361 sensation running shoes two generations comparison
First of all, I am honored to have the opportunity to review the 361-Sensation 2 running shoes. Having purchased a pair of 361-Sensation running shoes last year, I have a deep understanding of their first-generation product. The release of the 361-Sensation 2 running shoes has once again gained recognition from runners and won the 'Best Debut Award' from Germany's Runner's World. Therefore, I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of this pair of running shoes and am curious to see what changes and improvements have been made compared to the first generation.
Important Notice:If you place an order now to purchase the 361-Sensation 2 running shoes, you can enjoy a 12% discount and an additional ¥88 off. Order now after reading the review! (Click the image below to purchase)
Unboxing
After a period of waiting, the 361-Sensation 2 running shoes finally arrived. I couldn't wait to unbox them. A pair of Jasmine Green/Black flashy running shoes lay before me. The bold color contrast and reasonable color matching make them look fashionable and vibrant yet stable. For most runners, fashion is one of the essential elements. These shoes can be worn for regular running, walking, and daily outings.
Since the 361-Sensation 2 running shoes are an upgraded version of the first generation, let's see what changes have been made. The most noticeable change is in the upper part of the shoe. The second generation significantly reduces the use of leather materials and stitching, adopting high-elastic thin film hot pressing and a semi-transparent surface effect, giving it a lighter and more streamlined feel with excellent breathability and waterproof performance. The design changes ensure stability and breathability while providing a lightweight and speedy feel. The tongue area is larger and thinner, offering better fit during running and reducing slippage, making them more comfortable to wear. The shoelaces feature a two-tone design, adding a youthful and lively vibe. Another significant change is the large '3' on the side of the shoe, replacing the previous '361' logo, highlighting its high-end professional international style. Additionally, the midsole thickness has increased, with QUIKFOAM high-tech material providing more stable cushioning and rebound performance. This is a core technology of 361's overseas running shoes, offering better stability, cushioning, and rebound performance. The sole still uses the QDP quick dynamic performance system, composed of three different sole structures. The mid-waist high support structure maintains overall stability and comfort during running, while the lightweight foam rubber in the forefoot and high-wear-resistant rubber material in the heel enhance grip and wear resistance, increasing the shoe's lifespan and ensuring safety during exercise.
Actual Testing
To determine the quality of the shoes, they must undergo practical testing. After a day of walking and breaking them in, I began my official running experience. Having run five to six hundred kilometers in the first-generation shoes, including two full marathons, the most recent being the Wuhan Marathon on April 9th, where I achieved a PB of 3:44 in the rain without any discomfort, my trust in the 361-Sensation running shoes has only grown. This time, wearing the 361-Sensation 2 running shoes, I went for five runs, experiencing various conditions such as road running, night running, track running, park running, uphill and downhill, and wet surfaces, with distances ranging from five kilometers to a half marathon. My pace was generally between five to six minutes per kilometer. Overall, the shoes felt more reasonable in terms of stability, cushioning, waterproofing, rebound, and breathability. The 3M reflective strips on the front and back of the shoes are very considerate, making them suitable for safe night running. In summary, the running experience was more comfortable.
Summary
In summary, the 361-Sensation 2 running shoes have been upgraded in appearance and performance compared to the first generation, providing higher intensity cushioning and flexibility, better breathability, and are suitable for long-distance running and various running styles, catering to more runners' wearing experiences.
There are some minor flaws, such as the 361 logo on the insole wearing off over time, often leaving a foreign object feeling underfoot. While the current colors are beautiful, they could be more diverse. Increasing the promotion of international line brands domestically will help more runners accept them. I believe that in the near future, more runners will be wearing the 361-Sensation 2 running shoes in major marathons, just like me.