361º Sensation 2

We love to see new brands entering our market. This has been the case of 361º, a Chinese brand that is the second largest in the Asian country. Previously the Chinese brand had already appeared on the American continent, in countries such as the United States and Brazil.

Now it intends to become strong in Europe and it has its work cut out, as the competition is strong and of high quality. We will see how this landing is planned and why they bet. To begin with, we have received the 361º Sensation 2, a priori a top cushioning shoe with stability control and very focused on training, but we will see later what its main features are.

First impressions

Wow! What a great first impression as soon as we hold them in our hands. It can be seen that this is not a brand that has just been launched on the market, it has some experience in the different markets in which they have been marketed, although at the beginning I don't know if the quality standards were the same as the ones we can see now.

To me, Sensation 2 remind me of another model of a Japanese brand, I do not mean that it is a copy, far from it, but it has a very similar profile if you see them from afar and can lead to misunderstanding.

We will start testing them to extract everything they have to bring us. As always we break down this model part by part and explain everything in detail.

We like these 361º very much!!!

Cushioning and midsole

In the midsole we can find what the Chinese firm calls QUIKFOAMwhich is nothing more than 3 layers of different EVA compounds that make up its cushioning system.
In parts, they include the insole as a cushioning system as it is formed by Qu!ikfoam but softer.

The second layer is a mixture of encapsulated foam. This foam has a CPU coating for more flexible, responsive and durable cushioning.
For the third layer they use EVA foam, so we get a more stable footprint.

This model, being a shoe with stability control, has in the inner part of the bridge, in addition to a small rigid piece, the typical foam, aesthetically striped, which indicates that it is in that part of a denser foam.
This makes the shoe suitable for neutral runners as well as for runners with slight pronation.

The feel of the cushioning is good, it is not a firm and rough feel, but neither is it an excessively soft cushioning, it has a good balance and makes it quite comfortable in the race.

Outsole

In the outsole we can highlight that it uses a single component, and it is the one that the Chinese gear calls CR rubber, which they assure to be durable and resistant to abrasion.
Traction is quite good in almost any situation. It is quite noticeable the separation by a longitudinal cut, in the middle of the sole, which will help us in the transition of the footprint, from landing to take-off.

Also quite noticeable are the transversal cuts in the metatarsal area. In this case there are two cuts that trace the entire width of the sole, while almost in the front part there is another one that covers about 30%. All these strips increase flexibility during the stride.

Upper and last

This is another of the sections I would highlight. The composition of the upper is very clean and seamless.
The mesh provides a very good breathability but this point can be improved. The thermoseals used are of high quality, protecting the little toe from possible tears as well as the middle part of the upper. In the central part the logo of the brand, characterized by the number 3, is a little more voluminous, but it is not excessive. The lacing is also lined by heat-sealing. The whole is quite well made and you can see that they have taken into account the market trend.

In the back part, you can see how it is lined by a plastic piece which gives an important packing to the heel.

As for the last, it is not an excessively wide shoe, and perhaps for people with flat feet it could be a bit tight. For those with a narrow foot it can be a great option because with the right fit they won't move.

Inside

The padding used in the part of the collar is not too bulky and is quite nice. The interior finishes are good and of high quality. They are very comfortable and the foot fits perfectly.

I highlight the way they have made the tongue. It is not a high tongue, quite the contrary, it is low and performs its function without problems, but it is rather thin and small.
I particularly liked this distinctive touch, I found it comfortable and discreet, it fits perfectly and does not move.

The finish ratio is quite good.

In motion

Already in motion, its behavior is surprising. It gives the impression of being a clumsy shoe at first glance and a bit clumsy, but nothing could be further from the truth. Its dynamic behavior is good, adding the stability we have already mentioned. It runs smoothly, even if you push the pace, but it is clear that they are not made to fly over the asphalt. It is a very well balanced shoe between cushioning, dynamism and stability.

It does take a few kilometers to get used to the cushioning and, let's say, the shoe loosens up and then becomes very conformable.

Conclusions

The 361 Sensation 2 is a shoe aimed at a medium to medium/high weight audience, let's say up to 80kg, runners with neutral or light pronation.
Ideal for medium to long distance training and comfortable paces. The range in which this model can be found comfortable and working well can be from 4:30-4:40, up to 5:30 without problems.

Note the different drop for both the men's and women's versions. For men the drop is 9mm, while for women it is 8mm.

As for the weight, it is a shoe with a considerable weight, but considering the category in which it moves, we can say that it is within the normal range. The Chinese brand declares 323gr for men and 266gr for women.

What we liked the most

• Fit
• Upper
• Cushioning

Possible points for improvement

• Breathability
• Lack of reflective elements

Unai Portillo's notes

• Lightweight: 8
• Cushioning: 9
• Flexibility: 8
• Response: 8
• Stability: 8
• Grip: 8