The origins of XTEP date to 1987 with the establishment of Fujian Sanxing Sports Goods Company. The XTEP brand was officially launched in 2001, marking the business’s transition to a dedicated sportswear label.

A significant milestone occurred on 3 June 2008 when Xtep International Holdings Limited listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 1368). This public listing accelerated the company’s expansion across China and international markets.

In 2019, XTEP adopted a multi-brand international strategy by acquiring or operating several global sports brands in key markets, including Saucony, Merrell, K-Swiss and Palladium, which significantly broadened its market reach.2

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Unlike fashion-led sports labels, XTEP positions itself primarily as a performance running brand. The company invests heavily in road running, marathon racing, trail running, training footwear, running apparel and professional racing technology.

Its slogan and marketing emphasise helping athletes achieve better performance while keeping products accessible to everyday runners. XTEP describes its mission as “Make sports stand out” and its vision as becoming a world-leading performance and fashion sportswear brand.4

XTEP manufactures a wide range of sports products across three main categories.

Footwear

• Professional racing shoes
• Daily running shoes
• Trail running shoes
• Walking shoes
• Basketball shoes
• Lifestyle sneakers

Apparel

• Running shirts
• Jackets
• Hoodies
• Shorts
• Leggings
• Sports bras
• Compression wear

Accessories

• Socks
• Caps
• Backpacks
• Running belts
• Water bottles

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XTEP is particularly recognised for its innovations in running footwear. Technologies featured in many of its shoes include supercritical foam midsoles for lightweight cushioning, carbon-fibre plates in elite racing models, high-energy-return foam compounds, lightweight engineered mesh uppers and durable rubber outsoles designed for long-distance running.

Its flagship racing line, the 160X series, has gained attention among marathon runners and has been used by numerous elite Chinese athletes. According to the company, runners wearing the series have won hundreds of marathon championships in China.6

Some of XTEP’s best-known product families include:

• 160X: Elite marathon racing shoes
• 2000KM: Daily training and long-distance running shoes
• Ace: Performance running shoes
• Dynamic Foam series
• Trail running collection

These products target everyone from recreational runners to competitive marathon athletes.7

Beyond the core XTEP brand, the group manages several internationally recognised sports brands in selected markets:

• Saucony
• Merrell
• K-Swiss
• Palladium

This multi-brand strategy allows the company to serve both the mass-market sports segment and premium performance categories.2

XTEP operates one of the largest sportswear retail networks in China. The company reports more than 8,000 retail stores across its brands, operations in over 30 countries, thousands of branded stores dedicated to the XTEP name and numerous XTEP Running Clubs throughout China. Its products are also sold through online marketplaces and international distributors.8

Running is central to XTEP’s marketing strategy. The company sponsors city marathons, half marathons, trail races, elite runners, running clubs and national athletics events.

According to the company, it has sponsored over 1,000 marathon-related events and built one of China’s largest running communities through the XTEP RUNNERS programme.9

XTEP is widely regarded as one of China’s leading domestic sportswear brands alongside Anta, Li-Ning, 361° and Peak. While global competitors such as Nike, Adidas and ASICS dominate many international markets, XTEP has established a strong reputation in China by focusing on running performance, competitive pricing and localised athlete sponsorships.10

In recent years, XTEP has accelerated its international presence by expanding into Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other overseas markets, growing its e-commerce business, investing in research and development for advanced running footwear, and building a diversified global sports brand portfolio. The company’s strategy centres on strengthening its position as a leading performance running brand while broadening its global reach.11

XTEP has evolved from a regional Chinese manufacturer into one of Asia’s major sportswear companies. Its focus on running innovation, accessible pricing and athlete-centred product development has made it particularly popular among runners. With a strong domestic retail network, an expanding international footprint and ownership of multiple global sports brands, XTEP continues to position itself as a significant player in the worldwide sporting goods industry.12

1. Xtep International Holdings Limited – About Xtep > An Overview of Xtep
2. Xtep
3. About XTEP – XTEP
4. Xtep Shoes, Xtep Clothes – XTEP
5. Xtep International Holdings Limited – Our Brands > XTEP
6. Xtep International Holdings Limited – Our Brands > XTEP
7. Founder Story – XTEP
8. Tentang XTEP – XTEP
9. 關於 XTEP – XTEP
10. Xtep International Holdings Limited – Our Brands > XTEP
11. Xtep International Holdings Limited – About Xtep > Our Milestones
12. About Us