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In recent years, Li-Ning has sprinted into the running shoe, and they are quickly joining the ranks of the classic players. The Chinese brand has done it in a different but very effective way. They started from the top and made some very fast competition shoes, and used the same techniques and technologies to make their long-distance shoes. This has produced a solid series of running shoes. And on top of this series is the Li-Ning Feidian Ultra 3.0.
The Li-Ning Feidian Ultra 3.0 is the marathon shoe from Li-Ning. It's a shoe made to help you set personal bests on long distances. And it is made with many of the same technologies you know from the super shoes from established brands. The midsole is made in full Pebax (the type of foam on which both Nike Vaporfly and Saucony Endorphin Elite are built) and with a full carbon plate.
The weight is low (merely 208 grams in my size US 9 - 42.5 EU), and the upper is ultra-thin but made in a durable material that provides a good structure. It is, therefore, a race shoe that is built very sensibly. But how does it feel?
Li-Ning Feidian Ultra 3.0 – A forward feeling
When putting the shoes on your feet, there is no doubt that the shoe wants to move forward. It feels soft but also responsive, and the curve of the sole (rocker geometry) makes you almost tilt forward. That's how the shoe wants you to go - and it feels amazing!
On a softness scale of super shoes that span from super soft to super firm, this shoe is right in the middle. I have tried softer super shoes, and I have tried super shoes that are more firm. I actually think that the Li-Ning Feidian Ultra 3.0 hits a pretty good spot that feels natural when you are running in them.
Under the forefoot of the shoe, Li-Ning has made a cut-out on each side that creates a trampoline-like effect. The two holes automatically make you want to land more on your forefoot and set off from there. I haven't figured out why the holes don't go all the way through because the little space between the two holes forces you to "choose a side", which is an interesting feeling that I find neither positive nor negative.
Recently we have seen some super shoes that are quite wide under the foot so that the sole covers a relatively large area. Li-Ning has not done that with the Feidian Ultra 3.0. Here you are getting a more classic width under the foot, which is also why Li-Ning has been able to keep the shoe's weight to 208 grams – whereas most wider shoes are around 220-230 grams.
Li-Ning Feidian Ultra 3.0 – What is it good at?
If you want an ultra-fast super shoe that has an extremely high energy return, which has proven itself on podiums at some of the world's biggest marathon races and has a low weight and a classic width, then you should have a look at the Li-Ning Feidian Ultra 3.0.
The shoe is ideal for you that would like a shoe that performs best at half-marathons or marathons - maybe even longer runs. It has more stack height than Li-Ning Feidian Elite, and in my opinion, therefore, more suitable for longer distances. If, on the other hand, you run more than 5-10 km, then the Feidian Elite is the best bet from Li-Ning – and if you want a very fast training shoe that can last 800-1000 km, then you should take a look at the Feidian Challenger.
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