Anta, a major Chinese sportswear brand, has steadily built a reputation for delivering high-performance running shoes at accessible prices. The Anta PG7, marketed as a max-cushioning daily trainer, follows that path by offering exceptional comfort without the premium price tag. At the heart of the shoe is Anta’s proprietary Peak Gravity (PG) midsole, which has become the foundation of its naming and performance story.
Peak Gravity is the brand’s unique way of measuring cushioning efficiency. The lower the PG value, the softer and more impact-absorbing the foam. Standard EVA typically measures far higher, while the PG7 achieves a standout value of 7.8, putting it ahead of many industry benchmarks. Earlier this year, Anta’s engineers pushed the limits further, lowering the number to 7.6 in an upgraded variant called PG7 Cushion Evolution.
By reaching values in the 7–8 range, the PG7 delivers noticeably softer landings and superior impact protection compared to the typical running foam standard of 8–10. In practice, this makes the shoe not only comfortable but also a glimpse into how far cushioning science can go when re-engineered from the ground up.
Cushioning & Ride
Amount of cushioning: Medium cushioned
Purpose: Max cushion shoes for long runs or recovery runs
Upper
The upper gets major upgrades to match the midsole. It features an enhanced wide toe box design, which gives your feet plenty of room to splay and relax, making it fantastic for a wider range of foot shapes. The heel features an asymmetric 3D-structured heel stabilizer. This isn’t just a plastic clip; it’s ergonomically designed to cup your heel and improve landing stability, working in perfect harmony with that insane midsole.
Midsole
This is my favorite part. The PG7 midsole. You’ve probably seen the viral videos where they dropped raw eggs from 3 feet onto this material, and they didn’t crack. They did the same on standard EVA, and… well, it was messy. They took a 30-pound hammer to a smartphone protected by PG7, and the screen didn’t break.
That’s not just marketing; that’s a physics lesson. This foam absorbs and dissipates impact energy like almost nothing I’ve felt before. The sensation is a deep, bottomless, yet stable plushness. It’s not mushy; it’s protective. Your legs feel fresh because the shoe is handling the impact, not your joints.
Outsole
Supporting this fantastic midsole is an improved A-GRIP rubber outsole. It has a wider profile for better stability and delivers incredible traction on a variety of surfaces. It’s durable, weather-resistant, and built to last for hundreds of miles. This is a complete package.
How does the ANTA PG7 compare to typical premium shoes?
For runners and walkers seeking superior comfort, the comparison between the ANTA PG7 and a standard premium running shoe is striking. The key differentiator lies in its groundbreaking Peak Gravity (PG) value, a metric used to measure cushioning performance where a lower value indicates superior impact absorption.
The ANTA PG7 boasts an exceptional PG value of 7.6, significantly outperforming the typical premium shoe, which often falls within an 8–10 range. This advanced engineering translates directly into a plush, stable, and maximally cushioned ride that effectively dampens impact, reducing stress on the joints.
While not designed as a racing shoe, the PG7 excels in its intended purpose: delivering top-tier comfort for daily wear. It features a generous wide fit, a stable ride, and a durable construction
Who should (or shouldn't) go for it?
Go for it if:
- You want maximum impact protection above all else. This is perfect for recovery days, long slow runs, or runners who are injury-prone.
- You have wide feet or just love a roomy toe box.
- You are a tech geek who wants to experience the latest and greatest cushioning science without paying a $150+ super shoe premium.
Maybe avoid it if:
- You’re looking for a lightweight tempo shoe for speedwork. This is about protection, not propulsion.
- You prefer a firm, ground-feel ride. This is the opposite of that.
- You need a shoe for racing. Keep this for your training and get something else for race day.
Verdict
The final verdict on the ANTA PG7? It’s a landmark shoe. For under $90, you are getting access to cushioning technology that challenges and often surpasses what big brands are offering at twice the price. The PG7 midsole is legitimately revolutionary, the fit is fantastic, and the build quality is exceptional. It has a specific, focused job: to be the most protective shoe in your rotation. And it absolutely nails that job. ANTA isn’t just playing the game anymore; they’re changing it. Highly recommended.