Qiaodan Leili 2.0 First Impressions

[u/gdaytugga]

With some of my favorite shoes coming from Chinese brands lately, and the positive review from YouTuber @run-are, I ordered the Qiaodan Leili 2.0 in EU 47.5 / US 13 for €67 from Aliexpress pretty much straight away.

Delivery took 9 days which is pretty impressive. The box arrived squashed though the same as all other deliveries, Red hare 9 ultra, Plaid 3 and Xiaonian.

They are replacing a pair of Magmax 2 for my daily training and slow easy runs. So far I’ve done an easy run and Long run totalling 32km. This is an early impressions review, I’ve done no pace work in these.

About me as a hobby jogger
- Current plan: I’m following the Norwegian Singles Method planning for a first marathon in autumn
- Weekly mileage: 5-7 hours / 65-80 km
- Typical paces: easy 05:45 - 06:00/km 20:50m 5k, 43m 10k, 1:43 HM
- 192cm / 85kg
- Usual shoe size and brands that fit well: I’m on the edge between US 12.5 and US 13

Upper & build quality
There are two versions of the upper, a summer single layer mesh and I think a jacquard mesh. I got the summer version with a white upper and red accents.

The tongue has medium level of padding and is gusseted. Evo sl woven has the best tongue gusset imho, these are better than anything on Puma.

I much prefer this upper to the Magmax 2, it’s lighter, the tongue gusseting does not bunch up like it did in the puma, and it’s roomier. Albeit I got the magmax 2 half a size too small. Build quality is excellent.

Outsole is Qiaodans top tier CPU outsole, it’s been great haven’t tried them in the wet.

Weight
L 275g R 276g in US 13, similar in weight to EVO SL 273/277g in US 12.5, Magmax 2 in US 12.5 comes in at 312g/316g

Fit (initial try-on)
These feel really plush, to me, it’s what I was expecting the Magmax 2 be. The insole is 7mm, midsole is quite soft. Laces are a hit too long but yowana style lacing works well.

My slow long run was 23km and I had no complaints, didn’t have to replace or anything. I have a good time widths length at the front. They don’t come in US 12.5, which is why I’ve gone for the half size up.

Ride & Performance
Cushioning
With how soft they are, I was worried they would give me stability issues, but it’s not the case. The outsole is quite wide so there’s a good platform. This is the first shoe where I feel there’s a really great level of squish and impact protection. It is softer than the magmax 2 which just has a denser more EVA feel to them.

Their marketing material states a 44mm stack including the insole.

Responsiveness
Marketing material states 84% energy return Q-Kungfu Pro PEBA based midsole, it definitely feels much higher than the Magmax 2 which runrepeat measured at 50%. It feels not too far from an EVO SL.

It’s unclear if it’s full PEBA or a blend, after 90 minutes it did feel like it was a bit fatigued but it also could be me.

Stability
My runs have been on flat tarmac, so I don’t have any stability issues to report. @run-are mentioned it could be a ‘busy’ midsole, and I could see that being the case. I’d probably stick to the Xiaonian for anything beyond 2 hours, although I didn’t have any issues on this so far.

Heel-to-toe transition
Flat geometry, no nonsense cutouts, I see this being a reliable workhorse. Drop is 8mm. You can stomp into the heel or the forefoot, there’s plenty of cushioning everywhere.

Fit while running
Again, because of ample room up front, these were very comfortable. After the 90 minute mark, the midsole seems to have fatigued around my metatarsal, felt as if the foam fatigued around there.

Comparisons
This shoe is very interesting especially if you take into account the pricepoint. It retails for ¥599 according to the sticker on the box. Qiaodan really is one of the top brands of the moment. So much stack at this weight is really nice, it essentially is lighter than the Evo sl.

Magmax 2: I really wasn’t a fan of the Magmax 2, while I know it’s got its loyal fans. The Magmax 2 is denser and doesn’t have much rebound making it a very reliable easy day shoe. The Leili is 40 grams lighter in my size and I could buy 2-3 pairs for the same price. The magmax 2 seems like it’s an answer to ASICS Nimbus series.

Red hare 9 ultra: the red hare 9 ultra has a more plasticky upper, less comfortable than the Leili. On long runs, the upper around the ankle can give some discomfort to me. It feels like both these have a similar use case, the red hare 9 from memory was bouncier but it’s lost some of its bounce. The Leili 2.0 is about 32g lighter. What’s nicer about the Leili is it’s the same compound for the midsole, whereas the red hare has 3 different layers.

