Xtep: Chinese Origin, Ownership and Running Strategy 特步
Yes. Xtep is a Chinese sportswear group based in Fujian. Its business began as a footwear manufacturer in 1987, the Xtep brand was established in 2001, and Xtep International Holdings Limited listed in Hong Kong in 2008. Running is the center of its current strategy.
Is Xtep a Chinese company?
Xtep is Chinese by origin, headquarters, and core operations. The group began in Jinjiang as an original-equipment footwear manufacturer before creating the Xtep consumer brand. It now designs and sells footwear, apparel, and accessories for adults and children.
Who owns Xtep?
Xtep International Holdings Limited is a public company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under stock code 1368. Founder Ding Shui Po remains chairman and chief executive officer, while the company is owned by its public and substantial shareholders.
Does Xtep own Saucony and Merrell?
Xtep operates the Saucony and Merrell businesses in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau through arrangements that began as joint ventures with Wolverine Worldwide. Xtep later consolidated the joint-venture interests and acquired 40 percent of Saucony's intellectual property rights in China. This is not the same as global ownership of Saucony or Merrell.
Why is Xtep associated with running?
Xtep sponsors marathons, operates running clubs, and develops the 160X racing family. Its 2025 results said overseas revenue nearly doubled and Southeast Asian cross-border e-commerce grew by more than 220 percent. The company also highlighted the 160X 7.0 PRO worn by Feng Peiyou for a Chinese national marathon record at the 2026 Tokyo Marathon.
Compare the documented brand strategies in Chinese running shoe brands explained
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Essential guides
Source-based explainers and comparisons featuring Xtep.
- Chinese Running Shoe Brands: Xtep, 361 Degrees, Anta and Li-Ning Compare Chinese running shoe brands by verified company focus, product families, athlete programs, international availability, and regional buying support.
- Chinese Sportswear Brands: Anta, Li-Ning, 361 Degrees and Xtep A source-based guide to Chinese sportswear brands expanding internationally through basketball, running, major events, overseas retail, and global brand investments.
Latest from Xtep
Recent news, releases, and milestones from this brand.
Milestones
- 2026-03Xtep reports 2025 revenue of RMB14.15 billion, nearly doubles overseas revenue, and highlights the 160X 7.0 PRO in professional marathon competition. Read more
- 2025Xtep opens its first overseas running club in Singapore and sponsors 74 marathons and running events.
- 2024Xtep opens its Innovation Center as the group increases research and development around professional running.
- 2023Xtep consolidates its regional Saucony and Merrell joint ventures and acquires 40 percent of Saucony's intellectual property rights in China.
- 2020Xtep appoints Jeremy Lin as a brand ambassador and establishes a basketball business.
- 2019Xtep forms joint ventures with Wolverine Worldwide to operate Saucony and Merrell in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
- 2008Xtep is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
- 2001Rebrands to Xtep International Group.
- 1987Founded in Jinjiang as a sports footwear maker, originally as 'China Sports Goods'.