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XTEP 160X 8.0 ULTRA Carbon Plate Running Shoe vs Xtep 260X 2.0

Buy the 160X 8.0 ULTRA if you race marathons and want the stiffest, most propulsive Xtep plate. Buy the 260X 2.0 if you want a carbon-plated trainer for daily mileage at a lower price. The 260X 2.0 is listed at $130.00, while no price was given for the 160X 8.0 ULTRA in the data provided.

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Xtep
XTEP 160X 8.0 ULTRA Carbon Plate Running Shoe

XTEP 160X 8.0 ULTRA Carbon Plate Running Shoe

Choose the 160X 8.0 ULTRA if you are an elite or competitive runner chasing a fast marathon or track time and want the GT1200 12K carbon plate with a split forefoot and decoupled heel.

Pros
  • GT1200 12K carbon plate with split forefoot for a snappy toe-off
  • Triple-layer supercritical ACE+ foam for responsive cushioning over 26.2 miles
  • Lightweight knit-mesh XTEP FIT upper with integrated tongue
DURA liquid-CPU rubber in high-wear zones for wet-road grip
Cons
  • Built for elite racers, so it is firm and unforgiving for easy days
  • No stated water resistance
  • No price was given, so value is hard to judge
  • Aggressive rocker and stiff plate suit fast paces, not casual jogging
Xtep
Xtep 260X 2.0

Xtep 260X 2.0

Choose the 260X 2.0 if you want a carbon-plated shoe for training and long runs at a lower price, with a water-repellent upper and a more forgiving T400 plate.

Pros
  • Lower listed price at $130.00
  • T400 plate and XTEPace foam give propulsion at a friendlier stiffness
  • Water-repellent upper for wet-weather training
  • Over 85% rebound energy and a midfoot shank for stability
Cons
  • T400 plate is less stiff and propulsive than the GT1200
  • Rubber outsole is heavier than liquid-CPU zones
  • No supercritical foam listed
  • Less suited to all-out track racing

What separates them

XTEP 160X 8.0 ULTRA Carbon Plate Running ShoeXtep 260X 2.0
Carbon plateGT1200 premium plate with 12K carbon fiber, split forefoot and decoupled heelT400 carbon fiber plate
MidsoleTriple-layer XTEP ACE+ supercritical foam with rocker geometryXTEPace midsole foam
Intended runnerElite, professional and national-level racersMarathon runners and serious athletes training and racing
Stated reboundNot statedOver 85% rebound energy
Water resistanceNot statedWater repellent
OutsoleXTEP DURA liquid-CPU in high-wear zonesRubber outsole
Midfoot supportRocker geometry, no shank listedHollowed-out midfoot with a shank
PriceNo price given$130.00

Price history

  • XTEP 160X 8.0 ULTRA Carbon Plate Running Shoe: lowest $230.00 on Oct 29.
  • Xtep 260X 2.0: lowest $130.00 on Oct 29.

Specs compared

SpecXTEP 160X 8.0 ULTRA Carbon Plate Running ShoeXtep 260X 2.0
Carbon plateGT1200 premium carbon plateT400 carbon fiber plate
UpperXTEP FIT Tech—
MidsoleXTEP ACE+ Tech, XTEP POWER Tech (GT1200 carbon …—
OutsoleXTEP DURA Tech—
Product featuresLightweight, Shock absorption, Wrapping, Reboun…—
Applicable populationElite Runners / Professional Runners / National…—
Applicable scenariosPlastic track / Road—
Carbon fiber filaments12K carbon fiber filaments—
Midfoot design—hollowed-out design and a midfoot shank
Sole material—Rubber
Outer material—Synthetic
Inner material—Synthetic
Show all 17 specsShow fewer specs
SpecXTEP 160X 8.0 ULTRA Carbon Plate Running ShoeXtep 260X 2.0
Closure type—Lace-Up
Rebound energy—over 85%
Water resistance—Water Repellent
Heel type—Flat
Sport type—Running

What reviewers say

Xtep 260X 2.0

The 260X line is well regarded among runners as a value carbon-plated racer, with the plate and foam praised for pace work. Feedback on the 2.0 specifically is thinner, so treat claims as line-level rather than model-specific.

Pros
  • Noticeable forward roll and pop from the plate
  • Holds pace over long distances without feeling harsh
  • Price undercuts major-brand plated racers
Cons
  • Firm underfoot feel on easy paces
  • Fit runs narrow for wider feet
  • Upper runs warm in hot weather

Questions and answers

Which is better for a marathon?
The 160X 8.0 ULTRA is the race-day pick: its GT1200 12K plate and supercritical ACE+ foam are built for fast marathon efforts. The 260X 2.0 is the better choice if you want one shoe for both long training runs and race day.
Is the 160X 8.0 ULTRA worth the extra over the 260X 2.0?
Only if you race at a fast pace and want maximum propulsion. The 260X 2.0 at $130.00 covers training and long runs with a carbon plate and water-repellent upper. No price was given for the ULTRA, so compare the current store prices before deciding.
Which lasts longer?
The 160X 8.0 ULTRA uses XTEP DURA liquid-CPU rubber in high-wear zones, which is aimed at durability on roads. The 260X 2.0 uses a full rubber outsole. Neither brand publishes a mileage rating, so wear depends on your gait and weekly volume.
Can I use the 260X 2.0 for daily training?
Yes. Its T400 plate is less stiff than the GT1200, and the water-repellent upper and midfoot shank make it a reasonable daily trainer. The ULTRA is aimed at elite racers and feels firm at easy paces.
Which is better in rain?
The 260X 2.0 lists a water-repellent upper. The 160X 8.0 ULTRA lists DURA liquid-CPU rubber for wet-pavement traction but no water resistance for the upper.
Do both come in unisex sizing?
The 160X 8.0 ULTRA is listed with unisex sizing. The 260X 2.0 is described as a men's marathon shoe, so check the size chart before ordering.

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