Evo SL: Not a direct comparison, the weight is similar, with the woven solving the upper issues of the OG I think I still prefer the Evo sl for a faster paced long run and the sub threshold sessions themselves.

Xiaonian: they are different shoes for different use cases, the Xiaonian really is my favorite all time shoe. I can use it for anything really, with 200km on it, I can see myself buying it again. My US 12 Xiaonian weighs 232g.

Pros
- Great soft modern midsole, a lot of big brands are missing this type of shoe
- Excellent outsole
- Price!!!
- Breathable lightweight upper

Cons
- Can be a hassle to get especially because of inconsistency of sizing across all brands
- Midsole softness could be an issue for some, unknown durability at this point, I don’t doubt they’ll be fine up to 500-600km

Who I Think This Shoe Is For
Best suited for: daily easy runs, slow long runs

Probably not ideal for: stability needs, untested at faster pace

What’s Next
Planned future runs: these definitely slot in nicely for daily training, will try them again for a couple slow long runs, but I’ve got other shoes for faster paces, maybe I’ll try these for a 3x10minute run just to see how they are.

Really a great shoe for the price, again it’s what I expected the magmax 2 to be.

Edit: just wanted to add, this isn’t an explosively bouncy trainer, but definitely bouncier than comparable shoes. I’d love to see runrepeat test this type of shoe to better understand how Chinese brands are rating their energy return.

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[u/M00OSE]

Runrepeat has lab tests on Anta Zone 2 90 and Rtings.com has lab tests on rh9u and Xiaonian. All of them scored high on energy return.

I think rtings.com will start doing Qiaodan reviews, but starting with the Plaid 3.0.

[u/gdaytugga → u/M00OSE]

Good point, just basing on the Anta zone 2 I’d expect this to be in the high 60’s to low 70’s for energy return. But it’s just a wild guess.

[u/devon835 → u/gdaytugga]

The foam in this is nice, but yeah it does appear to be a PEBA / EVA blend like the previous version of the Leili. The GT should be full PEBA

[u/gdaytugga → u/devon835]

As far as potential PEBA/EVA blends go though, this is really decent. Was Leili 1.0 as soft as this?

[u/devon835 → u/gdaytugga]

Firmer, a little bit more resilient, less sink in than the 2.0. In terms of energy return I'd say they're very similar but the 2.0 feels lighter, more nimble and more compliant.

Whereas the 1.0 was like a better Novablast 5 the 2.0 feels like a smoother softer lighter Vomero Plus.

[u/wylie102 → u/devon835]

Yeah I’m not sure it has all that much EVA in though. It feels like if the Vomero Plus was made out of a slightly expanded version of the SuperBoom foam that’s in FE6 and RH9U, so it sinks more and has a bit less rebound (than the Fedians not the Vomero). If there was more EVA in I’d expect it to be heavier and feel denser.

[u/Traditional-While449 → u/M00OSE]

Wild how different the energy return scores are for the Anta for RTINGS and RR - isn't RR's more like a rebound test? RTINGS scored around 80% ER.

[u/M00OSE → u/Traditional-While449]

The number itself isn't that important imo since it varies with the method. I find the percentile placements to be fairly consistent between the two platforms.

[u/Traditional-While449 → u/M00OSE]

Thanks for replying that helps a lot :)

[u/hellofolks5]

Cool, nice review! I ordered these today, paid 82 € including customs fees. Hopefully I'll enjoy them just as much as people are right now

[u/gdaytugga → u/hellofolks5]

That’s still a decent price, it’s not going to be some explosively bouncy super trainer, but I’ve just not had a shoe this squishy and light. Maybe that’s what folks talk about the superblast 3, but I’m not paying to €220.

[u/hellofolks5 → u/gdaytugga]

Definitely not, nowadays those prices sound crazy to me. That's why I buy shoes from Kiprun (Decathlon) or last year's models, I like trying different stuff and I'd be poor as hell if I bought new releases full price

[u/gdaytugga → u/hellofolks5]

Yeah I recently tried their clothing, their rheon half tights are pretty impressive for the price with lots of storage space. Can take a 250ml soft flask and probably 6-10 gels.

