bimai 42k running shoes a testimony of a die hard bimai fan
After more than twenty days of anticipation, the 'Bmai 42K' has finally arrived. First and foremost, I would like to thank 'Xiao Dang' for trusting me with this precious opportunity to review the product.
Unboxing
Let's start with the delivery. At first glance, it was just an ordinary black courier bag, nothing special. Compared to the previous black air cushion packaging, which indicated to the courier that it was a valuable item and thus handled with more care, the outer packaging of the 'Bmai 42K' was just a regular courier bag. It felt soft, without the support of a cardboard box, making me wonder if the shoes would be affected by compression during transport.
I opened the package at home, as shown in the picture: it instantly felt very high-tech!
I also invited a few other good brothers to line up and welcome it.
The air cushion packaging is very impressive, simple yet not simplistic. It ensures the protection of the shoes during transport and reflects Bmai's attention to and investment in every detail. From the packaging alone, the 'Bmai 42K' is undoubtedly a masterpiece of craftsmanship. As a loyal Bmai fan, my excitement is beyond words.
Finally, I got to see its true form. Although I had seen pictures online a few months ago, seeing it in person was still a pleasant surprise, and I couldn't help but marvel.
The appearance is very beautiful, with no color difference from the pictures. The shoe design is brand new, featuring a one-piece upper, X-shaped midfoot support structure, and a new tread pattern. The biggest highlight is the extensive use of 3M reflective materials, including reflective non-slip laces and the 42.195 full marathon exclusive reflective logo. It has a very thoughtful design. The shoe's filling has also been upgraded from paper balls to air cushions, providing excellent support and visual effects.
The only downside is a strong odor that didn't dissipate even after airing out for a day. The production date is March 15, 2017, so it's understandable given the short time frame of just over two months.
If there are any similarities with previous generations of 'Bmai,' it is the focus on design, attention to detail, continuous innovation, and pursuit of perfection.
Trying them on
I thought it was just my excitement, but I almost tore the tongue while putting on the shoes.
Actually, it's because the tongue is designed as a one-piece (or fixed) structure, connected to the shoe body, making it almost impossible to pull up. The mesh connecting it has no elasticity, and loosening the laces doesn't help much. It took a lot of effort and caution to put them on for the first time. Additionally, the laces are slightly short.
Once on, the shoes feel snug, with the sides fitting well and being quite comfortable. The shoe size is standard.
Field Test
I started running as soon as I put them on. On the third day after receiving them, I went for a 10KM night run on asphalt.
Average pace: 5′20″
On the twelfth day after receiving them, I went for an 18km morning run on asphalt, cement, and brick-paved roads.
Average pace: 5′30″.
Summary:
The shoes have both looks and substance! From the inside out, they are meticulously crafted, whether it's the packaging, design, or detail handling. The size is very accurate; my foot length is 258mm, and size 41 fits perfectly. They feel great on the feet, with a snug fit. They provide strong traction, responsive ground feedback, and are quite comfortable (at a pace of 5-6 minutes per kilometer). After trying interval running and directional changes, I understood the significance of the X-shaped TPU support. Even after long-distance runs, they still feel great, with a seamless fit between the shoes and feet. For runners who land on their heels first, there is no jarring impact, thanks to the heel stabilization device that provides satisfactory support and protection. The midsole structure and dual-density insoles are also noteworthy, contributing to new personal bests. The durability still needs time to be tested. I also care about toe protection, and the reinforced toe cap of these shoes is excellent, with 'MILE PRO' printed on it. The reflective material patterns and placements are just right, making the shoes the brightest stars in the dark, which is a plus for night runners. Such feedback justifies the current price. For runners with a pace above 5 minutes per kilometer, considering the cost-effectiveness, these shoes are definitely the best choice.
As the first full marathon running shoes, the 'Bmai 42K' is well-invested and well-crafted but still has some shortcomings. The one-piece tongue mesh connection, while increasing tongue stability, makes it difficult to wear and slightly oppressive. As the pace increases, the soles heat up noticeably, indicating poor breathability. The forefoot of the sole is relatively soft, raising concerns about durability. The glue application needs improvement, with some excess and missed spots. The laces are slightly short. The mesh upper's perforated areas need overall improvement.
From 10K to 21K to 42K, I have become a loyal 'Bmai fan,' witnessing Bmai's efforts and progress. Although not as well-known as some domestic brands, its quality and professionalism are already on par, if not better. I believe Bmai will stay true to its original intention and continue to improve. I believe Bmai will eventually become a professional benchmark in the domestic running field.
