Matt sits down with Jack Crago - Running Warehouse employee and one of the most in-depth reviewers of Chinese running shoes - to break down performance, shoe tech, and his rapid progression in the marathon.
Jack Crago Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jog.on.crago/
Jack Crago YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@jogoncrago
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Matt opens the episode by introducing Jack Crago and his unique pathway into running after a brain injury ended his involvement in contact sports. Jack shares how he started running around five years ago and quickly became interested in performance, progression, and finding more affordable gear through secondhand markets and platforms like Taobao and AliExpress.
That curiosity evolved into detailed shoe reviews on Instagram and YouTube, with a strong focus on Chinese brands and how they compare to more established Western companies. Jack explains how this niche has grown rapidly, with innovation in foams, plates, and design now competing closely with the biggest brands in the sport.
The conversation then shifts to Jack's own progression, including improving his marathon from 2:56 to 2:43 in Perth and then sub-2:40 in Osaka, alongside a half marathon around 1:12 and a 5K near 15:40. Matt and Jack discuss the role of consistent training, proper fueling, and building speed to support marathon performance.
Jack breaks down his current shoe rotation, including the Dynafish Jiaoyan, Red A9 Ultra, Li-Ning Challenger, and Li-Ning Phaidon Elite 6, along with race options such as the Li-Ning Feiyeng Ultra 5/6 and Anta C10 Pro 2. He also shares insights into brands like Anta, 361, BMAI, Xtep, and Peak, highlighting where Chinese innovation is leading and where limitations still exist in global distribution.
They also discuss broader topics including whether Western brands still hold an advantage, pricing trends, the impact of super shoes, and what emerging brands are doing differently. The episode closes with discussion around watches - with Jack favoring the Coros Pace 4 - and supplements such as creatine, beta-alanine, and bicarb.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Meet Jack Crago
01:20 - Running origins
06:21 - Chasing performance
09:06 - Personal bests
11:32 - Fueling talk
12:03 - Rotation picks
17:35 - Anta and pricing
21:29 - 361 and BMAI deep dive
24:18 - Marathon shoe choice
25:27 - Old super shoe classics
26:48 - Do Western brands still win
27:09 - Fast Star race limits
27:43 - Why Chinese shoes are winning
29:17 - Small brands to watch
29:43 - Dowin hits and copies
31:17 - Berka and Xtep picks
33:53 - Kyodon favorites
35:17 - Peak and lab insights
37:55 - Will prices drop
41:52 - Nike retail reality
45:58 - Coros watch talk
48:32 - Supplements and margins
51:05 - Wrap up and where to follow