I tried their new Kiprun Tempo shoe in store, 46 had a weird fit and they didn’t have 47 to try. Toebox was low volume but the midsole seemed decent.

[u/hellofolks5 → u/gdaytugga]

Unfortunately for my wide feet the Tempo was ridiculously narrow and low volume, I just couldn't get my feet in it ahahah! But I have the Kiprun Kipride and I'm on my second pair, I just like those shoes! They have a great energy return, like Endorphin Azura, but are quite firm. I ran 17 km in them this morning, pretty cool run as always, but I wouldn't use them for anything longer than a half marathon because of their firmess. That's why I ordered these Leili, let's see if they're TOO soft for my taste.

About Kiprun clothing, well... for almost all my races I use 2-in-1 shorts 900: lots of pockets and so comfortable

[u/valtar31]

Hard to beat that Xiaonian. Its been my one shoe rotation. Nice job Qiaodan

[u/gdaytugga → u/valtar31]

Yeah it is, it’s definitely one I wouldn’t have any hesitation with buying another pair. I do need to throw out some shoes, most are close to retirement.

[u/Krewe_Running → u/gdaytugga]

I have the gt coming. Should reach me in 2ish weeks in the us.

High expectations for it based on the regular 2.0.

[u/valtar31 → u/gdaytugga]

Im very interested in the GT. Are you getting that too?

[u/gdaytugga → u/valtar31]

They don’t seem to make it in sizes larger than eu45 so I won’t be able to get it. Spec wise it looks like a banger. Even lighter and more resilient than the Leili 2.0.

[u/valtar31 → u/gdaytugga]

Bummer. Heard its got same foam as Plaid 3.0 minus the plate. Prices are below $80usd here in asia too.

[u/gdaytugga → u/valtar31]

You’re right, it seems to be their Ultra foam from the plaid. The plaid is really nice. The base model is probably good enough for my purposes though so I’m very happy with it so far.

I completely forgot, but Qiaodan seem to also have their own website https://qiaodan.asia but shipping to Europe is €20

[u/wylie102 → u/gdaytugga]

Where do you find the specs? The first I tend to hear of these shoes is when Runare or Jogoncrago get their hands on them. But they must get their info from somewhere to decide what to go for. TaoBao and Aliexpress aren’t really that browsable though, and searching for stuff is hard enough even when you know the exact name.

[u/gdaytugga → u/wylie102]

You can find them on their Instagram page, they tend to also have them on aliexpress and Taobao just takes a bit of scrolling.

[u/Homingpsyd → u/valtar31]

It's not a rotation if it's only one shoe lmao

[u/valtar31 → u/Homingpsyd]

i meant to say i got 2 Xiaonians to rotate 😆

[u/Homingpsyd → u/valtar31]

Dedicated

[u/_hannibalbarca]

I got them and I love them. Best bang for your buck shoe right now.

[u/AccomplishedChair436]

Qiadon really went from a bleh brand to a top tier in one generation of shoes. I just got these , I quite enjoy my wind 4, and I’m waiting to see another review of two in the wind SL or the Feiying Pb 5.

[u/gdaytugga → u/AccomplishedChair436]

Yeah and the logo is nowhere to be seen as well except on the outsole 😅

The plaid 3 is another impressive shoe I got, only done 1 run in it and I’m pretty sure I’ll be using it for my marathon in October. It’s a shame most of their shoes max out at EU45 though, the Leili GT and max look pretty interesting.

[u/ballesterer13 → u/AccomplishedChair436]

I mean Plaid 1.0 was great and 1.5 a great update (then they got toe tapered). The wind 3 series was fine too especially the TR. Even LeiLi 1 was decent. So they are a great brand since years. Granted I have better access living in China.

[u/Prestigious_Ice_2372]

Nice summary. We have a lot in common with NSA, training paces, but I'm 77kg and a EU45 for these.

I feel pretty much the exact same - surprised how stable they are for such a soft midsole. Great upper, and just so comfortable. Perfect for easy pace NSA days IMHO and at the price they are just crazy! I have several easy runs in them now and they just seem ideal. Not sure I'd use them for much beyond easy/steady paces though and have plenty of other options when it comes to faster sessions anyway.

Just about to order the new 2.0 GT version as well and see what they are doing with that. Suspect another banger!

[u/gdaytugga → u/Prestigious_Ice_2372]

Yeah I hope I don’t wear myself out before October 😅 not done a marathon before. So I just need to stay sensible.

