Recently I had the opportunity to try the 361 Degrees Fierce shoe. 361 Degrees is a California based brand that is up and coming in the shoe world.
About 361 Degrees:
According to the 361 Degrees, they go “1 degree more”. 361 Degrees goes beyond expectations to deliver more value, comfort, fit, and performance. They do more, so customers can live a more fulfilled life. Plus, they inspire the audience to go outside their comfort zone to achieve and experience more.
Their technology is built on a few factors:
- Qu!ckfoam: An EVA rubber blend that provides a combination of cushioning and responsiveness.
- FITZRite Midfoot: Used to secure and wrap the mid-foot fit while also alleviating unnecessary motion and keeping the foot secure.
- QU! K Spine: A solid yet lightweight carbon fiber. It acts as a stabilizing force in the shoe to propel you forward as well as maintain durability.
361 Degrees Fierce Shoe Quick Facts:
Weight: 8.1 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 8 mm
361 Degrees Fierce Shoe Intro:
According to 361 Degrees, the 361 Degrees Fierce Shoe is a flexible, neutral trainer that features high
rebound QU!KSPRING+ technology in the midsole with an engineered knit upper providing the ultimate comfortable fit.
My first experience in the 361 Degrees Fierce Shoe was an easy 3-mile run. I felt good, and I wanted to go further. I was excited to try them for different runs and workouts.
361 Degrees Fierce Shoe Fit:
The fit of the 361 Degrees Fierce Shoe is different from many other brands. 361 Degrees has made an effort to make sure the shoe’s tongue does not move with their “STAYPUT Design.” Honestly, it works. The pressure-free tongue removes pressure and stresses off of the foot. While the shoe’s tongue is “not the most important,” if it doesn’t feel good, the run isn’t going to feel good.
361 Degrees Fierce Shoe also includes enhanced visibility, which can help you be seen in lower light.
The shoe is comfortable. I typically wear a women’s size 10-11 wide, and the 10.5 fit well.
361 Degrees Fierce Shoe Ride:
The 361 Degrees Fierce Shoe is a lightweight and natural cushioned shoe. It’s designed for those easy and regular run days. It utilized the QU!KSPRING+ technology from 361 Degrees. What does that mean? According to 361 Degrees, it has more rebound.
One thing to note about the 361 Degrees Fierce Shoe is that the open-cell Ortholite insoles are made from 20% recycled content. Sustainability has become more important to me in 2021.
Traction: The traction of the 361 Degrees Fierce Shoe is good. I feel as though I can take it out on inclement and rainy days. (We are in the rainy season in Napa, CA). With many running shoes, I get about 300 miles on a pair. With the 361 Degrees Fierce Shoe, I now have about 100 miles on the shoes, and they feel like they’ll last longer.
I’ve used the 361 Degrees Fierce Shoe in a few different workouts, including easy runs, recovery runs, daily runs, and a couple of longer effort tempos. For me, they have their place as a daily run shoe. I appreciate them’ versatility and that I can run harder efforts in the shoe without feeling like “I’m picking up my feet.” They provide enough cushion that I don’t feel even more banged up on an easy run day.
Conclusion:
I would have never guessed the 361 Degrees Fierce Shoe would be one of my more favorite shoes of 2021 so far. It’s definitely a shoe you can do almost anything with, plus the durability is good. As a $110 shoe, it’s going to last a lot longer than comparative models such as the New Balance Beacon and Saucony Kinvara and feel less “bulky” than the Brooks Launch.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs Saucony Freedom 3, Brooks Glycerin 18, 361 Degrees Fierce Shoe Nike Pegasus 37, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Hoka Bondi 7, Asics GlideRide.
Speed Work: Brooks Hyperion Elite 2, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 10, New Balance Hierro v5
Races: Asics MetaRacer, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried any 361 Degree Shoes?
What is your favorite versatile shoe?