codoon smart running shoes 21k my chinese heart

The scorching summer, the bustling city, the restless heart...

2018 wasn't as wonderful as imagined, and it was even a bit depressing. Fortunately, going out for a run when feeling down really helps to calm the mind. Sometimes, I am very grateful to myself for falling in love with running, as it has greatly benefited both my body and mind!

Running shoes? Before joining the Mudanjiang Running Club, I would just wear any pair of shoes to go running. There was even a time when I went on a business trip and ran in dress shoes. More often, I ran in hiking shoes (I also enjoy hiking and climbing). My first real pair of running shoes was the Codoon Green 10k, which I bought in 2017. They felt so light and snug on my feet! Naturally, they became my only battle shoes for my first half marathon (Harbin Half Marathon) that year, and I achieved my best half marathon time of 1:42. I then bought the Codoon Whirlwind Black 10k. Even though I now wear many well-known brands, I still have a special fondness for Codoon!

Anyone who loves running knows that the Codoon Smart Running App is one of the most popular apps. It is undoubtedly a pioneer in the field of intelligent fitness. In recent years, it has launched smart running shoes, smart headphones, smart body fat scales, treadmills, and more, all of which have been well-received and praised by users!

The most notable feature of Codoon smart running shoes is, of course, their built-in smart chip. When connected to the Codoon App, it can capture real-time exercise data. With the phone's voice reminder function, runners can always be aware of their pace, running posture, stride length, and frequency, effectively avoiding injuries caused by unscientific exercise. This is the blessing brought to people by the smart era!

The Codoon Smart Running Shoes 21k come in a variety of colors:

Men's: Breakthrough Red, Steady Gray, Leading Green; Women's: Vibrant Gray, Miracle Red.

The pair I am reviewing is Leading Green, a very bright color, similar to the Codoon Green I bought.

So, how can you make Codoon running shoes smart? It's very simple. Turn on your phone's Bluetooth and network, open the Codoon App, select 'My' -> 'Equipment' -> the '+' icon in the upper right corner -> 'Add a pair of running shoes' -> 'Codoon' -> 'Codoon Smart Running Shoes 21k Series' -> 'Connect' -> scan the QR code on the chip with your phone, and you're done! After binding successfully, embed the smart chip into the slot under the left insole. Before using, set 'Voice Guidance' according to your pace in 'My Running Shoes' and set 'Related Training Courses'. Remember to remove the chip from the slot before washing the shoes, and the battery in the chip can also be replaced!

Compared to the previous generation, the 21k has significant improvements in both materials and craftsmanship. The shoes are lighter, nearly 30 grams lighter than the previous generation! The upper has also been redesigned with a double-layer knit upper, enhancing breathability while also improving insulation, making it comfortable to wear between -10°C and +40°C!

The tongue design is the same thickened type as the 10k, considering wrapping and insulation. However, the unique feature of the 21k is the mesh pocket at the logo on the outermost part of the tongue, where you can tuck in the tied shoelace knot to ensure the laces don't come undone during running. This thoughtful design prevents tripping over your own laces!

The hard TPU heel provides excellent support and wrapping, and the specially embedded reflective material adds an extra layer of safety for night runners. The R-21K on the reflective material indicates the shoe's positioning.

Alright, it's time to put them on and go for a run!

My feet are slightly wide, so these shoes feel very snug, and the heel support is strong, reducing unnecessary twisting and preventing injuries! Walking from home to work, about 8.6 kilometers, gives the shoes and my feet a brief adaptation period. After work, I open the Codoon App, select running, and the connected shoes automatically display, 'Start Running'!

The route I run is a familiar section along the river. Although the road conditions are not too complicated, there are many variations in the terrain, including cement, asphalt, brick, gravel, wooden boardwalks, slopes, and steps. This is one of the reasons I like this route! Although autumn has arrived, it doesn't mean the heat is over. Fortunately, the continuous light rain in recent days has made running much cooler.

During the run, I truly experienced the comfort brought by the four-layer cushioning of the sole: the world-renowned ORTHOLITE high-elastic insole, which is antibacterial, sweat-absorbent, breathable, and highly resilient; the DUO-HEE dual-density cushioning midsole, which is moderately soft and hard, effectively absorbs the excess impact when the foot lands, reducing knee injuries; the GEL super cushioning gel on the outer side of the heel, which effectively protects the ankle from injuries caused by running pronation; and the EVA material cushioning outsole with segmented shock absorption design, which absorbs the pressure on the foot from body weight. The outsole uses non-slip, wear-resistant, and flexible rubber material, enhancing the grip between the sole and the ground, allowing runners to run more happily and healthily!

Throughout the run, the most impressive experience was the high rebound of these running shoes. Especially at the four-kilometer mark, which is a sandy section, when the shoes stepped on the slightly soft sand after the rain, it felt not just like sinking but also had an upward rebound force, making running on the sandy path easy. On the cement path, the cushioning effect was particularly noticeable.

Overall, these running shoes are very suitable for beginner runners to experience medium to long distances, half marathons, or even full marathons! Of course, there are some shortcomings during the experience. The slot for the chip is made of plastic and is relatively easy to deform, causing the chip not to fit completely into the slot, making it uncomfortable for the arch of the foot when walking or running. This needs improvement.

It is said that the Codoon Smart Running Shoes 42k will be launched soon. Looking forward to a more perfect version! And I will continue to support Codoon as always!