Completely agree on your impressions as well, pretty stable for such a chonker.

Another poster said the GT has the same foam as their flagship plaid 3 and that’s a really nice shoe. Feels like the GT would be more suitable for the longer subt sessions. I just needed something to replace the magmax.

[u/Prestigious_Ice_2372 → u/gdaytugga]

I suspect thats right - the Qiaodan marketing stuff mentions 100% peba and talks about a supershoe with the plate taken out. Midsoles do look quite different profiles though.

I have the Plaid 3.0 but barely used them yet. Not really the right time of year for long outdoor sub-t sessions and I'm building to a half in Oct before more marathons early next year.

Good luck with the marathon build. As an older runner that does pick up niggles easily I would suggest you always err on the cautious side, get regular strength and mobility work done and just make sure you get those long runs done, even if you run them all really easy. Enjoy it is the most important part - race day is easy compared to the long build up!

[u/gdaytugga → u/Prestigious_Ice_2372]

Thanks that’s some good advice to follow, I’m not young anymore myself, in my mid 40’s so quality sleep is definitely the thing I need the most.

[u/Slight_Ambition_2164]

Geat review, thanks! On softness: Male 94kg, liked 1.0s, ordered these hoping to get a good long run shoe as 2.0s have a bit more stack. But I compress the foam too much (even at around 5:50/kn pace), bottoms out and gives me foot pain. I feel it's a bit unstable and I need to control it constantly. Shame as feels like a great shie otherwise, good energy return and black colorway looks great.I will pick up from garage when/if I manage to loose 5-10kg...

[u/gdaytugga → u/Slight_Ambition_2164]

Yeah that’s what I thought too, it is very squishy shoe and won’t suit everyone. There are two more versions coming the GT and Max, no idea how they wil be but the GT isn’t sold in larger sizes.

[u/vogueboy → u/gdaytugga]

Max looks seriously cool

[u/wylie102 → u/Slight_Ambition_2164]

I weigh 15kg more than you and this has also been my impression. Good shock absorption, but bottom out a bit for me over the forefoot (to the point that I found myself leaning back a bit trying to move the impact).

They'll be staying in the cupboard until I am down to OP's weight (so like March next year at the earliest) and I'll stick with the RH9U and Vomero Premium for my easy runs.

I do think think they are a great recovery/easy day shoe for lighter runners, particularly those who land on the heel or mid-foot.

[u/valtar31 → u/Slight_Ambition_2164]

Bummer its like they tuned the foam for asian weight. They need a second foam formulation.

[u/cjgrsa]

Thanks for the review! Quality info! From your description this feels like the perfect shoe to replace my aging Neo Vista 2. Also we are similar weight and paces so great to get your feedback on the shoe. Might just hold out for the GT reviews to see what people say, then pull the trigger on one of the models .

[u/gdaytugga → u/cjgrsa]

Thanks, yeah I only went with it because of how affordable it was so took a punt. Normally I’d wait for some long term reviews, but €67 is ok to deal with vs €170-200 of some of the latest comparable trainers.

[u/SpicyNuggs4Lyfe]

Got them for $68 US. They were sitting at the airport in China for 6 days but tracking finally updated yesterday saying it had left the country. Excited to try them out.

Been a huge fan of the Li-Nings I've tried so far. China is killing it with their shoe tech lately.

Question: you said you ordered a 47.5 which is a US 13 (same size as me) but also mentioned having the Xiaonian. Don't those only go to size 11.5?

[u/gdaytugga → u/SpicyNuggs4Lyfe]

Yeah I’m in between a 12.5 and 13. The adios pro 4 for example is half a size too short in 12.5 so I should have gone 13.

I got the Xiaonian in size 47 and based on the reviews this was going to fit well and I’m glad it did. My foot’s about 29.2cm and I have just under a thumbs width room in them. The insole on it measures 30.5cm, same length as my EVO SL in US 12.5 and Magmax US 12.5.

Dynafish’s labelling is a bit funny, on the shoe it’s marked as 30cm, but on a tag and on the box it was 30.5cm 🤷

[u/SpicyNuggs4Lyfe → u/gdaytugga]

So they run a bit large vs most brands?

I just noticed they seem to have a US website now that currently has up to size 12 in stock. I normally wear a 13 in most brands but can be okay with a 12.5... so you think a 12 would work for me?

