CUSHIONING
max
RIDE FEEL
soft
SUPPORT
neutral
WEIGHT CLASS
standard
RUNNER LEVEL
beginner
TERRAIN
fabRunning VERDICT · Good
Big comfort for a budget price, great for heavy runners
The Qiaodan DS2 2.0 exceeded my expectations for its price a soft, well-cushioned midsole, a stable wide platform and a comfortable upper, at around ₱1,500–2,000 on sale. It is not built for speed and lacks the refinement of pricier max-cushion shoes, but for easy and recovery runs it is excellent value, heavier runners will like this one, perfect for beginners starting their running journey.
What works well
- Comfort first: a soft, plush, well-cushioned midsole that absorbs impact nicely on easy runs, recovery runs and long walks.
- Stable for a max-cushion shoe: a relatively wide platform keeps it planted, with minimal side-to-side movement, and it is comfortable for heel strikers.
- Comfortable, roomy upper: easy to wear for long periods, whether you are running or just walking.
- Outstanding value: around ₱1,500–2,000 during online sales, and it does not feel like a shoe that costs under ₱2,000, earning a GOOD verdict.
Keep in mind
- Not built for speed: its biggest strength is comfort, not tempo runs or setting personal bests.
- Less refined than pricier max-cushion shoes: less energy return and a less smooth heel-to-toe transition than the Li-Ning JUEYING 5 or Red Hare 9 ULTRA.
- Initial impressions only: this verdict is based on 30 km; my full review comes after 70+ km.
- Prices move: the video and review quote historical prices, not a current offer.
Ride, fit and daily use
After 30 km in the DS2 2.0, it exceeded my expectations. I honestly was not expecting much at this price, but unlike many budget running shoes that feel stiff or cheaply made, it delivers a genuinely comfortable ride with a soft, well-cushioned midsole, a stable platform and a surprisingly comfortable upper. It is not trying to compete with premium daily trainers costing ₱6,000–10,000, but that is exactly what makes it impressive.
Comfort is its main feature. From the moment you put it on, the plush, forgiving midsole stands out, and it absorbs impact without feeling unstable. The platform is relatively wide, so it feels planted whether you are running easy or walking, and there is minimal side-to-side movement once you lace it up. That makes it an easy shoe to adapt to if you are new to running, and a comfortable recovery or easy-day shoe for experienced runners.
The closest rides I can think of are the Li-Ning JUEYING 5 and the Red Hare 9 ULTRA, both several times the price. The JUEYING 5 has a more premium upper, better energy return, a smoother transition and a slightly firmer midsole, while the Red Hare 9 ULTRA is lighter, more responsive and more versatile. The DS2 2.0 does not have that responsiveness or premium feel, but it comes impressively close in overall comfort. Think of it as a budget-friendly version of those shoes.
Specifications and price context
| Use | Easy runs, recovery runs, everyday mileage and walking |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | Soft, plush max-cushion midsole |
| Platform | Relatively wide and stable; comfortable for heel strikers |
| Fit | Roomy and comfortable; sold as a wide-fit model |
| Ride | Soft, forgiving and stable; not built for speed |
| Best for | Beginners, heavier runners and easy or recovery days |
| Review stage | Initial Impressions after 30 km |
| Price discussed in the review | Around ₱1,500–2,000 during online sales. Check the seller for today’s price |
No stack, drop or weight figures were quoted in the review. The shoe finder uses maximum cushioning, soft ride, neutral support and standard-trainer categories; these are editorial matching categories, not laboratory measurements. No exact current price has been entered.
Is the DS2 2.0 right for you?
Based on the fabRunning DS2 2.0 Initial Impressions after 30 km of testing. The seller link is the Qiaodan DS2 2.0 listing on Shopee; my review pair is the White/Dark Blue colourway. Availability and pricing may change.