361 sensation 2 running shoes great value
My first impression of the 361 Degrees international line running shoes was at the ISPO exhibition in 2015, where they debuted with the American Runner's World magazine's 'BEST BUY' award. Besides being stunning, the overall design also changed the low-end impression of domestic brands. Later, I continued to follow this series, and a friend of mine bought the first generation of the 361-Sensation running shoes, which he reviewed very positively. So, when I saw the 361-Sensation 2 running shoes with the German Runner's World 'Best Debut Award,' I was pleasantly surprised.
Rumor has it that 361 Degrees international line not only recruited the design team from Asics America but also put a lot of effort into the materials. Although they didn't hire many big names to promote this highly cost-effective running shoe, overall, it is considered a very worthwhile purchase among running enthusiasts.
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If the first generation of the 361-Sensation running shoes focused on performance, the second generation feels like a complete transformation. Abandoning the '361°' logo of the first generation, it boldly uses a new '3' as side support. I feel this is to break the low-end impression of domestic running shoes and to operate the 361 Degrees international line as an independent series.
The upper has also changed from the stitched lines of the first generation to the PP hot-melt upper of the second generation, which seems to be a trend in running shoes. This change maximizes weight reduction while maintaining upper support, as seen in the four major slow-running brands (of course, brands like Adidas and Nike insist on perfecting the knitted upper, which is also interesting). The upper's breathability is good, so I don't have to worry about my sweaty feet.
Speaking of reflective materials, the upper, shoe label, Sensation 2 lettering, and heel all have reflective strips, which should be standard for running shoes now.
From actual wear, the entire shoe body is relatively long (possibly because I chose size 44), and it has a streamlined design. Personally, I really like this shoe shape and overall design. If judged purely by appearance, these running shoes are definitely worth buying for those who care about the look of their running shoes.
Besides the first impression, I feel this aspect deserves special mention. When you wear these running shoes, the overall fit is simply excellent. Honestly, as a shoe enthusiast who has tried Asics, Saucony, and Brooks, and even Mizuno, I can say that the fit of these shoes can rival Asics, with other brands coming in second (don't think I'm exaggerating; you'll experience the fit once you wear them).
I must mention the laces. You'll find that when you pull the laces, they don't come out as easily as ordinary running shoes. This is because the lace holes are designed to wrap the laces well, preventing them from loosening during running and ensuring arch support.
The tongue design does not cause any pressure (I can feel this from my injured left foot, as a previous ligament tear makes hard uppers painful). The tongue is not integrated but has an additional piece of synthetic leather that fits the instep better (since it's a small piece, it doesn't affect overall breathability).
The midsole uses QU!KFOAM material + EVA, making it very soft. As everyone knows, Asics uses a combination of QuikFoam + GEL (Asics' new top-tier running shoes have switched to FlyteFoam, which feels harder). Although Asics' GEL is more outstanding in rebound performance, the 361-Sensation 2 running shoes also feel very comfortable.QU!KFOAMis also very soft. For those who pursue a comfortable feel, it is a great experience.
The insole also usesQU!KFOAMmaterial, so the overall feel is also comfortable. This material further enhances the midsole's cushioning performance, similar to Saucony's new Everun material, which starts with the insole and then the midsole.
During actual running, you can clearly feel the rebound effect of the midsole material. For me, this feel is very comfortable for running, as it is neither too soft to cause discomfort during long distances nor lacking in cushioning for heavier runners. At least in this aspect, I am very optimistic about this midsole.
This shoe is defined as a stability running shoe mainly because of its support system. Besides the PP hot-melt upper providing simple upper support, the heel retains an exposed TPU support frame. Some speed-seeking runners may prefer lighter materials for the support frame, but for slow runners, this frame is essential for arch protection. After all, besides the knees, the Achilles heel is the most vulnerable part for runners.
The side of the shoe also uses a '3' design to increase arch support and protection, connecting four beast claw-like PP hot-melt uppers, further enhancing support and making the overall appearance cooler. Personally, I like this design.
Besides the upper and heel TPU support, the sole adds a TPU torsion support piece, linking the heel and forefoot while providing extra arch support. This is more suitable for normal and high arches, similar to Asics' support running shoes.
When it comes to durability, it mainly refers to the wear resistance of the outsole. Besides the TPU torsion support piece mentioned earlier, the 361-Sensation 2 running shoes use different materials for the front and rear soles. The forefoot is made of foamed RB, and the rear foot is made of wear-resistant RB. It is evident that as a slow-running shoe series, it fully considers the characteristics of the target group, as rearfoot landing is more common.
In actual tests, mostly on asphalt roads and occasionally on plastic tracks, with the impact of heavy weight, the wear is still relatively small, so there's no need to worry about the shoe's wear resistance.
Summary
Summary: Overall, these running shoes maintain the original design features, but the upgrades in the second generation are indeed surprising. Of course, this is not about leading with low prices but about performance being absolutely worth the official market price of 799 yuan.