Qiaodan Feiying Plaid 3.0

The Qiaodan Feiying Plaid 3.0 is a race shoe designed for speed and comfort over long distances. At about $200, it competes with models like the Runsifly Flare Elite ($200) and the Li-Ning Feidian 6 Elite ($200). The Plaid 3.0 has a dual density 100% PEBA midsole foam with a carbon fiber plate that is suspended between the two layers, which gives it a wild and aggressive look. The top layer of foam is supposed to be softer and less dense while the bottom layer is designed to be denser and more responsive. The step-in feel is quite snug and has a race-day feel, so if you have a wider foot or are in between sizes, you might want to half size up. Out on the run, we were surprised that the ride was not as wild as the shoe looks, but rather very pleasant, smooth, cushioned and bouncy. The foam has the density of OG Lightstrike Pro, like in the Adios Pro 3 or Evo SL, but feels slightly more energetic and responsive. It performed really well on a 10k pace workout and it also felt pretty stable going around turns and on some light gravel. While it is not the fastest race shoe we’ve tested this year, it definitely seems like a crowd-pleaser due to the foam not being as soft and squishy as many new race shoes, while still providing a fun and bouncy experience.