bimai 21klite running shoes a different 21k
Many thanks to Codoon and Bimai for giving @HeyManyCircles this valuable opportunity to review the new product!
——The Origin of Bimai——
It might be because I work in the domestic automobile industry that I have a special preference for domestic brands. From the moment I started running, seeing the plethora of sports shoe brands, choosing domestic shoes was a given, and choosing Bimai was a matter of chance, but staying loyal was due to its quality. On my running journey from 21K, 42K to today's review of the Bimai 21K Lite, I feel very excited.
——Unboxing and Treasure Hunting——
On the afternoon of September 23rd, I received this pair of ultra-light running shoes. To be honest, I was particularly excited at that moment, after all, it was such a trusted task, and I had to take it very seriously!
Let's talk about the packaging first. After removing the outer packaging from the courier, I saw Bimai's unique eco-friendly air cushion packaging, which was quite eye-catching. This kind of packaging reduces deformation during shoe transportation and maximizes the protection of the running shoes. I carried the shoes home with the provided rope handle, jogging all the way.
Unboxing time! I called my wife, child, and mother over to witness this important moment (mainly to show off). Upon opening the package, the black 21K Lite I chose was revealed in front of everyone. I gave the filling bubbles inside the shoes to the child to play with. The shoe surface uses 3D printing technology and is equipped with jacquard mesh fabric, solving the problem of foot breathability caused by sweating during exercise. For someone like me who sweats a lot, this is the best benefit.
The side design of the 21K Lite gives a feeling of a blade runner, full of energy! Moreover, this shoe has four prominent brand logos on the upper, making it very noticeable which brand it is. I quite approve of this. The toe cap and carrying area of the 21K Lite have enhanced reflective designs, providing the best protection for night runners.
Now, let's look at the key part, which is the sole! The sole of the 21K Lite uses fully covered wear-resistant rubber, greatly increasing the shoe's grip. The rubber sole is mainly divided into two parts: the forefoot part is mainly designed with serrations and large blocks (I don't know the professional terms), and the heel part has densely arranged small blocks, enhancing the shoe's stability.
——Field Test——
Let's talk about the 'initial foot feel,' which is the feeling when you first put on the shoes. When you gently pull the laces, the wrapping feeling around the arch and the top of the foot is very full, with no discomfort; the forefoot has a bit of space, which increases comfort during exercise by preventing toe pressure. Standing up and walking a few steps, the shoes indeed feel quite light.
I called some friends to start road testing the next day, which happened to be Sunday, September 24th. I invited one or two running buddies to begin the rigorous testing of the new running shoes. Every Sunday, I go for a long-distance slow run, a habit I've maintained for a long time. I planned to run a half marathon the next day to test the 21K Lite.
I am 175 cm tall, weigh 70 kg, and run about 300 km per month.
On September 24th, during the first test, I originally planned to run a half marathon but ended up running around the second ring road of Baoding City (48 km).
Let me talk about my feelings during the process. Because I was wearing new shoes, my average pace at the beginning was around 5:40 per kilometer, running comfortably. The shoes' breathability, cushioning, and shock absorption were excellent, making me run more than planned. In the second half, my average pace increased to around 5 minutes per kilometer. I don't know if it was because of the new shoes or my good mood that day, but I felt very comfortable running in the 21K Lite. In my own words, I ran freely!
On September 27th, during the second test, I ran 10 km.
This time, I ran 10 km at an average pace of 4:45 per kilometer, which is relatively fast for me. During the run, the full leather wrap of the toe cap easily handled small stones. Even at increased speeds, the shoes provided excellent protection for my feet, and I didn't feel any discomfort after the run.
On September 28th, during the third test, I ran 7 km.
It had just rained in the morning, so I wore the 21K Lite to test the shoes' grip. Overall, the shoes didn't slip with small strides, but if the stride was too large, there would be some slipping. I tested this very seriously.
——Review——
Overall, the 21K Lite is suitable for runners with a pace above 5 minutes per kilometer. It performs well in terms of breathability, cushioning, and shock absorption, making it suitable for daily slow runs (use cautiously on rainy days). The testing is still ongoing, and I hope these summaries are helpful to everyone. I also hope that the community will provide more benefits for runners.