As a high-mileage runner, running shoes are an important part aside from running posture and strength. A good pair of running shoes can be the icing on the cake. I am very fortunate to participate as a shoe reviewer in the evaluation of the 2017 Xtep 160 Xiamen Marathon commemorative racing shoes. I would like to thank Codoon Gear Party and the Xtep brand.
Xtep's cardboard box has the shoe size and color labeled on the side. My pair is a beautiful blue-green color and feels particularly lightweight in hand. I am used to wearing Asics support running shoes, which generally weigh over 200 grams. Receiving these racing shoes was a pleasant surprise—the Racing 160 is named so because it weighs only 160 grams. The Xiamen Marathon, one of the four major gold-label events in China, is a must-run event for many marathon enthusiasts, and these Xtep racing shoes were specially launched for this marathon.
About Racing Shoes: Racing shoes are a special category of running shoes designed for speed. Unlike regular running shoes, they are intended to help professional athletes or elite runners perform better in races. Therefore, their focus is not on stability, cushioning, or support. They must be lightweight and provide quick feedback for speed, which also requires strict running posture and muscle strength from the runner.
For regular runners, if you do not have good running technique and strong muscle capability, it is not recommended to try racing shoes easily to avoid running injuries such as plantar fasciitis.
Of course, wearing them for short distances is still acceptable.
On April 29, there was a 7KM small running race in Wansheng. Due to previous shin splints and high daily mileage, I was afraid of aggravating the shin splints, so I hadn't had the chance to test the racing shoes. I made a bold decision to bring these racing shoes to the race (it is generally advised not to wear new shoes in a race without breaking them in for at least several kilometers).
The morning at Qingshan Lake in Wansheng was particularly fresh and beautiful. The race started at 9:30 AM, and I got up at around 6 AM. The sky was already showing a slight red glow. I took a few detailed photos of the shoes on the path:
Looking at the shoe color, the blue-green color scheme is refreshing. The large area of indigo with camouflage patterns of bright blue, fluorescent yellow-green, and the orange sole create a bold color contrast that gives a strong visual impact. Despite the contrasting colors, the use of the same color family provides a comfortable visual experience.
The overall shape of the shoe is the typical slender profile of racing shoes.
Looking at the upper design, Xtep's ultra-thin lightweight mesh fabric enhances the shoe's breathability and provides good foot coverage. The combination of the rubberized overlay on the upper serves as the shoe's framework, providing support. The lightweight material makes the shoe soft and comfortable to wear.
The toe cap uses traditional TPU film, which is wear-resistant, impact-resistant, and has good toughness to enhance toe protection. The heel area also uses similar materials for stability, but the material's hardness feels insufficient, slightly weakening the shoe's flexibility and protection.
The midsole of the shoe uses lightweight cushioning material. For the speed required by racing shoes, the cushioning ability is good. Although the midsole is not thick, it provides commendable rebound force, making the landing and rebound process very quick and comfortable when running.
The outsole of the shoe, being a racing shoe, emphasizes lightweight, thinness, and speed. The sole near the forefoot uses a studded pattern and a high-elastic nylon plate in the midsole.
The feeling on the foot is also very comfortable.
I tried running lightly on a gravel mixed concrete path, and the ground feel was good. The low weight is suitable for my high cadence.
Xtep's shoe sizes are very suitable for Asians. The 24.5 Asics I bought before felt slightly narrow, but the 24.5, size 39 Racing 160 fits me very well.
The prominent 'X' logo represents Xtep's rational transcendence and emotional expression. The 'Xiamen International Marathon' logo on the shoe is also very eye-catching.
Due to shin splints, I didn't dare to run too fast at the start after the gun went off. Initially, I could clearly feel the significant rebound force, and the sole was very hard, lacking the cushioning of regular running shoes. After running one or two kilometers, my legs warmed up and felt comfortable, and the shoes started to feel really lightweight.
There were long and steep slopes every few hundred meters along the way, which made me appreciate the lightness of the Racing 160. Running uphill was not as strenuous, and I accelerated more in the latter half, finishing my 7KM race.
Due to the injury, I could only finish in 55th place, but the experience of wearing the Xtep Racing 160 was great.
Overall, the Racing 160, designed specifically for speed runners, uses professional materials, but there is still room for improvement in the choice of support materials.
This was my first time wearing domestic running shoes in an official race, and it was a pleasant surprise. The last time I wore Bmai, I achieved my best half-marathon time, and this time running with the Racing 160 was also easy.
'Extraordinary Feeling' is Xtep's constant pursuit. I look forward to Xtep doing even better, and hope that domestic running shoes can continue to develop and improve.