361 spire2 running shoes blue gentle tough woman
Running is an enjoyment; once you start running, you never feel tired.
Just like running shoes, you always end up buying one pair after another, never feeling you have enough.
For me, running gear can be simplified, but the only thing that cannot be simplified is running shoes. Therefore, every time I do a review, it’s mostly about running shoes.
From initially never being selected for reviews and not knowing how to write gear review articles, to being selected for various reviews of watches, running shoes, and other gear throughout the year.
This also allowed me to meet many friends who are gear enthusiasts.
When I saw the review for the 361° international line, I missed it the first time due to time constraints. Fortunately, the second time, I caught the last day to apply for the review.
I am very lucky and grateful that Codoon gave me this review opportunity again.
Although I have been busy with recent competitions and delayed the review until now, every article I write is a heartfelt piece.
About the 'mysterious' 361-Spire2
The 361° international line, which has always maintained a mysterious technological veil, keeps people intrigued. As one of the few domestic brands that make good running shoes, 361° has come a long way since its establishment in 2003:
From 2009 to 2013, it became the designated sports shoe and apparel sponsor for the Kinmen Marathon.
From 2011 to 2013, it became the designated sports shoe and apparel sponsor for the Chongqing Marathon.
It has been making progress step by step.
The launch of the 361-Spire high-cushioning series was in early 2016.
In the words of 361°, 'We provide better, lighter, and more stable cushioning shoes compared to other competing brands.'
How does it actually perform? A test will tell.
361-Spire2 Basic Information · Unboxing
Product Name: 361-Spire2
Color Classification: Dark Blue/Jasmine Green
Brand: 361°
Release Date: Fall 2017
Tag Price: 899 RMB
Manufacturing Location: Vietnam
Materials: Mesh + Synthetic Leather/MD + RB
Suitable Surfaces: Track, Road
Shoe Technology: Cushioning Gel, Easy Bending Function, Enhanced Shock Absorption, Breathability Technology
Functions: Shock Absorption, Anti-Slip, Wear-Resistant, Breathable, Wrap, Support, Balance
Closure: Laces
Popular Elements: Leather Stitching
Sports Series: Cushioning Running Shoes
Overall Appearance · Blue 'Philosophy'
The description 'gentle blue' is quite literary and interesting when used for a pair of running shoes. The fresh blue color and slender design, compared to other 'flashy' running shoes, captured me with its 'quietness' at first glance.
The entire shoe box is still the traditional cardboard packaging with a large 361° logo. Although there are no surprises, focusing on good shoes is enough.
(I always feel this blue should be paired with rose petals.)
The large area of jasmine green (officially defined color), which I prefer to call blue-green with a mix of blue and green, combined with the deep blue at the back of the shoe and the rose-red '3' logo, shows that only in sports gear design can such color clashes be used so well and naturally accepted.
The light blue upper is paired with laces of the same color.
The regular blue heel is paired with a regular blue collar and lining.
The slightly patent leather-like blue-green gradient used on the heel midsole (which I particularly like) is paired with a mint green sole.
The rose-red '3' logo is paired with a slightly brighter rose-red '361°' on the tongue.
The bright blue at the toe position, the dark blue-purple arc at the toe, and the dark blue-purple edge on the laces, including the bright blue stripes interspersed in the regular blue heel, all play a role in stabilizing and breaking the color scheme.
The light blue is not too frivolous, and the regular blue is not too dull.
I jokingly call this 361°'s 'little philosophy' in the use of blue—giving a stable blue and green, quiet yet full of texture.
Side View · Shape · Size
The 361-Spire2 belongs to a slender shoe shape. The entire side profile is streamlined and very attractive. Because the front of my foot is wide, I usually buy a wider version of Asics or half a size larger. For this 361-Spire2, with the same size, the front part feels a bit tight, with no room for looseness, which is the biggest regret.
Front View · Upper Material and Design
The main design concept of the 361-Spire2 is 'lightweight,' with the entire upper material primarily using a large area of breathable mesh. The breathable mesh hot-pressing technology provides foot support and midfoot wrapping.
The pattern on the upper is inspired by triangular elements and a transparent multi-layer lightweight concept.
The overall state of the shoe is: complete and consistent.
The multi-layer wrapping structure—the triangular element cut midfoot, combined with breathable mesh, enhances the wrapping performance, and the three-dimensional taper made with mesh only aims to make the overall feel of the shoe more consistent.
Details · Evolution for the Better
Toe Cap:
Soft three-layer mesh and side three-layer mesh hot-pressing technology provide support and wrapping while ensuring comfort at the toe.
