The perfect blend of stability and cushioning offers the ideal ride on any run. Breathable air mesh with direct attached overlays provide a snug and secure fit. Three layered QDP system utilizes coated QU!KFOAM™ to maximize and maintain flexible cushioning while a medial post provides unobstructed support. Lightweight blown rubber forefoot with a durable high abrasive crash pad patterned to provide the best traction and shock dispersion. -361 USA
Thomas: If you are looking for a trainer that has plenty of cushioning, lots of rubber on the outsole, and a stable ride without being rigid, the 361 Sensation might be the shoe for you. The upper fits well with lacing that integrates with the overlays to create a secure structure over the arch. The shoe looks good, yes this is subjective, but if I like the way a shoe looks I am more likely to run in it. The overall quality of the shoe is apparent in the details. This is a well-engineered shoe. The Sensation has a springiness to its cushioning. There is more than enough shoe underfoot to go any distance. I did not find any hot spots in the shoe after many hot and humid runs.
Meaghan: I’m always up for testing new running shoes and love watching new brands enter the running market. 361˚ has actually been around since 2002, but didn’t make it’s U.S. debut until the fall of last year. According to Competitor, 361˚ is the second-largest running brand in China and several of their management staff come from ASICS… Interesting. We tested out the Sensation, a daily trainer intended for lots of miles. Right off the bat, I noticed a unique comfort. There’s a lot of padding around the collar and tongue and the molded insoles feel soft underfoot. The upper is designed with an air-mesh and plenty of welded overlays for structure and support. Nothing special about the lacing system. The dual-layer midsole is structured with what they call QU!KFOAM™. It felt fairly responsive and seemed to disperse impact well. The plastic midfoot unit and medial posting add support and help the shoe bend at the toes instead of under the arch. With plenty of rubber coverage on the outsole, these shoes will last a long time.
Thomas: My men’s 10.5 weighs in at 11.65 oz. The 361 Sensation could be slimmed down to make it feel faster. The heel cup is a piece of architecture on par with the Asics Gel Kayano 21. There is no lack of overlays on the Sensation. I give them credit on hiding the overlays by using the colors of the shoe to disguise them. The tongue of the shoe is swelled like a pillow along with the interior collar. This has nothing to do with the shoe’s performance, but the logo is pretty bad. It looks like they just typed out “361º” in Peignot, a tacky French font.
Meaghan: This is not a light shoe. My W7.5 came in at 9.05 oz. To me, this shoe resembles the Saucony Ride (8.5oz) so I feel there is room for improvement, or at least some lighter materials. Also, these are not the most breathable shoes in the world (probably all the overlays). It doesn’t help that it’s been 90 degrees with 145% humidity during my training runs. Lastly, this is my… 6th pair of purple shoes this year? What’s going on with purple shoes? I’m kind of over purple shoes.
Thomas: This is a well-built shoe with a lot of good qualities. The biggest issue I had with the Sensation was that it lacks a defined personality. It isn’t light and fast, and it isn’t a max cushion shoe. This is a shoe that lands in the middle. It is a traditional trainer in the vein of Saucony Ride, Asics Kayano, and Mizuno Wave Rider. All good shoes, but not the kind of trainer that gets my blood flowing. If you like a traditional trainer that will be durable and dependable, then this is another option for you. It is a very comfortable shoe and the QDP cushioning is surprisingly responsive. You can feel a bounce in your stride. I would recommend the 361º Sensation for a heavier runner looking for a stable, durable shoe. Runner’s World gave the Sensation a “Best Buy” award. I am guessing that is for the quality of the shoe. It is very well made.
Meaghan: The 361 Sensation is a daily trainer that does a nice job of balancing comfort and support. I think the durability of this shoe will set it apart from the competition. If you’re used to running in supportive shoes, I would give the Sensation a try. They offer nice support with added comfort.
WEIGHT– 11.65 oz. each (men’s)
DROP– 9mm
UPPER– Direct attach upper with air mesh for improved comfort and fit
MIDSOLE– Multi-Density proprietary delivering enhanced shoch attenuation, guidance and accelaration
OUTSOLE– High abrasion rubber in heel strike zone, blown rubber in forefoot for better shock dispersion and traction
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Beautiful shoes. Best regards from Poland 😉