Dynafish Xiaonian: Worth the Hype?

After hearing good things from YouTubers like @jogoncrago and @HUI, I finally pulled the trigger on my first pair of Chinese running shoes: the Dynafish Xiaonian. This shoe had been on my radar for a while but was constantly out of stock in my size. When it finally restocked, I didn't hesitate.

The Purchase

I ordered from Taobao and paid 135.09 AUD delivered to my door via Cainiao/Auspost. The shoe is also available on AliExpress, but prices vary wildly, so do your research before buying.

Specs

• Weight: 193g (size 42)
• Stack Height: 41mm heel / 34mm forefoot
• Drop: 7mm
• Foam: TPEE
• Plate: None (single foam construction)

At 193g, this is lighter than most supertrainers on the market. For comparison, my Hoka Mach X2 is heavier.

First Impressions

Very light. Very white. The shoe looks clean with minimal branding, which I appreciate. However, it seems like it would get dirty easily. The shoe also came with very long laces. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.

One thing that caught me off guard: the shoe is very squeaky on tiles. This sorted itself out after a few runs, so don't worry if you experience the same.

Fit

The width fits perfectly up front with good toe splay. There's some extra vertical space in the toebox, but it hasn't been an issue. The heel is a bit floppy but soft, and I've had no problems with it during runs.

Some material pushes up against the arch, which had me slightly concerned, but I haven't experienced any blisters. The inside of the shoe didn't feel slippery like some reviewers mentioned - I didn't even need to use the extra eyelets.

On The Run

The Dynafish Xiaonian is marketed as a supertrainer, but I use it as an easy/moderate shoe.

Despite the chunky 41mm stack, this shoe actually feels like a racing flat at slower speeds. It's more dense than bouncy. Don't expect a squishy ride like the Mizuno Neo Zen. There's good ground feel and the shoe encourages a midfoot landing. Once you get up to a good pace, you can feel the return from the foam.

I'd say this shoe performs better when your legs are fresher. It feels at home cruising at around 4:30/km.

Verdict

For 135 AUD delivered, the Dynafish Xiaonian offers solid value. It's lightweight, has a clean aesthetic, and versatile enough for easy runs through to workouts. The only time I'd switch it out is when my legs are really tired and I need something softer underfoot. It's earned a spot in my rotation.

If you're curious about Chinese running shoes and want an affordable entry point, this is a good place to start.