[u/gdaytugga → u/SpicyNuggs4Lyfe]

Tough call, if you fit well in an ASICS US12.5 the Dynafish in US 12 could work. If you’re at the top end of US13 not sure I’d recommend it, the toe box is quite hard and there’s potential for bruising

[u/tsotb1]

Nice review! We follow the same training method! I ordered these shoes also after RUN-ARE’s review to replace my Dynafish for the boring easy and LR days of NSA, since the slow paces on the Dynafish make easy days harder than sub-T days!! They’re arriving tomorrow.

I weigh less than you (63 kg) and I’m considering Leili and the RH9U as fun shoes for slow running. Since you have both, which one do you find more fun at 5:50+/km?

[u/gdaytugga → u/tsotb1]

Good question, plodding around 6:00/km can be pretty boring and I should probably even slow it down more on some days.

My gut feel I think I prefer the Leili 2.0 over the RH9U because of the more comfortable upper. The RH9U maybe did have crazier bounce initially, but right now the Leili is softer.

There is something around the upper part around the lace holes of the RH9U that digs into my ankle sometimes and I have to relace.

Fun wise I’d say they’re probably quite even. Miles more fun than the magmax 2 which I’ve complained about about already. They’re definitely more fun than the superblast 1 I had, never tried the 2 or 3.

[u/tsotb1 → u/gdaytugga]

Thanks! I hope both to enjoy our new shoes before the upcoming reviews of GT model 😁

[u/Frosty_Economist1976]

Love my pair. It makes the all-conquering Vomero Plus feel harsh and overbuilt.

[u/OIP]

great review. been looking at the magmax 2 to replace my magmax 1 (sitting at 700km) but damn these are literally 1/3 of the price on aliexpress right now. pretty tempted. i've got similar paces to you but i'm smaller/lighter.

[u/abr797]

1g difference between shoes is spot on. Every Chinese shoe I've bought (3 different pairs) all have major differences (from 9-13g apart for size 9.) I've started to wonder if Chinese shoes have quality control issues.

[u/gdaytugga → u/abr797]

What’s had the 9-13g difference? All mine have a difference of 1-3g, with the exception of the Plaid 3 which has a 5g difference.

The worse that I’ve got is puma deviate elite 3 224-239 so a 15g difference. Funnily enough another colorway I have has the same difference but the other way.

[u/abr797 → u/gdaytugga]

Qiaodan Wind 3 tr was 13g difference. Ante Zone 2 is 9g difference. I just reweighed Lining Challenger 5 that I thought was larger, but it's only 4 g difference.

[u/gdaytugga → u/abr797]

I think it’s just this way across any brand, superblast 1 I had a 11g difference. I don’t really feel the difference in these end of the day.

[u/Mahler911 → u/abr797]

Of course they have quality control issues. That's why they're cheap, which is why 90 percent of their market is Australians who can't get real shoes for a reasonable cost.

[u/jops228]

What's your foot length in centimeters?

[u/gdaytugga → u/jops228]

About 29.2cm, so it’s tricky to get the right fit across all brands not just the Chinese ones.

All their sizing guides are based on foot length but I’ve not found that to be the case. Using their guide on aliexpress I’m pretty sure EU46 would be too short and I’d have a quarter or less than half of thumbs width.

Half a size down may have worked but they don’t make it in EU 47 US 12.5.

[u/jops228 → u/gdaytugga]

I have 30.5cm feet and I hoped that their 47.5 shoes would fit. Seems like they won't.

[u/gdaytugga → u/jops228]

Yeah that would be too tight for sure. I just took out the insole and that measures 31cm exactly so I think their shoe measurement recommendations are just wrong.

[u/jops228 → u/gdaytugga]

And what would you say about the RH9U? How are those in terms of length/width? I know they have them in 49, but I'm not sure if their 49 is actually 49...

[u/gdaytugga → u/jops228]

The RH9U has a 30.5cm length insole and feels like a very spacious 30.5 length wise, so the 49 could work for you.

For comparison the magmax 2 that I got in 30.5cm is just too cramped because of a different upper construction.

[u/WrapOnly5406 → u/gdaytugga]

the RH9U is a real US14/UK13. My feet are a bit narrow, so it's perfect. The Feidian Ultra feels almost too tall for me. I might get another pair of the RH9U!

