In 2025 alone, I’ve tested over 50 Chinese running shoes—from max-cushioned monsters to lightweight racing rockets. Some have completely surprised me, others fell flat.
In this web review, I share my Top 10 Picks, across categories like easy-day shoes, speed trainers, daily trainers, stability shoes and carbon-plated racers.
Before diving in, here’s me as a runner (quick context):
- Age: 53
- Height/Weight: 1.74m / 80–82kg
- Weekly mileage: 60–80km, 5 runs/week
- Easy pace: 5:45–6:30/km
- Tempo pace: 5:20–5:35/km
- Fastest short-distance pace: 4:30/km
- Running priorities: Comfort, protection, and stability over pure speed
- Gait: Mild pronation, especially on my left foot
✅ 1. Best Max-Cushioned / Easy & LSD Shoes
🥇 Winner: Qiaodan Linghan Max
This is a true comfort king. The Linghan Max combines soft cushioning, surprisingly great rebound and lasting protection, even over 24km runs. It’s not lightweight (324g in size 11), but it compensates with energy return and zero post-run fatigue.
Why it wins:
✔ Massive cushion & rebound
✔ Legs feel fresh after long runs
✔ Works for easy days, recovery runs and even moderate pace pick-ups
Full Review – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbFq-nRuqe0
Grab your copy – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3zXOSZN
🥈 Runner-Up: 361° Degrees Popblaze 5
The standout for this shoe is stability. This is easily the most stable neutral shoe I’ve tried.
It rides a little firm, especially when compared to the Linghan Max, but offers exceptional medial support, wide base and locked-in comfort.
Perfect for runners who prioritize stability over softness.
Full review – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BpTLRudAWU&pp=0gcJCQYKAYcqIYzv
Grab your copy – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c2vusyMx
✅ 2. Best One-shoe-do-it-all / Versatile Daily Trainer
🥇 Winner: Qiaodan TG 1.0
If I had to pick one shoe for everything, this is it: Lightweight, soft, responsive.
It’s great for easy runs, tempo work or long intervals. Stability isn’t its strongest point, but the performance makes up for it.
Full review – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3ozwSYesNU
Grab your copy – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3Yhq7FN
🥈 Runner-Up: Li-Ning Red 8 Pro
A strong all-rounder too, but slightly firmer than the TG 1.0, as responsive, but not as forgiving at easy paces.
This one is very lightweight, has great locked-in feel with good arch support.
A nice choice for an all-rounder.
Full review – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEt99VZ5k4I
Grab your copy – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3x5zqbv
✅ 3. Best Speed Trainer (Plated Daily Speed Work)
🥇 Winner: Qiaodan TG Plaid
Carbon-plated, cushioned, and versatile. Unlike typical speed shoes, the TG Plaid is actually comfortable for easy runs too. Responsive enough for tempo runs, durable enough for repeated mileage.
A ton of soft responsive cushion makes these a comfortable speed beast.
Full review – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oevonhoTkok
Grab your copy – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c2wWZdAb
🥈 Runner-Up: 361° Flame 4.0
Light, fast, stable.
Excellent for tempo sessions and intervals but falls just short of raceday standard, considering what is available in the market in 2025.
However, it remains an excellent and durable speed trainer.
Full review – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7E-JVDO-Jg&t=199s
Grab your copy – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4D7VyEf
✅ 4. Best Stability Shoe (Mild–Moderate Pronation Support)
🥇 Winner: 361° Degrees Fierce Max
Unlike traditional stability shoes, the Fierce Max doesn’t use a hard medial post. Instead, it uses dual-density foam to gently guide pronation outward without it feeling intrusive.
Soft, bouncy and easy to enjoy.
Why runners love it:
✔ No hard arch block
✔ Soft yet supportive
✔ Works for neutral & mild pronators
Full Review – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGwzQT8KeZI
Grab your pair here – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3GMJM6n
✅ 5. Best Carbon-Plated Racer
🥇 Winner: Qiaodan Plaid Pro 1
Lightweight, soft, and proven—I’ve run three full marathons in this shoe, yet it remains bouncy, intact, and fast.
Full Review – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVzccjbEhq0
Grab your pair here – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c43efRP9
🥈 Runner-Up: Qiaodan Plaid 1.5
Same midsole and plate as Plaid 1 but slightly wider and more stable.
I still prefer the sleeker Plaid 1 though, for race aerodynamics.
Full review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GZuSVrGl8k&t=2s
Grab your pair – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3n8MDRl
🥉Close 3rd – BMAI Carbon 3
At 200g (US 11), this is the lightest racer I’ve tested. It is light and fast, my top choice for half marathons—but for full marathons, I still choose the Plaids because of better cushion.
Full Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fhq9JvMMOZ0
Grab your pair – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3dWQdXz
🏁 Final Thoughts
Chinese running shoes have completely changed the game in 2025 especially in value for money. For the price of one Western-brand super shoe, you can now buy two to three top-class Chinese runners (depending on country) —and still get premium cushion, stability, and even efficient carbon plates.
If you’re new to Chinese brands and don’t know where to start, here’s my quick suggestion:
| Category | Shoe to Buy |
| Best Easy/LSD | Qiaodan Linghan Max |
| Best Versatile Trainer | Qiaodan TG 1.0 |
| Best Speed Trainer | Qiaodan TG Plaid |
| Best Stability Shoe | 361° Degrees Fierce Max |
| Best Racer | Qiaodan Plaid Pro 1 |
💬 Which one would you try first?
📩 Have questions? Message me or drop a comment.
🛒 Links to all shoes are available below — support the work by using our links.
