bmai 21klite running shoes surpass dreams surpass yourself
As a die-hard fan of Bmai, I am always filled with curiosity and anticipation for each new product release. I am equally curious and excited about the Bmai 21k Lite, wondering what kind of cutting-edge technology it incorporates. Just as a sharp sword is forged through grinding, and the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from the bitter cold, Bmai has continuously developed and enhanced the technology and functionality of its running shoes in just two years. From an unknown internet sports brand to a common sight at marathon events, Bmai has brought many classic sports gear to running enthusiasts. I am fortunate to have participated in and witnessed the Bmai 21k2 and Bmai 42k. Thanks to Codoon! Thanks to Bmai! For allowing me to witness the technological and functional improvements of the 21k Lite once again, enabling me to start my running journey with ease. On the occasion of Bmai's second anniversary, Bmai has launched the Mile21 Lite lightweight running shoes. Let's take a look at the much-anticipated 21k Lite and see what kind of legendary running shoes they are.
First, let's look at the body data of the reviewer:
Height: 161 cm (short)
Weight: 52 kg (standard body)
Running posture: Heel strike with slight outward roll
Arch: Normal arch
Product information: Bmai Mile21k Lite
Color: Electric Blue
Origin: Zhongshan, Guangdong
Shoe size: 40 (US 7)
Shoe type: Lightweight running shoes
Shoe weight: Single shoe (234 grams)
Shoe technology and features: 3D printing film, built-in 3M reflective strip at the toe, ultra-light cushioning EVA midsole, 85-degree hard EVA support structure at the midfoot
//// Unboxing ////
Opening the shoe box, I was first stunned by this small letter. Only runners truly understand runners. A few short lines made me feel the sincerity of the Bmai team. With dedication, professionalism, focus, and persistence, they make products to serve runners.
The Bmai 21k Lite packaging still uses the air column packaging box from the 42k pro, which is environmentally friendly and convenient for transportation. Here's a picture for a quick look.
Here's another picture of the 21k II, 42k pro, and 21k Lite together.
//// Details ////
〖Upper〗: The 21k Lite upper still uses jacquard fabric combined with 3D printing film technology. The entire shoe has no stitching, maintaining breathability while reducing weight. The support and stability design of the upper is inspired by leaves, with large areas of PU hot film mimicking leaf vein structures, reducing weight while providing support and enhancing the shoe's wrap.
〖Toe〗: The anti-collision toe design combines jacquard mesh fabric with hot-melt film and built-in 3M reflective strips, making it beautiful and perfect! The lite 21k on the toe shows the identity of this running shoe.
〖Heel〗: The heel also features extended leaf vein protection combined with a large amount of reflective material and 3D film technology. It locks the heel well and enhances safety for night runners. The 21k Lite heel also has a pull tab for easy on and off. The shoe collar uses black quick-drying mesh fabric, which is breathable, sweat-absorbent, and dirt-resistant.
〖Tongue and Laces〗: The black woven mesh tongue paired with black and white dotted laces matches the cyan-blue shoe body, simple yet powerful. The tongue is fixed to the upper on both sides, ensuring it doesn't shift during movement. The embossed Bmai logo on the top of the tongue is simple and elegant, showcasing quality!
〖Midsole〗: The 21k Lite midsole uses a new ultra-light cushioning EVA material with a dam-like texture structure, providing protection and cushioning for the knees during running. The 21k Lite midsole abandons the Boom technology layer of the 21k II midsole, so the cushioning effect needs to be experienced firsthand!
〖Outsole〗: The outsole uses high-quality lightweight wear-resistant rubber with serrated patterns and geometric segmentation, providing strong anti-slip and wear-resistant performance. The Bmai engraved text on the heel is clear and bold, showcasing the brand's charm at any time!
The 21k Lite midfoot features an 85-degree hard EVA lightweight support structure, abandoning the ARCH SUPPORT arch support and hard TPU structure of the 21k II.
〖Insole〗: The 21k Lite insole still uses ortholite material combined with sweat hemp fiber fabric, with a 3D molded design that fits the foot perfectly, effectively antibacterial, deodorant, sweat-absorbent, and moisture-wicking.