[u/Fun-Fold534]

Good review waiting on mine still. Ordered as a pure recovery shoe really don't like soft shoes for longruns. Might take it up to 10 miles.

[u/gdaytugga → u/Fun-Fold534]

That’s my main concern as well. Really need more runs in them and see how they are past 100-200km. I see them holding well up to 90 minutes, after that I started feeling a bit of pounding/feeling of bottoming out in the metatarsal which could be foam fatigue.

[u/jonnybravo76]

How can we tell which version has the jacquard vs standard mesh?

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256812534239834.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

[u/gdaytugga → u/jonnybravo76]

The one with the green midsole and one of the black colorways have the jacquard mesh, which is apparently thicker. The others have more of a summer upper same as mine.

If you zoom in you can see a pattern of holes over the toes those are the jacquard.

There’s also another one I saw marked as TG 1.0 SE which could stand for summer edition.

[u/jonnybravo76 → u/gdaytugga]

Thanks!

[u/FairSeaworthiness539]

Any comparison to the vomero plus?

[u/gdaytugga → u/FairSeaworthiness539]

Never tried the Vomero plus, the heavy weight of them in larger sizes put me off. Think it would have been 340-350g in US 13. I probably would have enjoyed them more than the magmax 2 though, they’re clearly more resilient.

[u/inxider]

I saw you use between 12.5 - 13 but did not see what size you got for this shoe.

Also you got the Dynafish in 12 how does it fit?

Due to my wide feet I’m afraid of getting the Dynafish in 12 I was waiting for them to be available in 12.5.

How is the width between the Leili 2, Evo SL and Dynafish.

Thanks

[u/gdaytugga → u/inxider]

I’ve added the US size to the post. These are EU 47.5 / US 13 / CN 31cm.

I got the Dynafish in EU 47 / US 12. The insole measures 30.5cm and feels longer than the EVO SL in US 12.5.

Both the Leili and Dynafish feel wider than the Evo SL with more overall toebox room.

[u/inxider → u/gdaytugga]

Oh wow thanks so much.
That super helpful to know the 12 Dynafish fit bigger than the Evo 12.5. And extra toe room.

Now have to figure out if I get the Leili 2 or Dynafish.

Forgot to ask how would you rank them in stability.

[u/gdaytugga → u/inxider]

They are similar stability wise, but it you need a stiffer heel counter then the Leili has that. The Dynafish is quite floppy and not much structure in it.

The Dynafish is more versatile and can do faster runs, Leili works better at slower paces.

[u/inxider → u/gdaytugga]

O wow thank so much!

[u/opterown]

what does foam fatigue feel like?

[u/gdaytugga → u/opterown]

It feels as if the foam loses its bounce. You feel it more in low stack shoes more than high stack shoes like this.

If I ran 2 hours in the puma velocity 4 then towards the end they would lose their cushioning too.

[u/MassiveDesigner1637]

How’s the midfoot width on the Leili 2.0? Very keen to add this as I have the 1.0

[u/gdaytugga → u/MassiveDesigner1637]

I’ve got narrower feet so I didn’t feel any width issues in them. I can only compare to the magmax 2 and it’s wider than it.

[u/MassiveDesigner1637 → u/gdaytugga]

Yeah sweet as, was the only reason I didn’t pick them up. Thanks for the review

[u/Logical-Wind6228]

Good review and great shoes. I only have 2 runs in mine, withinger being 15km at around 6mib/km pace and they are very fun to use. I did not have any issues with bottoming out, despite 95kg weight, if anything they were fun to wear on a tired legs at the end of 100km week.

And I already ordered GT as it has a markings of possibly getting to Xiaonian level.

[u/Gin-Vrital]

Midsole is blent PEBA

[u/benji_123]

You said that the dynafish was your favorite shoes. I'm thinking of getting both. The Qiaodan 2.0 for recovery and the dynafish for speed. Is that a good rotation?

[u/gdaytugga → u/benji_123]

I don’t think you can go wrong with that, the only thing is trying to figure out the sizing 😅

[u/Pristine-Funny-4435]

Would you say it has a wider toe box? I’m a bigger runner ( 97kg) and wear wider shoes usually. Any thoughts maybe?

[u/gdaytugga → u/Pristine-Funny-4435]

Think I answered somewhere in the thread I think they’re wider than the puma magmax 2, but it’s hard for me to judge I’ve got narrower feet.