Upper Midsole:
UsesThe outer waist forefoot part directly touches the ground, extending to the heel on the inner waist.
Midfoot:
Uses a one-piece injection piece to enhance stability. After all, this is a cushioning shoe.
In the keel setting:
With a front-to-back drop of 11mm, compared to other brands, the 361-Spire2 is lower and safer. As a high-cushioning shoe, the 361-Spire2, due to the lowered overall sidewall design, has a more streamlined and dynamic appearance.
Lower and inner waist part of the shoe:
Uses dual-density EVA material, providing cushioning while compensating for the lack of stability during running.
Pressure Release Window:
Located at the upper midsole heel,penetrating to the bottom, effectively releasing the pressure endured during running.
Outsole:
The forefoot of the outsole uses lightweight foamed rubber, reducing overall weight while enhancing the lightness of running.
The design of the outsole pattern enhances grip and anti-slip performance.
Heel Outsole Rubber:
Uses high-wear-resistant rubber, extending the durability and safety of the heel during long runs.
(Triangles everywhere, a sexy element.)
Tongue:
The tongue really got me; it is noticeably different from the usual thick and soft tongues. The Spire2's tongue uses a thin and snug hot-press structure,
with foam added to the middle layer for comfort, making the instep more comfortable and snug when worn.
Insole:
I won’t complain about the orange and regular blue insole color combination; the fit and anti-slip performance are good. The anti-odor function is not obvious yet because it’s winter and there’s not much sweating. After running a few times, there’s no bad smell.
Additionally, both the front and back of the insole have the 361° luxurious logo andmarkings... (well, we all know~)
The shoe's appearance is really high, and it feels good in hand.
(Sneaking a photo with the Spire2 in the office)
On-foot Running Test
Weather: Overcast
Temperature: 11°C
Clothing: Craft long-sleeve T-shirt, Nike windbreaker, running capri pants, shoes: 361° Spire2
Venue: Outer circle of the road (with slopes)
Distance: 14KM
Pace: 4:49
Experience and Feelings:
The shoes feel light on the feet, but since they are primarily cushioning shoes, they are not as light as claimed. However, the wrapping performance is commendable. While running, the shoes feel like one solid piece, complete and not dragging. This made my usual running pace feel lighter. With a pace of 4:49, I felt like a tough guy, not getting tired.
The downside is that the sole feels a bit hard, but it gets better after running a few kilometers.
Additionally, because the shoes are a bit tight, my feet felt a bit cramped after running. The toe box is relatively narrow.
Highlights and Drawbacks
Highlights:
1. The cushioning effect is good, making landing comfortable while running.
PS: The midsole material of 361°, the sidethree letters stand for QUICK (quick), DYNAMIC (dynamic), PERFORMANCE (performance). Quick Dynamic Performance, abbreviated as:, meaning faster, more dynamic, and more expressive. Because of this system, the 361° international version Sensation has long been recommended by the authoritative American magazine Runner's World.
2. The design of the tongue is thin and snug, which I really like.
3. The shoe body uses seamless technology, reducing stitching and material thickness, aiming for simplicity without being crude.
4. Appearance
Drawbacks:
1. The toe box is narrow, so those with wide forefeet should consider buying a larger size. It's better to buy shoes that are too big than too small.
2. The sole is a bit hard.
Final Thoughts
1. Appearance and craftsmanship: The appearance is impeccable. The craftsmanship is good, with no issues like misaligned stitching or excess glue.
2. Cushioning: Excellent. Even heavier runners can handle it.
3. Wrapping: The one-piece shoe body design provides excellent wrapping.
4. Breathability: The small mesh surface is breathable, so no worries about smelly feet.
5. Anti-slip performance is decent, and the grip is good.
6. Durability: After running nearly 100KM, there is some wear on the forefoot, but the sole is generally normal. Durability is good.
7. Size: There is no wide forefoot version, so those with wide forefeet need to consider buying a larger size.
8. Price: The tag price of 899 RMB feels a bit high.
Finally:
Due to being busy with work and competitions, although the Spire2 arrived early, photos were taken early, and I wore them for several runs, this review was written a bit late.
I also want to thank this review opportunity again, adding another domestic brand to my running shoe choices.
I am very satisfied with this pair of Spire2, which should be my most genuine thought. I jokingly call these light blue shoes 'gentle blue,' but their straightforward design makes them like a gentle tough guy. Not overly fancy, but always hitting the 'enemy' right on target.
I have higher expectations for 361°, hoping they will get better and better.
Of course, I myself need to keep running harder.