Last updated: 20-Aug-18
I have been testing the 361° Sensation 3 running shoe. China-based family-run company 361° has launched their running apparel and shoes for sale in Europe and the UK.
You may have spotted their logo at the 2016 Olympic Games, where they were one of the main sponsors and kitted out 100,000 officials and volunteers.
The Sensation 3 shoe is designed for comfort and performance and I have reviewed it while running on both trail and tarmac.
Features
- Mild stability with a blend of support and cushioning
- Breathable air mesh with open toe box design
- Fitz-Rite midfoot has soft internal webbing to hold the foot secure
- QU!K Spine is a carbon fibre plate that adds “integrity” to the midfoot
- Pressure-free tongue designed to provide comfort and avoid irritation
- QU!KFOAM technology in the sole for improved performance
- QU!K Flex 4Foot engineering provides for natural and balanced toe off
- Average weight: 278g (men’s); 238g (women’s)
- Drop: 9mm
- Stack: 12-21mm
- £119.
Pros: What’s good about the 361° Sensation 3 shoe
The Sensation 3 is the follow-up model to Sensation 2, which was awarded “Best Debut” by Runner’s World in the US.
The most noticeable features of this running shoe are the cushioned sole, both forefoot and heel, and the stretchy upper mesh fabric.
Although the shoe feels a little short (see note below) the fabric is so stretchy it isn’t a problem. In fact, the upper fits snugly even with my very narrow feet, yet it also feels comfortable and roomy. It’s a strange thing; rather like an upper that moulds to your own foot shape.
I also like the heel cup, which is not too deep. All too often with a running shoe I find the heel cup is too deep and irritates my Achilles tendon but the Sensation 3 felt very comfortable. There is a good level of cushioning around the ankle, too.
Photo credit: Fiona Outdoors.
The tongue is, indeed, a comfortable fit around the top of the foot.
The laces can be tightened and tied to give a good fit along the whole on the foot. I really like the lace fabric, which is soft and springy and gives an excellent hold when tied.
The shoe gives fantastic cushioning when running on harder surfaces. Apart from the Hoka shoe this is the best I have enjoyed in terms of bounce for years.
I felt light on my feet and there were no rubs or irritations even when I headed out for a long run in warm weather. The shoe seemed to be both supportive and stabilising yet also soft and comfortable. Rather like a new armchair, I thought!
They also coped well on trails and protected the soles of my feet from stones and rocks.
These are not super grippy trainers for wet rocks or mud but on tarmac and hard-packed trails they are more than up to the job of offering a comfortable run.
Time will tell whether the shoe is durable but it does look to be well made.
Cons: What’s not so good about the 361° Sensation 3 shoe
I was told the shoe fit was accurate. I have the UK8.5 but I would say it’s a little short. It hasn’t been a major problem because the uppers are stretchy but I would recommend going up a half size if you prefer a thumb’s width gap at the toe front.
There is a lot of jargon, such as Fitz-Rite midfoot; QU!K Spine to add “integrity”; QU!KFOAM technology; and QU!K Flex 4Foot. I have no idea what all this means and I am not sure I could feel this at work in the shoe. I much prefer it if running shoe designers can use layman’s terms.
The tongue has an annoying habit of being pushed into the shoe when putting it on. Every time I put on the shoe I had to retrieve the tongue and pull it back into place.
Photo credit: Fiona Outdoors.
Conclusion
It is not a shoe I would have normally picked, mainly because I do not know the brand, but I found it to be a great shoe. It’s fairly lightweight, comfortable, well cushioned and easy to wear. Only time will tell as to whether it’s a durable running shoe.
| Score | |
| Design | 9/10 |
| Features | 9/10 |
| Performance | 9/10 |
| Value | 8/10 |
| Total | 8.75/10 |
Other shoes you may want to try:
Hoka One One Tracer 2
Brooks Pureflow 6
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080
Mizuno Wave Horizon 2
About the writer: Fiona is a keen runner, preferring off-road and hilly to flat and road. She lives in Scotland where the weather is fickle so needs to be prepared for all conditions. See more of what she writes at Fiona Outdoors.
All images 361º Sensation except when stated.
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