Anta G21 3 Pro Xian Fibre Review
By David Salas
Anta G21 3 Pro Xian FiberPrice: $155 (approximate, converted from Singapore pricing)
Weight: "unspecified"
Stack Height: 31.5 mm heel // 23.5 mm forefoot
Drop: 8mm
Shoe Purpose: Stability Daily Trainer
Pros: Very supportive and structured for those that need it
Cons: Toe box a tad narrow
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Anta G21 3 Pro Xian Fiber is a daily running shoe for those that need some added guidance and stability. The shoe has a lot of built in structure with internal and external heel counters, a winged TPU plate, and a very supportive upper. The shoe features a nitrogen-infused midsole to provide more cushion underfoot for a shoe in this category.
SIMILAR SHOES: Brooks Adrenaline series, Mizuno Inspire series, ASICS Kayano series
PAST MODEL: n/a
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
David: The Anta G21 Pro 3 Xian Fiber fits true to size in my men's 9.5. The Xian Fiber material gives off a more synthetic feel throughout and does not have much stretch to it. With that said, it is very breathable and is a visible web like mesh that holds the foot. There is decent volume through the forefoot, with a bit of a more snug feel through the midfoot and heel. There is an internal and external heel counter that really holds the structure of that region. The width throughout is normal, without being overly narrow or wide in any regions. The shoe does taper a little quick through the forefoot, and so those that need wide toe boxes might have some rubbing. The tongue is moderately padded and does a good job of preventing biting from the laces. The general lockdown is good and I had no issues with translation or slippage of my foot. For those that want a lot of reinforcement in their uppers, you have a pretty secure one here. I would just make the toe box a little wider, and perhaps give a little more volume through the midfoot.
David's Typical Size: Men's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit David well: Nike Vomero 17, Saucony Ride 16, Puma Velocity Nitro 3
Shoes that have fit snug: HOKA Arahi 7
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon Aero Glide
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: somewhat
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: somewhat
Is the Forefoot Flexible: No
How Flexible is the Shoe: Not flexible, stiff
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
David: The Anta G21 3 Pro Xian Fiber performed pretty well for its purpose. The shoe is meant to be a stability and guidance based training shoe. Those features really do show themselves. The shoe can come off a tad stiff and rigid because of all of those features, but those who need them will be happy that they are there. The midsole is a nitrogen-infused foam that helps soften a lot of the structure you feel. I won't say the shoe is soft, but it definitely has enough cushion to handle daily mileage and most long runs. The shoe starts with a decently rounded heel that has a lot of reinforcement through the heel counters and sidewalls. The initial contact feels very structured, but still with a decent amount of cushion.
The platform has a winged TPU plate through the midfoot that extends medially and laterally to give you some guidance centrally. This plate does extend into the forefoot as well. The plate and guidance is definitely noticeable, and gives you a stiffer and more rigid pathway forward. That is not necessarily a bad thing, just something to note. The forefoot carries a lot of stiffness with the combination of components and has a gradual toe spring. The feeling you get is a stiff and gradual rocker throughout the gait cycle. The weight is unspecified, but feels slightly heavier than your normal training shoe. I feel this shoe does best at easy rhythmic paces for your daily efforts.
Outsole traction is quite good and can tackle a decent variety of terrain as well. The shoe has a smooth ride, but it can feel a bit like a forced ride. Those wanting that guidance and stiffness will find that with the Anta G21 3 Pro Xian Fiber .
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
David: The Anta G21 3 Pro Xian Fiber does a pretty good job integrating stability into a running shoe. I will say it could probably be tuned to make the transitions feel a little more natural, but for those that want the shoe to genuinely feel like it is guiding you, it feels that way. The heel is probably the most structured region of the shoe. There is an internal and external heel counter that wraps around the heel and extends into the early midfoot. The midfoot also has a winged TPU plate that extends medially and laterally to further give some stiffness and guidance in the forward direction. The plate continues into the forefoot for a similar experience. The upper also does not have much stretch to it and provides good security on foot when loaded in a variety of ways. Though the shoe is stable throughout, I do think easing off of the forefoot some and allowing for some flexibility there could make for a more natural toe off feeling. The shoe is very structured.
Thoughts as a DPT: Stability
By David Salas, PT, DPT, CSCS
Stability can be integrated in many different ways. Generally speaking, it can looked at from a few different lenses. One lens is confidence. When a platform is more stable, the user will feel much more confident with their steps and how they interact with the ground underneath them. This can be attributed to upper lockdown and security, the width of the platform, and sole flaring. The other lens can be looked at through the lens of guidance. Guidance aims to ease the movement pathway and help you create forward momentum. This is usually done through a rocker geometry, sidewalls in the midsole, and stiffening agents that normally roll you forward. Stiffening agents are normally observed as plates but can also be seen in the forms of midfoot shanks as well.
The Anta G21 3 Pro Xian Fiber basically creates a big concoction of everything listed above. For me, it can feel a little overkill. But, I cannot deny that it feels stable underfoot. The platform does not feel like it is going anywhere and I do feel like I am guided forward with each step. The components do come at a cost. All of these components create more and more rigidity through the platform. The footsteps begin to feel less and less and natural, because it is constantly getting feedback to move specifically in one way. When looking at stability it is important to create a balance of the components and natural gait and foot movement.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND FINAL THOUGHTS
David: The Anta G21 3 Pro Xian Fiber is a daily training shoe for those that want a very structured experience. The shoe provides a lot of guidance and rigidity to lateral forces. The shoe gives you a very structured gradual rockers and feels best at easy rhythmic paces.
I have a couple of recommendations for the G21 3 Pro. My first recommendation would be to make the forefoot and toe box a little wider to allow for more toe splay and prevent rubbing on the lateral toes. The other recommendation would be to make the forefoot a little more free from the structure. Too much of anything can be bad, and this shoe almost feels too structured. I think making the TPU plate more of a shank and allowing for some more forefoot flexibility would make for a structured, yet natural feeling shoe.
GRADES
David
Fit: B (Decently comfortable, breathable, more width in the forefoot would be preferred, more volume through the midfoot preferred)
Performance: B (A very stable shoe, but can feel a tad unnatural. Good at rhythmic paces, but very structured from heel to toe. Decreasing some of the stiffness in the forefoot can make for a more natural experience.)
Stability: A- (About as stable as you can get from a reinforcement standpoint, only the midfoot platform width is neutral.)
Value: A (Based on conversion, 155 dollars will get you a tank of a training shoe. I expect this to last well above average mileage use.)
Personal: B- (A little too structured for my taste. I would also like it to be a little lighter. Good for general use though.)
Overall Design: B
SHOP | SUPPORT DORAnta G21 3 Pro Xian FiberPrice: $155 US (per our calculations)
*Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!
Check out Gear We Love
Naked Belt The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist.
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!
FURTHER READING
A stable road trainer.
A rarer low stack trainer.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
Thanks for reading!
FOLLOW DOCTORS OF RUNNING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: Doctors of Running
Youtube Channel: Doctors of Running
Instagram: @doctorsofrunning
LinkedIn: Doctors of Running
Strava: Doctors of Running
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
Pinterest: Doctors of Running
PODCAST
Check out the Doctors of Running Podcast to find more reviews, interviews, and running features from the team.
Visit our Podcast Page
Find us on Apple
Find us on Spotify
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
NEXT: Inov8 Roadfly