Do I want to put the 361 Degrees Centauri shoe on the best shoes for 2022 list? Maybe. I was really surprised by how much I liked it. Regarding running brands, 361 Degrees is one of the smaller ones. A few years ago, they were not at the top of the running shoe brand list. Now with carbon-plated shoes like the 361 Flame Shoe, they are working their way up there.
361 Degrees Centauri Quick Facts:
Weight: 8 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 9 mm
Price: $130
361 Degrees Centauri Introduction:
The 361 Degrees Centauri is a neutral medium cushioning running shoe designed to compete with shoes like the Brooks Ghost 15, Saucony Ride 15, or even the Nike Pegasus. It features high volume and a softer midsole. The upper is seamless, and there is no rubbing where there doesn’t need to be.
361 Degrees Centauri Fit:
The 361 Degrees Centauri fits wider than many running shoes. This is a change from older 361 Degree models that often fit narrow.
The tongue is thin and not guested, so it’s prone to moving around in the shoe. I didn’t have that issue. The laces are traditional and stay put as well. The heel is well cushioned, as you would expect from a premium shoe.
I firmly believe the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and the 361 Degrees Centauri does just that. It fit and felt good the first time I ran in it.
Typically in running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I found the women’s size 11 to fit perfectly.
361 Degrees Centauri Ride:
The Centauri is designed as a medium cushioned running shoe. It’s not as high cushioned as the Spire 5, but it provides enough. (And some people prefer lighter shoes and never get to that high cushioned model because they feel like it’s “too clunky.”
The 361 Degrees Centauri features the new ENGAGE midsole. This midsole comprises underfoot and gives a responsive yet soft ride. The Centauri also has a posterior lateral heel bevel, making the transition a little smoother.
Durability and Traction: I was a little worried about durability when I saw the exposed ENGAGE midsole on the bottom. Shoes like this tend to wear out very quickly (the more rubber, the heavier and the more durable). I am surprised that even with over 100 miles on the 361 Degrees Centauri, it doesn’t show much sign of wear.
I’ve used the Centauri on sandy trails and inclement weather, and I don’t worry about sliding. Overall, it has a lot more durability and Traction than I expected.
I wasn’t sure where the 361 Degrees Centauri would fit into my rotation. I have no experience with shoes until now. It ends up being my shoe; I can do almost anything in it. It can pick up the pace if I want to add some faster miles, but it’s fine for daily and easy runs too. If I want to do workouts, I will use something like the 361 Flame Shoe, and for strictly easy runs, I would probably use the 361 Degrees Spire 5.
361 Degrees Centauri Conclusion:
I think this is the new and exciting age for 361 Degrees. I’ve been a fan of their shoes for a while, but these updated models have really turned a corner. If you’re looking for a solid daily trainer, the 361 Degrees Centauri is a great option that really surprised me. It’s definitely been my daily go-to trainer recently. If you’ve never tried 361 Degrees, they generally fit true to size. Similar models to the Centauri include the Brooks Ghost, New Balance 880, or Saucony Ride.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: 361 Degrees Centauri, New Balance 1080v12, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Saucony Triumph 19, Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge,
Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL:PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky,Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro,New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro
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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 about running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the 361 Degrees Centauri?
What is your favorite daily trainer?