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361° Running Shoes Explained: Everything You Need To Know

361° may not yet be one of the first names that comes to mind when UK runners think about running shoes, but it is a much bigger and more established sports brand than its profile in Britain might suggest. Founded in China in 2003, the company now produces everything from everyday road running shoes to trail footwear and lightweight carbon-plated racing models.

361° may not yet be one of the first names that comes to mind when UK runners think about running shoes, but it is a much bigger and more established sports brand than its profile in Britain might suggest. Founded in China in 2003, the company now produces everything from everyday road running shoes to trail footwear and lightweight carbon-plated racing models. The range has also become increasingly sophisticated, using modern supercritical foams, specialist outsole compounds and carbon-fibre plates across different models. If you've seen a pair of 361° running shoes and wondered who makes them, what the unfamiliar technology names mean or which shoe might suit your running, here's everything you need to know. The History Of 361° 361° was founded in China in 2003 and developed into one of the country's major sportswear companies. The business was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2009 before expanding its international presence more significantly from 2014. The unusual name comes from the company's "One Degree Beyond" philosophy. A complete circle contains 360 degrees, so the extra degree is intended to represent going slightly further and doing more than expected. Although 361° produces footwear and clothing for several sports, running has been an important part of the company's international range for many years. Its current running collection is considerably broader than many UK runners might realise, covering everyday road shoes, stability models, trail running shoes and specialist racing footwear. Why Are 361° Running Shoes Becoming More Popular? One reason 361° has started attracting greater attention is that its running shoes have moved beyond relatively conventional training footwear. The company now uses many of the technologies found across modern performance running shoes, including lightweight supercritical foams, high-stack cushioning and carbon-fibre plates. The range also covers considerably more types of running than it once did. A runner can now choose between cushioned neutral trainers, stability shoes, trail models and lightweight race-day footwear rather than simply selecting between a handful of general-purpose running shoes. Availability in Britain is improving as well. 361° now operates a dedicated UK website and has UK retailers listed through its store finder, making the brand considerably easier to buy than when it was first launched. What Makes 361° Running Shoes Different? One of the first things you'll notice when looking at 361° shoes is the number of different technology names. Terms such as ENGAGE, PRIMO, CQT EXTREM3, GekkoGrip and H.A.R.T. can make the range look more complicated than it actually is. The simplest way to understand it is to think of the different foams according to their purpose. ENGAGE, also referred to as CQT QU!K in some 361° material, is primarily used for durable everyday cushioning. PRIMO is a lighter and softer supercritical PEBA-EVA based foam aimed at higher levels of cushioning, while CQT EXTREM3 is the company's performance-focused supercritical PEBA foam used in faster shoes and some premium trainers. The technologies are often combined rather than used on their own. The Ventus 2, for example, uses PRIMO alongside CQT EXTREM3 to provide both cushioning and greater responsiveness. This type of multi-foam construction has become increasingly common in modern running footwear as manufacturers try to balance softness, stability and energy return within the same shoe. What Are GekkoGrip And H.A.R.T.? 361° also uses several names for the rubber compounds found underneath its running shoes. GekkoGrip is designed to provide traction, particularly around the forefoot where the runner pushes away from the ground, while H.A.R.T. stands for High Abrasion Rubber Technology. H.A.R.T. is generally positioned in areas that experience greater wear and is designed to improve durability as well as grip. Different combinations appear across the range depending on whether a shoe is intended for everyday road running, faster sessions or off-road use. Trail shoes require a different approach because they need to cope with loose ground, mud, rocks and wet surfaces. Some newer trail models therefore use 361°'s APEX GRIP outsole technology, which is designed specifically to improve traction on more challenging terrain. What Is Heel Drop? Heel drop is the difference in height between the heel and forefoot of a running shoe. It can have a noticeable effect on how a shoe feels even when two models provide similar amounts of overall cushioning. There isn't one standard heel drop across the 361° range. Current shoes vary according to their purpose, with models such as the Ventus 2 using an 8mm drop while some trail and racing shoes sit lower. A lower drop isn't automatically better, and changing dramatically from the type of shoe you normally wear can place different demands on your calves and Achilles tendons. Fit, comfort and how naturally you run in a shoe remain more important