Xtep Launches New Running Shoe Line with Maye Musk at Star-Studded Event in Shanghai
In a lively event in Shanghai, model and bestselling author Maye Musk showcased her energy, bouncing in the latest Lingyun Max shoes from Xtep, a footwear brand rooted in Fujian, China, for over two decades. This collaboration is part of an effort to tap into the rising “Chinamaxxing” trend, which Musk describes as a drive for efficiency, saying, “Efficiency makes me happy.” During the livestream event, she shared the stage with Ding Shui Po, the founder and chairman of Xtep.
Ding expressed pride in the “maxxing” attitude prevalent in Fujian culture, stating, “‘Maxxing’ is in our genes. ‘Max ’til we win’ is our anthem.” He sees a growing competitive sportswear market in China as an exciting chance for the brand to push boundaries and innovate, embodied in their “Run to X” philosophy.
The partnership between Xtep and Musk brings together a notable Chinese brand and a global model, aiming to position running prominently in cultural conversations. To celebrate the launch, Xtep hosted an impressive event where they introduced a variety of new footwear options, including styles designed for both professional athletes and casual runners, highlighted by their lightweight, bouncy designs.
A standout product in the new lineup is the 160X 8.0 Ultra shoe, featuring a unique carbon plate called GT1200. This cutting-edge technology, sourced from Zhongfu Shenying, one of China’s leading carbon fiber manufacturers, allows runners to enhance their speed significantly, reportedly by four seconds per kilometer.
This series also includes two other new styles, each with specialized carbon plates and available in eye-catching yellow hues, set for a gradual global rollout. “In the age of AI, anyone can easily create customized carbon-plated running shoes. The challenge for Xtep is to offer real value and experiences for runners,” claimed Lu Yijia, the general manager of Xtep’s Running Category Center, at the launch. He emphasized the goal of integrating lightweight durability with superior propulsion.
Another exciting innovation is the Xtep Float, showcased by popular C-pop idol Fan Chengcheng. This shoe utilizes Xtep’s proprietary Float Zero-Gravity Technology, promising an experience that feels almost weightless.
Xtep Group, which operates multiple brands, including Xtep, X Young, and Saucony, is focusing on the running category to fuel growth within China’s competitive market. Ding pointed out that running is unique because it brings together both professional athletes and casual runners, creating inclusive opportunities for all.
According to a report by Frost & Sullivan, Xtep has been the leading brand in China for marathon running shoes for three consecutive years. The sport, which was once seen as an event for the middle class, has evolved to encompass over 140 million runners across the country. Ding noted that last year alone, approximately 600 marathons took place in China, drawing more than 4.5 million participants.
Ding highlighted that running is an accessible sport that offers flexibility; people can participate alone or in groups, indoors or outdoors. As the running community in China diversifies, the demand for specialized footwear increases, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
The event, titled “Run to X,” was held at Gate M, an outdoor retail complex in Shanghai. It featured a host of Chinese celebrities, including Wang Dongcheng and Enli Yu, alongside local star runners like He Jie and Feng Peiyou, who recently set a record as the fastest Chinese participant at the 2026 Tokyo Marathon.
With this launch, Xtep aims to inspire runners of all levels while solidifying its position as a leader in the growing sportswear market in China.
