XTEP 160X 8.0 ULTRA Carbon Plate Running Shoe vs XTEP 160X 7.0
The 160X 8.0 ULTRA is the faster, more advanced racer, with a GT1200 12K carbon plate, a triple-layer supercritical ACE+ midsole and a split-forefoot plate for snappy toe-off. The 160X 7.0 is the cheaper carbon-plated option for marathon training and tempo work, listed at $143.00 at KICKSOWN as of its 2025-08-15 release. Buy the ULTRA for race day and the 7.0 for the training miles around it.
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XTEP 160X 8.0 ULTRA Carbon Plate Running Shoe
Choose the 160X 8.0 ULTRA if you race marathons or run fast track and road sessions and want the stiffest, most propulsive plate Xtep sells.
Pros
- GT1200 12K carbon plate with split forefoot for a firm, snappy toe-off
- Triple-layer supercritical ACE+ foam with rocker geometry for long-distance transitions
- Liquid-CPU outsole rubber placed in high-wear zones, including wet pavement
- Breathable knit upper with integrated tongue and secure textured laces
- Built for track and road racing at elite pace
Cons
- No price shown, so you cannot compare cost against the 7.0 from the listing
What separates them
| XTEP 160X 8.0 ULTRA Carbon Plate Running Shoe | XTEP 160X 7.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon plate | GT1200 premium plate with 12K carbon fiber filaments, split forefoot and decoupled heel | Carbon plate, grade not specified |
| Midsole | Triple-layer XTEP ACE+ supercritical foam with XTEP POWER Tech and rocker geometry | Carbon-plated platform, foam and stack not specified |
| Upper | XTEP FIT knit-mesh with integrated knit tongue and textured laces | Low-top streamlined upper, material not specified |
| Outsole | XTEP DURA liquid-CPU rubber in high-wear zones, rated for wet pavement | Road outsole, rubber compound not specified |
| Intended runner | Elite, professional and national-level racers | Runners doing marathon training, long runs and racing |
| Surfaces | Plastic track and road | Road |
| Sizing | Unisex sizing | Men's US 6.5 to US 12 |
Price history
- XTEP 160X 8.0 ULTRA Carbon Plate Running Shoe: lowest $230.00 on Oct 29.
- XTEP 160X 7.0: lowest $230.00 on Oct 29.
Specs compared
| Spec | XTEP 160X 8.0 ULTRA Carbon Plate Running Shoe | XTEP 160X 7.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Upper | XTEP FIT Tech | — |
| Midsole | XTEP ACE+ Tech, XTEP POWER Tech (GT1200 carbon … | — |
| Outsole | XTEP DURA Tech | — |
| Product features | Lightweight, Shock absorption, Wrapping, Reboun… | — |
| Applicable population | Elite Runners / Professional Runners / National… | — |
| Applicable scenarios | Plastic track / Road | — |
| Carbon plate | GT1200 premium carbon plate | — |
| Carbon fiber filaments | 12K carbon fiber filaments | — |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for race day?
- The 160X 8.0 ULTRA. Its GT1200 12K plate, split forefoot and triple-layer supercritical foam are built for propulsion at racing pace, while the 7.0 is pitched at training and tempo work as much as racing.
- Is the 160X 8.0 ULTRA worth the extra over the 7.0?
- If you race and want the stiffest plate and the specified supercritical foam, yes. If most of your miles are training, the 7.0 at $143.00 at KICKSOWN covers that at lower cost.
- Which lasts longer?
- The ULTRA names its outsole: XTEP DURA liquid-CPU rubber in high-wear zones, rated for wet pavement. The 7.0's outsole compound is not specified, so durability is the safer bet on the ULTRA.
- Can I use either on a track?
- The ULTRA is listed for plastic track and road. The 7.0 is listed for road running only.
- Do they fit the same?
- Not necessarily. The ULTRA uses unisex sizing with a knit upper and integrated tongue. The 7.0 comes in men's US 6.5 to US 12 only, so check the size chart for each.
- Which is better for marathon training?
- The 7.0 is the more sensible daily choice for a training block at its lower price. Save the ULTRA for race-pace sessions and the race itself.