than choosing a model because of one specification. Read more about maximalist and minimalist running shoes here. Does 361° Make Neutral Running Shoes? Yes. Neutral road running shoes make up an important part of the 361° range, with models designed for everything from everyday training to higher-mileage and long-distance running. The Meraki 7 (pictured above) is one of the brand's established neutral daily trainers, combining ENGAGE and PRIMO cushioning to provide a balance of comfort, durability and versatility. The Ventus 2 offers a more highly cushioned option, using PRIMO alongside CQT EXTREM3 foam to create a softer but more responsive ride aimed particularly at longer-distance running. Neutral shoes are suitable for a wide range of runners and don't include the additional guidance features found in dedicated stability models such as the Kairos and Phoenix. As with any running shoe, however, the most important considerations are how well it fits, how comfortable it feels and whether it suits the type of running you intend to do. Does 361° Make Stability Shoes? 361° has several shoes intended for runners wanting additional stability, with the Kairos and Phoenix among the most important current models. Like many modern stability shoes, they don't rely entirely on the very firm medial posts that were once common in supportive footwear. Wider platforms, midsole geometry and the way the foot is positioned within the shoe can all contribute to creating a more stable running experience. The Kairos is designed as an everyday stability trainer, while the Phoenix combines additional stability with a more highly cushioned feel. As with any running shoe, needing a stability model shouldn't simply be assumed because somebody has said that you pronate. Many runners pronate naturally and run comfortably in neutral footwear, so trying different shoes remains important. Does 361° Make Carbon Plate Running Shoes? 361° now has a substantial selection of carbon-plated racing shoes designed for runners looking for greater efficiency and speed on race day. The Flame 5 is one of the most important current examples. It combines lightweight performance cushioning with 361°'s QU!K BONE-DYN+ and CARBON DOME technologies, using a curved carbon structure designed to assist smoother transitions and propulsion. There are also more specialist racing models within the wider 361° collection. These demonstrate how far the company's performance footwear has developed, but most recreational runners don't need the lightest or most aggressive carbon shoe available. A comfortable daily trainer is still likely to account for the majority of your weekly running, with a plated shoe reserved for selected faster sessions and races. Read more about super shoes here. Does 361° Make Trail Running Shoes? Yes. Trail running has become an increasingly important part of the range, with several models designed specifically for off-road conditions. The Futura is one of the more substantial trail options, combining cushioning with additional protection and an outsole designed for challenging terrain. The Lynx offers another approach, while the Taroko provides a versatile option designed to work across a mixture of surfaces. Choosing a trail shoe depends heavily on where you actually run. A runner spending most of their time on forest paths and light trails may need something quite different from somebody regularly tackling mud, steep climbs and technical rocky terrain, so outsole grip can be just as important as cushioning. Which 361° Running Shoe Is Right For You? 361° Meraki 7 The Meraki 7 is a versatile neutral daily trainer designed for regular road running. It combines comfortable cushioning with enough durability for everyday mileage, making it suitable for everything from easy runs to longer marathon training sessions. 361° Ventus 2 The Ventus 2 is a highly cushioned neutral road shoe designed particularly for longer-distance running. It combines a softer feel with greater responsiveness, making it an attractive option for runners who prioritise comfort during long runs and higher-mileage training. 361° Kairos 4 And Phoenix 2 These stability shoes provide additional support for runners who prefer a more stable platform. The Kairos is designed as a versatile everyday stability trainer, while the Phoenix combines stability with a more highly cushioned feel. 361° Futura 3 The Futura 3 is a cushioned and protective trail running shoe designed for more demanding off-road terrain. Its combination of cushioning, protection and grip makes it particularly suited to longer trail runs and runners regularly tackling mixed conditions. 361° Lynx 2 The Lynx 2 is a lighter and more agile trail running shoe than the Futura. It offers a lower-profile feel while retaining dedicated trail cushioning and grip, making it an option for runners who prefer a more nimble shoe on off-road routes. 361° Taroko 5 The Taroko 5 is a versatile trail shoe designed to cope with a mixture of surfaces. It is particularly useful for runners whose routes regularly move between roads, parks, gravel tracks and less technical trails. 