Special steps racing 160 not only for elite exclusively
@connie珍
The first time I participated in Codoon's review application activity, I was selected. First, I would like to thank Xiao Dang for trusting me and giving me this opportunity. I am very happy to review the Speed 160 and share my wearing experience with fellow runners.
I have been running for almost a year now. In December 2016, I completed my first marathon in 4 hours and 14 minutes. When it comes to running shoes, I believe comfort and fit are the most important, especially since a marathon is a long-distance challenge. Upon learning that I won, I waited a week and finally received this first-release Xtep Speed shoes for the Xiamen Marathon. I couldn't wait to open the package. The streamlined body of the Speed 160, combined with its flashy appearance, indeed has a strong visual impact. The lightweight feel is indeed different from the shock-absorbing running shoes I usually wear. The slender and long shoe design makes the foot look very elongated. The more I look at them, the more I like them. It is said that only professional athletes can handle racing shoes. As a novice, if it weren't for this review opportunity, I wouldn't have dared to try racing shoes.
Track: On the first day of wearing them, they hadn't been broken in yet, but I could feel the X-wrapping technology making the shoe and foot seem to merge into one. The upper material is relatively thin and soft, and it feels like I'm not wearing shoes at all. The first time wearing racing shoes was indeed uncomfortable. For the first 5 kilometers, my soles felt hot, but after 10 kilometers, I gradually got used to them. The next day, my feet felt no discomfort at all.
Cement Road: After wearing them a few times, I got used to their light and thin feel. Running 8 kilometers was very easy, and the speed was perfect. Of course, speed tests are essential for racing shoes. In the last kilometer, I accelerated and felt their flying sensation. My feet felt no fatigue, and I could still feel the shock absorption effect of these shoes. It is understood that the midsole of the Speed 160 uses Xtep's lightweight cushioning material, which has the characteristics of quick rebound and basic good cushioning ability. The cushioning material is designed for lightweight and elastic support. Although the midsole thickness of the Speed 160 is not large, the comfort it provides to the feet is still very strong. I deeply felt this during the run. The eye-catching and bright appearance also attracted the attention and praise of fellow runners along the way.
Mountain Road: I think running uphill not only tests the runner's perseverance but is also a great comprehensive test for running shoes. So I included uphill running in the review plan. Previously, I always wore shock-absorbing running shoes. Running uphill was already strenuous, and with the added weight of the shoes and backpack, every run was torturous. For this test, I decided to wear the Speed 160 for a steady run. During the run, my feet felt no burden at all, and I experienced its lightweight advantage very well. It was also my fastest uphill run. Whether it was a straight uphill or an S-curve uphill, the Speed 160 handled it very well. The grip was very noticeable, making uphill running easier than before, and my feet felt no soreness. Uphill running requires small steps, which wears out the soles quickly. However, after the run, I specifically checked the wear and tear of the soles, and it was not significant. Usually, the heel of my shoes wears out very quickly. So far, I have run about 50 kilometers in the Speed 160, and the heel of the sole has only minor wear, indicating good durability.
I successfully completed this review as planned. Through the experience of running on tracks, roads, and uphill with the Speed 160, I gained a deeper understanding of this first-release Xtep racing shoe for the Xiamen Marathon. The X-wrapping technology makes the shoe and foot fit perfectly, making your feet look very slender, which is not an effect I have experienced with the shock-absorbing support running shoes I have worn before. Combined with the bright and colorful design, it has a strong visual impact. The midsole thickness of the 160 is not large, but its lightweight design and cushioning material provide good elastic support. During the run, you can feel the quick rebound characteristics and cushioning ability.
Through the long-distance half-marathon test, because the upper material is thin and soft, the overall breathability of the shoe is very good, so your feet won't feel stuffy. When running uphill, you can only take small steps with a high frequency. When landing, you can clearly feel the strong grip of the forefoot, preventing slipping. Running uphill is also easier than with ordinary running shoes, and the speed naturally increases. The overall feeling of the feet is very comfortable and relaxed.
Usually, the heel of my shoes wears out very quickly. So far, I have run about 50 kilometers in the Speed 160, and the heel of the sole has only minor wear, indicating good durability.
This is my real experience review report. I am very happy that Xiao Dang gave me the opportunity to share my wearing experience of the Xtep Speed 160. I hope it will be helpful to everyone. Many runners prefer certain foreign brand running shoes and look down on domestic ones. Although Xtep is a domestic brand, I have bought Xtep's ordinary sports shoes and casual shoes before, and I personally think the quality is still good and durable. Through this experience with the Speed 160, I have more confidence in Xtep and look forward to the release of its new products.
I like its lightweight and comfortable feel. I want to say that it is not exclusive to marathon experts. Novices don't need to worry at all. I believe you can handle it just like I did. You will enjoy the extraordinary feeling of running with the Xtep Speed 160.
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