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Robot Era’s STAR1 was reported running at up to 3.6 m/s (12.96 km/h) in a 2024 Gobi Desert demonstration. Coverage said the robot wearing conventional running shoes ran faster than an otherwise identical barefoot STAR1, but it did not publish the speed gap or identify the shoes. That makes footwear a reported factor—not a measured, proven cause.
What the STAR1 running demonstration showed
Robot Era’s STAR1 humanoid robots were reported running in the Gobi Desert in October 2024. Hackaday reported a maximum speed of 3.6 m/s, equivalent to 12.96 km/h. Hackaday’s October 26, 2024 report described one robot wearing running shoes and said the footwear helped it reach faster speeds.
Heise’s October 21 account gives more detail: the two robots were described as identical, with one wearing conventional running shoes and the other running barefoot. They ran over grassland, gravel, roads and paved ground. Heise reported the shod robot maintained its top speed for more than 34 minutes. Its account gives the peak as 8 mph, approximately 12.98 km/h or 3.6 m/s. Read Heise’s STAR1 report.
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The reports say the shoe-wearing robot ran faster than its barefoot counterpart, but they do not state how much slower the barefoot robot was. They also do not provide matched trial data, raw timing, or a primary test protocol. The coverage therefore supports a reported comparison, not a numerical estimate of the shoes’ effect or an independently verified causal finding.
#1 Best Overall
- Slip-on closure type easy put on & off，simple and stylish color scheme,looking for beauty in simple life
- Fashion mesh upper design,keeps the feet dry and breathable, makes you fell comfortable while exercising
- Breathing Insole - The interior of the shoe is designed to absorb sweat and deodorize, allowing your feet to breathe freely
- Blade Sneakers - The sole is made of Hollow Carved technology , providing stable support and optimal shock absorption for sports
- How To Define - Designed for walking comfortably and casual wear, but not really meant to be worn while doing a hard-core workout or High-intensity exercise
Heise presents the shoes as the apparent explanation for the speed difference, but the published account does not isolate footwear from other possible factors in a controlled measurement. It does not establish a particular effect from grip or cushioning.
What shoes did the robot wear?
The STAR1 coverage describes conventional running shoes but does not give a brand or model. There is no basis in these reports to recommend a specific shoe, identify a consumer product as the one used, or claim that buying a particular pair would reproduce the result.
Rank #2
- Slip-on closure type easy put on & off，simple and stylish color scheme,looking for beauty in simple life
- Fashion mesh upper design,keeps the feet dry and breathable, makes you fell comfortable while exercising
- Breathing Insole - The interior of the shoe is designed to absorb sweat and deodorize, allowing your feet to breathe freely
- Blade Sneakers - The sole is made of Hollow Carved technology , providing stable support and optimal shock absorption for sports
- How To Define - Designed for walking comfortably and casual wear, but not really meant to be worn while doing a hard-core workout or High-intensity exercise
Is STAR1 still the fastest humanoid robot?
STAR1’s speed was reported in 2024, so it should not be described as the current record. In July 2025, Heise reported a 14.4 km/h running-speed claim for Robot Era’s L7 on a flat track, while explicitly noting that the claim was not an official record. Heise’s L7 report concerns a different model and test setting; the published claims are not directly comparable as equivalent trials.
Later robot-footwear testing is a separate effort
In September 2025, the International Center for Science and Technology Innovation reported that Tien Kung tested running shoes at the Li-Ning Sports Science Research Center using a 3D force treadmill and a 200-meter track. The partners planned a database of shoe-performance measures, including cushioning and rebound. That program provides context for robot-assisted footwear testing, but it was not part of STAR1’s Gobi demonstration. Read the ICSTI report, which credits China Daily.
Rank #3
- Slip-on closure type easy put on & off，simple and stylish color scheme,looking for beauty in simple life
- Fashion mesh upper design,keeps the feet dry and breathable, makes you fell comfortable while exercising
- Breathing Insole - The interior of the shoe is designed to absorb sweat and deodorize, allowing your feet to breathe freely
- Blade Sneakers - The sole is made of Hollow Carved technology , providing stable support and optimal shock absorption for sports
- How To Define - Designed for walking comfortably and casual wear, but not really meant to be worn while doing a hard-core workout or High-intensity exercise
A separate July 2025 XTEP press release distributed by Medianet said a Unitree robot wore XTEP 360X 2.0 Speed Up running shoes at an event in Versailles. That brand-promotional account does not identify STAR1’s footwear or add evidence about the Gobi test. Read the XTEP announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Slip-on closure type easy put on & off，simple and stylish color scheme,looking for beauty in simple life
- Fashion mesh upper design,keeps the feet dry and breathable, makes you fell comfortable while exercising
- Breathing Insole - The interior of the shoe is designed to absorb sweat and deodorize, allowing your feet to breathe freely
- Blade Sneakers - The sole is made of Hollow Carved technology , providing stable support and optimal shock absorption for sports
- How To Define - Designed for walking comfortably and casual wear, but not really meant to be worn while doing a hard-core workout or High-intensity exercise
Rank #4
- DUAL FULL-LENGTH CARBON PLATE PROPULSION Built with dual full-length carbon plates to create a responsive and efficient running platform. The plate system helps improve transition from landing to toe-off, providing a faster, more powerful feel during marathon training, tempo runs and race preparation.
- RESPONSIVE TPEE MIDSOLE SYSTEM The TPEE midsole delivers a balanced combination of lightweight cushioning and energy return. Designed for runners who need responsive support during long distance runs, daily mileage and speed-focused workouts.
- BUILT FOR MARATHON AND ROAD RUNNING Designed for road runners, marathon trainees and endurance athletes who need lightweight performance footwear. The carbon plate construction supports efficient strides during long runs, race training and faster-paced sessions.
- BREATHABLE NYLON YARN UPPER The lightweight nylon yarn upper provides enhanced airflow and a secure adaptive fit. The breathable construction helps maintain comfort while reducing excess movement during extended training sessions.
- LIGHTWEIGHT ROAD TRACTION A durable outsole provides reliable grip on pavement and road surfaces. Combined with a lightweight performance design, these running shoes are built for marathon preparation, daily training and long-distance running.
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