and bouncy feel is very durable, with significant advantages in long distances. Each step is cushioned and supported. The widely praised ortholite foam insole is soft, breathable, and offers cushioning and rebound. The forefoot also features different density materials to better propel the foot forward. The rubber outsole's grip and anti-slip performance are good, with the forefoot's lightweight rubber being softer for shock absorption, and the heel's wear-resistant rubber being harder but durable.
Advantages of Mile42K:
1. High cost-performance ratio;
2. Luxurious midsole and outsole combination ensures long-distance marathon performance;
3. Standard size, with a last tailored for Chinese people;
4. The insole is also a highlight.
Disadvantages: 1. The shoes are relatively heavy; it would be better to reduce the weight while improving performance;
2. Breathability needs enhancement. The Mile42K is a reliable running shoe for every marathon. We hope BMAI continues to develop and upgrade more great products for runners.
Want these cost-effective marathon shoes? Here's a tip: they come in couples' versions!