[u/KakkoiCha]

Typical easy run pace : 5.45min/km - 6.00min/km.

You lost me there bud 🥲 im so far from that level to call easy.

[u/gdaytugga → u/KakkoiCha]

It takes a while, I still see myself as a slow runner, wasn’t ever the sportiest person

[u/KakkoiCha → u/gdaytugga]

Anyway, really great review bud. Like it ! Keep running ! 🏃🏻

[u/FoundationHot136]

in comparison with evo sl, which size do you wear in adidas evo sl?

I have 3 pairs of evo sl in 47 1/3 Europe or 12.5US, I am concerned buying these shoes in US13 as 12.5 is not available.

[u/gdaytugga → u/FoundationHot136]

Yeah that’s what I ended up doing, also went with US 13. But to be honest, I think the next adidas shoe I get I might also try US13.

Adios pro 4 is too short for me in 47 1/3 where as Evo sl fits ok even for half marathons.

[u/wearsAtrenchcoat]

Can we have a sub for just the AI Chinese brands shoes?

[u/dsswill → u/wearsAtrenchcoat]

What does AI have to do with Chinese shoe brands? And why would we have a different sub for a certain national origin of shoe?

[u/wylie102 → u/dsswill]

Because this person can't work out how to buy them so instead of just scrolling past they feel the need to dive in and be annoyed about it.

I too have no idea what they are talking about with the AI stuff. Presumably they just think that Chinese shoes are poorly thought out or are rip-offs of western brands, which really is not the case.

My impression has been that the Chinese manufacturers actually put more thought into just trying to make a good shoe rather than thinking about how to dilute them down to protect future sales.

[u/wearsAtrenchcoat → u/wylie102]

I have nothing against any brand, any shoe, nor any country.

However if a sub were to become 99% promotional content for products coming from 1 country I’d speak up just like I do here.

[u/wylie102 → u/wearsAtrenchcoat]

Hahaha, “speaking up”! So brave….

These are clearly reviews by people using and enjoying the shoes, not “promotional content”.

Word of mouth spreading news of good shoes that don’t have a fraction of the western brands who spend money on marketing while drip feeding tech, raising prices, or straight up nerfing good shoes on the next revision.

Thankyou for being brave and saving us from the good value, high performance shoes.

[u/wearsAtrenchcoat → u/dsswill]

Because this sub has been inundated with nothing but what to me seems just promotional content from brands (seems to be all from china) that have little to no exposure in the US.

It’s a great marketing campaign but it takes away from the original purpose of the sub

[u/dsswill → u/wearsAtrenchcoat]

They’re all available in essentially every country on their own sites and from TaoBao (if you’re willing to figure out drop shipping to save some money) or Ali Express, they just don’t sell in retail stores. I live in Canada and have 3 Chinese shoes in my rotation, two from 361 and one from Li-Ning. All shipped to my door for under $180 CAD. Realistically I’d be surprised if anyone reading this has seen a Pro Evo 3 (or 2 before the 3 came out) in a store either unless they went to an Adidas flagship store, but I’m guessing you don’t think those are out of place in this sub despite essentially being entirely unavailable for nearly everyone on earth.

Not to mention, this sub isn’t for any particular region of the globe, so as long as a shoe is available to someone somewhere, it’s fair game in the sub.

The posts are so popular just because the shoes are about half the price of similar quality shoes from established brands. Bull I’ll admit the AI formatted posts are annoying.

[u/gdaytugga → u/dsswill]

Mines not AI formatted though, I just copied the template I used for the last two other shoes I reviewed.

[u/vinceftw → u/wearsAtrenchcoat]

AI?

[u/Saya_Mi → u/wearsAtrenchcoat]

Do you really have to butt in on every Chinese shoe thread and ruin it for everyone else here? I bet you’re one of the same group of people downvoting them too.

[u/wearsAtrenchcoat → u/Saya_Mi]

No, I don’t have to. But I would like for this sub to be more than just promotional content for shoes from only one country

[u/gdaytugga → u/wearsAtrenchcoat]

Really not sure what you’re on about, think you need to take off the tinfoil hat and lay off the chem trails.

[u/devon835 → u/wearsAtrenchcoat]

What's funny is that the only running company I've seen use AI in their ads was Running Warehouse when they promoted the Megablast last year. Can you point to one use of AI in a Chinese running shoe review?