Li-Ning
Racing Super-Shoe
Race day
Carbon-plated racer slot — filled once tested over real miles.
WHERE TO BUY — SOONIndependent · Made in China · Tested
THE 172 PROJECT
CHINESE RUNNING SHOES. TESTED. EXPLAINED.
Independent reviews, first runs, comparisons and new releases from China's leading running brands.
- Li-Ning
- Xtep
- QIAODAN
- 361°
- ANTA
- PEAK
Start here
START HERE
LATEST REVIEWS
Real miles. Honest impressions.
SHOE COMPARISONS
Which model actually fits your run?
NEW RELEASES
What's launching in China now.
Reviews and comparisons are published as shoes are tested over real miles.
About
WHY PROJECT 172?
Project 172 started as a personal goal: 185 → 172 lbs, becoming a better runner along the way.
Running in China opened the door to a huge world of performance shoes and brands many Western runners rarely see.
Today, the project is about testing those shoes over real miles and helping runners understand what's actually worth their attention.
SHANGHAI → VEGAS
Coverage
WHAT I COVER
First Runs
Initial impressions straight off the first outing.
Long-Term Reviews
How a shoe holds up after real training volume.
Comparisons
Head-to-head breakdowns between similar models.
New Releases
What Chinese brands are launching, as it happens.
Store Visits
What's actually on the shelves in China.
China Running Culture
Races, run clubs, and the scene behind the shoes.
Shop
SHOP THE SHOES I'VE TESTED
Shoes appear here once they've been tested. Links are added only when a real, verified place to buy exists.
Xtep
Daily Trainer
Everyday miles
Cushioned workhorse slot for the weekly volume shoe.
WHERE TO BUY — SOON361°
Tempo Trainer
Workouts
Uptempo pick for intervals and progression runs.
WHERE TO BUY — SOONSome links may be affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.