Chinese sportswear brand Xtep has launched its new flagship marathon running shoe range, the 160X 8.0 Ultra. The shoes feature a high-end GT1200 carbon sole developed by Chinese carbon fibre manufacturer Zhongfu Shenying, combining low weight and high stiffness with enhanced rebound for running performance.

According to Xtep, the carbon fibre filaments used in the GT1200 sole are thinner than a human hair. They weigh around one-quarter as much as an equivalent amount of steel while offering up to 10 times its strength. The material is designed to provide the stiffness needed for efficient movement while keeping the shoes lightweight and supporting strong energy return.

The carbon plate is also covered with an outer layer of polyimide (PI) fibre. This protective layer is designed to reduce the risk of fibre damage while improving the stability and durability of the carbon plate during repeated use.

With the 160X 8.0 Ultra, Xtep and Zhongfu Shenying are bringing aerospace-grade carbon fibre technology into high-performance running footwear, highlighting the growing use of advanced materials in sports and athletic products. The two companies began working together in October 2025 to adapt specialised carbon fibre technology originally developed for demanding applications such as space exploration, aircraft manufacturing and high-end medical equipment.