NEW RELEASES
Early looks at upcoming and newly launched Chinese running shoes.
About
WHY PROJECT 172?
From a personal running goal to a window into China's running shoe world.
The Origin
It started with 185 → 172.
Project 172 began as a personal goal: lose weight, become a better runner, and document the process along the way.
The number 172 came from the target weight. What started as a fitness project quickly became something much bigger.
The Shift
Then China changed the project.
After living in China for six years, running there opened the door to a huge performance-running market that many Western runners rarely see.
Brands like Xtep, Li-Ning, ANTA, QIAODAN, 361°, BMAI, Do-Win and others are producing serious performance shoes, new technologies, and frequent releases that often receive little meaningful English-language coverage.
That gap became the opportunity.
Today
Access. Translation. Official links.
Today I track new Chinese running shoes, translate specs, and link official AliExpress storefronts when they’re available. First-run and long-term reviews publish only after I run the shoe.
The goal is simple: cut through the noise and help runners understand what is actually worth considering.
What You'll Find Here
COVERAGE BUILT FOR RUNNERS
REAL SPECS
Translated product details, technologies, weights, stack heights, pricing, and positioning.
REVIEWS (COMING)
Published after I log miles. Nothing here is a review until then.
WHERE TO BUY
Direct links and buying options for runners outside China when available.