The Anta PG7 3 Is a $100 Shoe That Favorably Compares to the Pricier Nike Vomero Plus
- The Anta PG7 3 costs about two-thirds of the price—or less—of similar max-cushioned trainers.
- Testers compared it to shoes like the Hoka Clifton and Nike Vomero Plus.
- The Peak Gravity foam softens your step so you can run or walk longer in the shoe.
As a Runner’s World tester, I’ve developed what some may call champagne taste on a beer budget. I get to try many different running shoes, but I can’t actually afford to buy some of them. I love running shoes that pack a lot of cushion, like a Hoka Clifton ($155), but I will only buy them when they’re on sale. The Anta PG7 3, a max-cushioned daily trainer, is a steal for $100, yet it’s just as comfortable as competitors’ models. I’d buy these shoes in a heartbeat.
When Anta CEO Samuel Tsui visited the Runner’s World headquarters last month, he referred to the PG7 as an “international shoe” because it’s cushioned and comfy for all runners. I couldn’t agree more; as a run/walker and half marathoner who runs at a slower pace, I can see myself grabbing these shoes for my three-hour long runs. Here’s why you should consider the PG7 3.
Anta PG7 3.0
Pros
- Soft cushioning
- Breathable upper
- High energy return
Cons
- Some instability issues with quick turns, uneven surfaces
| Best for | Easy runs, recovery runs, long runs, run/walks |
| Weight | 9.3 oz (M8) , 8.0 oz (W7.5) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel Stack Height | 36 mm |
The Design
The PG7’s upper is made of a stretchy, breathable mesh material that feels soft against your foot and fits true-to-size. There’s ample room in the midfoot and toebox, so you won’t need to size up to account for swelling.
If you’re a runner with wide feet, you can get away with wearing the shoe, too. “The lacing, collar, and tongue are secure. It’s the inside of the shoe, the footbed, where I’m feeling a little extra room,” said Runner’s World Gear Editor Amanda Furrer. On the other hand, runners with narrow feet might want to pull the laces snug, so the foot feels more secure.
According to Anta, the Peak Gravity foam provides all-day comfort and helps runners land softer, so you can spend more hours in the shoe. For the most part, our testers agree. “The first time I put them on, I was shocked at how much they felt like the Nike Vomero Plus, my go-to recovery shoe,” said Michael McDonough, editorial assistant. “The foam didn’t even need a break-in period—they felt great through all 10 miles of the first run I wore them on. And even though their midsole doesn’t break 40 mm in height, they felt more than adequate for long runs.”
The PG7 3 has a lower stack height at 36 mm than the Vomero Plus’s 43 mm; however, the shoe feels just as plush as its pricier Nike counterpart ($180).
How It Rides
As mentioned, there really is no need for a break-in period with the PG7. Many of our editors wore these shoes on a group run shortly after receiving them, and there were few complaints. I was pleasantly surprised not to experience hot spots on that initial run, nor on subsequent runs.
The shoe is packed with a responsive foam unlike other models at a similar price. Those trainers—$100 or less—might seem soft at first, but the feeling wears off with each step as you sink into the shoe, said Runner-In-Chief Jeff Dengate. You won’t experience that with the PG7 3. According to Dengate, the shoe is bouncier and feels more lively underfoot.
I agree, especially as a run/walker. The PG7 3 bounces back; I love that it makes transitioning from running to walking much easier. It helps me maintain much-needed momentum, so I can roll out of a run into a walk (or vice versa) and keep the pace. I look forward to getting plenty more run/walks in the PG7 3 as I gear up for a half marathon in the fall.
The shoe can also handle faster paces. “Even though the Anta PG7 is a max-cushioned trainer, it has some bounce when you take it out for a run,” Furrer said. “I absolutely love the ride. I can push the pace when I’m feeling strong or cruise when I want an easy day. The Peak Gravity foam is thick, but it has some give. This matters when you’re a smaller runner like me; I need a cushioned shoe with foam that molds around my feet instead of feeling like Styrofoam bricks.”
In terms of traction, stability, and support, our testers rated the PG7 3 on the lower end of the spectrum. Personally, I experienced some stability issues when I was trying to make a quick maneuver while running in a parking garage one day, and so did Furrer. “Because the shoe is max-cushioned and neutral, I noticed some heel turning when I wasn’t paying attention on cracked, uneven pavement,” she said. But she mentioned the stability issue isn’t as bad as other max-cushioned trainers, so I consider that a win considering how much the shoe costs.
Who It’s For
Anta refers to the PG7 3 as an international shoe built for all runners, and here’s why: The shoe can hold up for almost any activity, whether you’ve got easy miles, faster miles, long runs, or errands on your calendar. If you’re new to running, this shoe is definitely a strong contender, especially if you’re using the run/walk method. More experienced runners can grab these trainers for easy, recovery, or long runs.
If comfort, cushion, and bounce are all features you look for in a shoe, then consider the PG7 3. You might just end up with a shoe you never want to stop wearing.
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Monique LeBrun is a health and fitness editor who is based in Easton, Pennsylvania. She covers a wide range of health and wellness topics, with a primary focus on running performance and nutrition. Monique is passionate about creating content that empowers runners to become the best versions of themselves. As an avid runner and parent, she loves spending time outdoors with her daughter, who often accompanies her on weekend runs as her personal mini run coach.