Xtep 160X 3.0 Pro

The Xtep 160X 3.0 Pro is a Chinese super shoe. Initially released in 2022, it has stuck around in this form—and in the 3.5 version—thanks to its high-stacked, propulsive midsole. From the limited information available, our understanding is that the foam is a beaded PEBA-based compound. The carbon fiber plate is winged and wraps up around the heel to create added stability. Our men’s size 10.5 weighed 261 grams, which is quite heavy by today’s standards for a competitive marathon race shoe. We measured the Xtep 160X 3.0 Pro to have just over 40 mm of foam in the heel. It appears to feature a low drop of about 4 mm, along with a very aggressive forefoot rocker and toe spring that launches you onto your toes. The shoe has a wide heel paired with a narrow midfoot, creating a dialed-in fit. The foam sits slightly on the firmer side of Goldilocks and has a dense, bouncy character similar to the Endorphin Pro 3 or Deviate Nitro Elite 3. This makes it feel especially good when you’re putting a lot of power down and landing anywhere on the platform. Out on the run, it felt amazing when landing on the forefoot—direct, cushioned, and lively with a nice bounce. The Xtep 160X 3.0 Pro is a fantastic training super shoe, offering great heel stability while still making you feel like you’re floating along and bouncing off the forefoot despite its higher weight.