Dynafish Xiaonian - A lightweight super trainer that punches well above its price
- FORDY RUNS
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
The Dynafish Xiaonian is a running shoe I bought after it was recommended by viewers, and I’m genuinely glad I listened. It’s one of those unexpected finds that reminds you there are excellent options outside the mainstream brands.
In recent years, Chinese running shoes have started gaining serious attention in the running community. More reviewers and runners are exploring these brands and discovering that they often offer impressive technology and performance at much lower prices. The Xiaonian is a perfect example of that trend: a lightweight, high-stack trainer with premium foam and strong performance for around £100.
Price and Key Specs
The Dynafish Xiaonian sits firmly in the “super trainer” category and competes with shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Speed/Azura style trainers, the Adidas Evo SL, and even something like the ASICS Superblast series.
Key details:
Price: ~£97 (AliExpress)
Weight: 209g (UK 10)
Stack height: 41mm heel / 34mm forefoot
Drop: 7mm
Midsole: Supercritical TPE foam
Plate: None
Outsole: Full CPU rubber
Fit: True to size with generous toe-box volume
For a shoe with this much stack and performance potential, the weight is extremely impressive.
Upper and Construction
The upper uses a lightweight mesh with reinforced sections that help maintain structure without adding unnecessary weight. Breathability is good, and the shoe feels secure without being overly restrictive.
Other upper details include:
Gusseted tongue for better lockdown
Plenty of foam for comfort around the tongue
Wide, stable platform similar to the ASICS Superblast line
Roomy toe box with good volume
One downside is the laces—they’re overly long and not particularly high quality. The outsole uses full-length CPU rubber, which is both lightweight and durable, helping the shoe maintain grip and longevity.
Midsole and Ride
The midsole is where the Xiaonian really stands out.
It uses a supercritical TPEE foam, which feels very similar to Adidas Lightstrike Pro. The ride sits somewhere between the feel of the Adidas Adizero Pro 3 and Evo SL—but with a slightly softer and more forgiving character.
The result is a ride that hits an excellent middle ground:
Bouncy and responsive
Slightly softer than the Pro 3
Not overly soft or mushy
Stable thanks to the wide base
Very rockered geometry
In short, Dynafish seems to have nailed the balance between softness and responsiveness.
Performance on the Run
This shoe handles a surprisingly wide range of paces.
During testing it performed well at:
Faster efforts around 7:00 per mile
Steady runs around 8:00 per mile
Easy runs closer to 9:00 per mile
That versatility is what makes it a true super trainer.
The combination of lightweight construction, bouncy foam, and rocker geometry makes the shoe feel faster than its actual weight. At the same time, it remains comfortable and controlled during slower efforts.
It’s especially suited for:
Midweek runs
Moderate long runs
Marathon-pace sessions
Daily training with occasional faster segments
The foam protects your legs while still allowing you to push the pace when needed.
Fit and Sizing
The shoe fits true to size, but there is a good amount of volume and width in the forefoot.
That’s great for comfort, but it also means you should be careful when choosing your size—especially since returns can be difficult if you buy from AliExpress. Sizing mistakes can be a problem because returning the shoe internationally can be complicated. If you prefer a snug fit, you may want to consider going half a size down, but runners who like extra room will likely be happy with their usual size.
Comparisons
Vs ASICS Superblast 3
Personally, I actually prefer the Xiaonian.
It feels slightly firmer and more controlled, sitting closer to the feel of the Superblast 2 rather than the softer Superblast 3.
Vs Adidas Evo SL
It’s a strong competitor, offering similar performance but with more stack height.
Vs Kiprun Tempo
The Kiprun Tempo is a solid alternative at a similar price, but it’s noticeably heavier. The Xiaonian feels lighter and more rockered, making it more fun to run in.
Value
At around £100, the Dynafish Xiaonian offers incredible value.
You get:
Premium supercritical foam
High stack height
Extremely lightweight design
Durable outsole
Versatile performance