Xtep 160X Review

Introduction

I chanced upon the Chinese brand ‘Xtep’ when I was browsing online market place Taobao. I was initially looking for cheap running singlets to add to my massive running singlet collection. Then, the Xtep 160x scrolled into my screen.

I wondered if the shoe was a good option as the description was promising: Pebax TPE Foam, Carbon Plate, Sub 200grams at <$200 SGD. The Chinese reviews were plentiful but difficult for me to decipher due to my weak command of the Chinese language. After some help from friends and google translate, I decided to take my chances. I bought the mesh version as it was both lighter and less expensive compared to the knit version. I happened to get the 'Wuhan Marathon' version.

Upper

Technology

The upper is made of a lightweight and breathable mesh. The tongue is extremely minimal and the heel collar is decently padded. A midfoot band on the medial side of the shoe for added security and stability.

 

Thoughts

Initially I had a hard time locking down my foot in the upper. For a fast shoe, upper security is one of the most important factors. The 160x was adequately wide, allowing my toes to comfortably splay without any tightness. However, the shoe was ever so slightly long. Additional lace holes were provided but only punched halfway through. I used a screwdriver to create a proper hole and was able to get the upper lockdown on point.

Without the extra lace holes, I would have needed half a size smaller as my ankle was slipping the very first time I wore them. I would say go true to size if you have a wide and high-volume foot. Or else, please opt for half a size smaller.

The upper remained breathable in Singapore’s hot weather and seemed to absorb slightly less water than normal pairs of shoes.

No lacing pressure was felt on the tongue despite its thinness which is a plus point for me. 

The ankle collar did not give me any chaffing issues and remained comfortable while not too plush, perfect for the faster runs.

Ankle Collar

 

Midsole Technology & Ride

Technology

Xtep uses a full length ‘X-Dynamic Foam’, a type of pebax foam. This foam material is used in many of the newer carbon plated shoes.

A flexible fork-like carbon shank is used to increase the shoe’s responsiveness and add some stability to the soft pebax midsole foam.

Thoughts

‘X Dynamic Foam’ is a really good foam to me. I feel that it feels like a combination of Saucony PWRRUN+ and Skechers Hyperburst midsole compound.

It does not feel as bouncy as the Saucony Endorphin Speed but still provides a softer and slower bounce with excellent vibration dampening.

The carbon plate is flatter and more natural feeling, being less dynamic than that used in other shoes. This means that this shoe does not have a strong rockered feel. It does not have the effortless transition of the Saucony Endorphin Speed and needs some foot strength to transition through foot strike.

The heel and the forefoot feel quite contrasting, with the heel feeling much more cushioned than the forefoot. The heel is extremely cushioned while the forefoot feels closer to the ground while still being protective.

Currently, the forefoot stack height works for me as I am more of a shorter distance runner. Marathoner’s might prefer a small increase in forefoot stack height over the longer distances though.

The carbon plate seems like one of the most flexible plates I’ve seen in the market, second to the ON Running CloudBoom. The plate is more flexible than the already flexible Saucony Endorphin Speed.

The tong-shaped design might have contributed to the lack in stiffness in the forefoot. Because of the reduced stiffness, I feel that the shoe performs the best on the longer tempos and is not as aggressive at faster paces.

I thoroughly enjoyed pulling the 160x for 30-50min steady threshold runs but found myself going for the endorphin speed for the faster runs despite the Endorphin Speed being slightly heavier.

The midsole durability should perform around the same as normal speed trainers: 400-600km.

 

Outsole & Durability

Technology

Xtep used blown rubber that generously covers most of the shoe apart from the midfoot. The outsole rubber is especially thick in the heel and has an ‘X’ pattern in the forefoot similar to the aggressive nubs on the Adidas Takumi Sen but lower in profile.

Thoughts

I am impressed by the amount of outsole coverage in this shoe. The outsole, especially in the heel, seems to be able to withstand a number of miles without wear. I have roughly 80km in my current pair and it has very minimal wear.

The outsole seems to have pretty decent grip in both wet and dry conditions. The grip on dry ground is excellent and I had no slippage whatspever. On wet ground, the outsole still outperforms a few other carbon plated options (less the New Balance FuelCell RC Elite). I took the Xtep 160x on a 15km run in rainy weather and the outsole performed great except on wet metal drain covers.

 

Areas of Improvement

• Stiffen Midsole Plate
• Add 1-2 mm of forefoot stack
• Improve upper security

 

Comparisons

Saucony Endorphin Speed (Review Soon)

The Endorphin Speed is a great comparison due to the similarity in price, plate stiffness and midsole foam. The Xtep 160x feels better for slower paces (can even feel comfortable at easy paces) due to the more flexible plate while the Speed wants to go fast and feels awkward at slower paces. The 160x is lighter by roughly 30grams and is $40 SGD cheaper. Both are definitely excellent options and it comes down to personal preference. As for me, both shoes have their special place in my rotation.

Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% Flyknit (Review Soon)

I don’t think this is even a close comparison. The Tempo Next% is massively overrated. My foot just doesn’t work with the Tempo Next%. The Xtep 160x is significantly cheaper ($80 SGD) and about 80 grams lighter. It feels better than the Tempo at every single pace. Save your money, buy the Xtep 160x

New Balance Fuelcell Elite RC (Review Soon)

It comes down to budget when making this comparison. The midsole, outsole grip, upper and ride of the RC Elite’s perform better in every way compared to the 160x. However, it is roughly $169 SGD more expensive and probably has a less durable outsole. If you have the money, go for the RC Elites. However, the Xtep 160x holds its own as a versatile carbon plated shoe.

Conclusion

The Xtep 160x is a versatile and affordable carbon plated trainer. Anyone who wants to try the pebax foam + carbon plate combination should definitely try this shoe.