Removing the insole, the inner layer of the shoe is finely crafted, with the midsole and upper stitching neatly arranged. Details determine success or failure, and the production date of the running shoes is clearly visible.
The single 40-size 21k Lite running shoe weighs only 234 grams, significantly lighter than the approximately 300 grams of the 21k II. The lightweight design should make you feel like you're flying!
///// Real-world Experience /////
After introducing so much, I can't wait to try them on. Let's start with a pre-run jump video to feel the comfort of the new shoes. After a few minutes of simple experience, the words light, soft, and bouncy kept popping into my mind. Super comfortable. The first impression when putting them on is that they are thin and fit well, feeling almost weightless, with noticeable softness and bounce in the forefoot.
I tested the 21k Lite running shoes with 4 km interval runs, 10 km tempo runs, 13 km speed runs, and 21 km distance runs, running 5 km and 7 km each time. Through different paces, distances, and surfaces (road, asphalt, gravel, concrete), I felt the unique experience brought by the 21k Lite running shoes. The 4 km interval run was very exciting, and I could describe it as light as a swallow and fast as the wind. My cadence reached 202, and my average stride length was 1.2 meters, the best in my history. The lightweight design of the shoes was fully reflected in the cadence and stride length. I truly experienced the feeling of being as light as a leaf and as fast as the wind!
The 13 km run was a small goal I set for myself at the beginning of 2017, to run 13 km in under an hour. I didn't expect the Bmai 21k Lite to help me achieve it. Surpassing dreams, surpassing myself! The Bmai 21k Lite helped me achieve my dream and set sail for my next goal!
To test the long-distance performance of these shoes, I ran a half marathon of 21 km, including a 3 km section on a cobblestone road. After the run, my soles felt a bit uncomfortable. These lightweight shoes are indeed not suitable for such surfaces. Throughout the run, the 21k Lite gave me the strongest impression of being light, soft, and bouncy! Unfortunately, after about 15 km, the forefoot felt a bit hard, but the heel feedback was still quite noticeable, not too soft or hard, but very responsive. During the run, I could clearly feel the cushioning of the outsole without losing any power.
///// Product Function Rating /////
〖Upper Wrap and Breathability〗: 8 points — The 3D printing combined with jacquard mesh fabric provides excellent breathability, but it's uncertain if it can handle the hot summer. The shoe space is ample, and for flat feet like mine, as long as the laces are tightened, the wrap performance is good. However, when the laces are tightened, they become longer. Adding another hole on the shoe collar might improve this.
〖Anti-slip and Wear Resistance〗: 9.5 points — The 21k II used to make me tense on wet marble surfaces, always on the verge of slipping. The 21k Lite handles wet marble surfaces with ease, even allowing for running. The grip is excellent. After running over 100 km in 10 days and daily wear, the outsole still looks new, showing excellent wear resistance. Hence, I gave it 9.5 points!
〖Stability and Cushioning〗: 8 points — The 3D printing upper with hot-melt film covers the upper, and the 3M reflective strip covers the heel, tightly locking the heel. Combined with the 85-degree hard EVA lightweight support piece at the midfoot, the stability and support during running are quite good. The lightweight cushioning EVA material used in the midsole provides good feedback during movement, especially at the heel, though the forefoot cushioning is relatively lacking.
//// Pros and Cons ////
Pros: Lightweight running shoes (single shoe weighs 234 grams), moderate breathability and wrap, excellent grip and wear resistance, priced at 359 yuan on Codoon Mall, high cost-performance ratio. Cons: Average cushioning, wide shoe last, not suitable for beginners or those with narrow feet.
/// Review Summary and Suitable Users ///
1. Those who pursue speed and have speed requirements, a good helper for interval and speed training
2. Those with strong leg muscles and over a year of running experience
3. Lightweight runners
4. Ample shoe space, suitable for runners with thick and wide feet
5. Suitable for races or training within 21 km, not recommended for distances beyond a half marathon.
6. Suitable surfaces: Smooth cement roads, asphalt roads, school tracks.