361° Flame 5 The Flame 5 is a lightweight carbon-plated racing shoe designed for speed rather than everyday training. It combines performance cushioning with carbon technology, making it most relevant to runners looking for a dedicated shoe for faster sessions and race day. The impressive Flame 5 Are 361° Shoes Sustainable? Like many running shoe manufacturers, 361° has started incorporating recycled and lower-impact materials into parts of its footwear range. The Meraki 7, for example, uses 26% recycled mesh in its upper, while the Ventus range also incorporates recycled yarn. Some of the company's performance shoes use other approaches. The Flame 5 incorporates recycled and corn-derived materials into its upper, while the Miro Nude 2 uses C!LK yarn that 361° says is engineered using recycled CO₂. That doesn't make running shoes environmentally neutral. Footwear remains difficult to manufacture sustainably because each shoe combines multiple foams, rubbers, fabrics, adhesives and other materials. It is therefore more accurate to say that 361° is introducing recycled and lower-impact components into parts of its range rather than describing the shoes themselves as sustainable. Are 361° Running Shoes Worth It? 361° is certainly worth considering if you are looking beyond the running shoe brands you already know. The current range is much more developed than its relatively low UK profile might suggest, with genuine choices for neutral runners, runners wanting stability, trail runners and those looking for carbon-plated racing footwear. The biggest challenge may simply be familiarity. Many runners know what to expect from shoe families they have worn for years, whereas names such as Meraki, Ventus, Kairos, Phoenix and Flame may mean very little until you've seen them in a specialist running shop. That shouldn't be a reason to dismiss the brand. The best running shoe isn't determined by how recognisable the logo is, but by whether the shoe fits properly, feels comfortable and works for the type of running you intend to do. Frequently Asked Questions Are 361° Running Shoes Good For Beginners? Yes. 361° makes several shoes suitable for beginners, including neutral everyday trainers such as the Meraki 7. Runners who prefer additional stability can also consider models such as the Kairos 4 and Phoenix 2. The most important consideration for a new runner is still comfort and fit. You don't need the most expensive shoe or the latest technology simply because you are starting to run. Who Makes 361° Running Shoes? 361° running shoes are made by 361 Degrees International, a Chinese sportswear company founded in 2003. The company produces running shoes alongside footwear, clothing and equipment for several other sports. 361° has grown substantially since its launch and expanded more extensively into international markets from 2014. Its running footwear is now available in the UK as well as numerous other countries. What Does 361° Mean? The 361° name comes from the idea of going "One Degree Beyond". A complete circle contains 360 degrees, with the additional degree representing the company's philosophy of putting in extra effort and going beyond what is expected. This "One Degree Beyond" philosophy continues to form an important part of the company's international branding. Are 361° Running Shoes Available In The UK? Yes. 361° running shoes are available in the UK, and the company operates a dedicated UK website alongside a network of selected retailers. However, the models available in Britain and Europe don't necessarily include every shoe produced by 361° globally. This is worth remembering when reading overseas reviews, as some models may only be available in particular markets. Does 361° Make Shoes For Marathon Running? Yes. Several 361° shoes are suitable for marathon training and racing. Neutral road shoes such as the Meraki 7 and Ventus 2 can be used for regular training and long runs, while carbon-plated models such as the Flame 5 are designed more specifically for faster running and racing. You don't need a carbon-plated shoe to run a marathon. Comfort, fit and having a shoe that works well for you over longer distances are more important than whether it contains a carbon plate. How Long Do 361° Running Shoes Last? There isn't a fixed mileage at which every pair of 361° running shoes needs replacing. How long they last will depend on the particular model, your running style, body weight, the surfaces you run on and how frequently you use them. Rather than relying entirely on mileage, look for significant outsole wear, damage to the upper and changes in how the cushioning feels. If a previously comfortable shoe starts to feel noticeably different during your runs, it may be approaching the end of its useful running life. Final Thoughts On 361° Running Shoes 361° may still be relatively unfamiliar to many UK runners, but it is no longer a brand that can be dismissed as a minor player in running footwear. Its current line-up includes everyday neutral trainers, stability shoes, highly cushioned models, dedicated trail footwear and increasingly sophisticated carbon-plated racing shoes. Understanding the range is much easier once you look past the unfamiliar technology names. Meraki and Ventus cover much of the neutral road-running territory, Kairos and Phoenix provide additional stability, Futura, Lynx and Taroko cater for different types of trail running, while Flame sits at the faster end of the collection. If you're considering 361° running shoes, the same rule applies as with every other brand. Start with the type of running you do, find the model designed for that purpose and then concentrate on fit and comfort rather than choosing a shoe simply because it contains the newest technology.

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