361 Furious 2.0 Review

I was too excited for the 361 Furious 2.0 to come out. I ran the Los Angeles Marathon in the original version and was super happy with it. I like that the shoe is not as expensive as many other carbon-plated models but just as good.

If you aren’t familiar, the 361 Furious 2.0 is a high-performance running shoe. Engineered with cutting-edge materials and advanced technology, this shoe is tailored for long-distance races. Before trying the 361 Furious 2.0 I had a few questions:

• Is the 361 Furious 2.0 fast? Yes! It’s the fastest shoe from 361. As the name suggests, it’s “fast and furious.”
• Does the 361 Furious 2.0 fit true to size? Yes, and maybe even a bit big. There is plenty of room in the toe box. I’ve never had it slip or slide off.
• Is the 361 Furious 2.0 good for racing marathons? Yes, I’ve used the Furious 2.0 in several long runs and raced the marathon in previous versions and it’s held up.

Quick Facts

• Weight:
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
• Cost: $200
• Purchase (make sure to go to their USA website if you are in the USA)

Now let’s get to an honest review of the 361 Furious 2.0.

361 Furious 2.0 Fit

They say color isn’t everything, but I really like the bright green color of the Furious 2.0. I haven’t seen many shoes in that green hue. The upper of the Furious 2.0 is crafted with C!LK (Carbon Silk) technology, offering excellent breathability and lightweight performance. This innovative material enhances airflow, ensuring your feet stay dry and comfortable during long runs. This is essential for me in the Mojave Desert because too often I’ve had to stop using a shoe because it gets too hot.

The shoe also features varying knitting techniques in different areas to provide an optimal balance between breathability and lockdown. I’ve actually never heard of that before? This design allows for a snug yet flexible fit, reducing the risk of blisters and irritation. I’m a fan and my feet have been able to breathe.

Probably my favorite part of the 361 Furious 2.o is the pull tabs at the back to get the shoe off. Can all racing shoes have that please? I hate struggling to take my shoes off for no reason.

The best running shoes disappear off your feet and I’ve found that the Furious 2.0 does just that. I haven’t had any hot spots and I appreciate that it’s one of the wider carbon-plated options on the market.

In running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide and I have found that the size 10.5 fits me best. They do fit on the wider side, but not wide enough that you will need to adjust your shoe size.

361 Furious 2.0 Ride

The midsole is where the 361 Furious 2.0 truly shines. It features a dual-layer construction, combining CQTEXTREM3 for lightweight responsiveness with Qu!kFLAMECQT (FLAMECQT) for more cushioning. According to 361, this combination minimizes energy loss during each stride, promoting efficient forward motion. Sandwiched between these layers is the Qu!kBONE DYNAM!C carbon-fiber plate, delivering propulsion and rigidity.

361 says the plate’s cutouts adjust to different running techniques, providing a customized level of support and energy return. That’s kind of interesting and I haven’t heard of a carbon plate doing that before. As someone who has a “weird running form,” I was excited for a shoe that might benefit me more than normal.

Right off the bat, I found the Furious 2.0 comfortable. I was able to take it straight from the box to a workout with no issues, and not every carbon-plated shoe is like that. If you’ve never used the Furious, it has more cushion and a less aggressive carbon plate that many other models. Overall, that makes it more comfortable (in my opinion). Some might argue that takes away from the speed, but I haven’t had that issue.

Where does the 361 Furious 2.0 fit into my rotation? Like any carbon-plated running shoe, it’s a workout/race day shoe. I’ve found it’s very responsive and a great race day/workout shoe. It feels a bit more cushioned than many other carbon-plated shoes on the market without being heavy or bulky.

Outsole

The flat RPU outsole ensures reliable slip-resistance, offering outstanding grip on various surfaces. This durable outsole is designed to perform in long-distance races, ensuring stability even on slick or uneven terrain. I’ve used the Furious 2.0 in inclement weather and on some smoother running trails with no issues of sliding around.

As far as durability, I usually get about 100-200 miles in the 361 Furious 2.0, like any carbon-plated model. I’ve now run about 50 miles in the Furious 2.0 and they feel similar, so I think I’ll be able to get that again.

What are shoes similar to the 361 Furious 2.0?

The shoe I’ve found most similar is the Nike Tempo. They are both high cushioned with less aggressive carbon plates.

361 Furious 2.0 Conclusion

The 361 Furious 2.0 is a cutting-edge running shoe designed to meet the needs of those wanting a fast running shoe. Its innovative midsole, breathable upper, and grippy outsole make it a fun model. As mentioned, don’t forget if you’re in the USA to purchase from their USA website which has more variety in sizes.

Who Should Buy the 361 Furious 2.0

• Those looking for high propulsion and energy return
• Those wanting a high-cushioned carbon-plated shoe
• Those with wider feet

Who Should Not Buy the 361 Furious 2.0

• Runners wanting a lightweight ground-feeling carbon-plated shoe

 

My Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, New Balance 1080v13 Shoe Review , Newton Gravity 12, , ASICS Superblast

Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future 1.5 Shoe Review Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Nike Alphafly 3

Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review

Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,

Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future 1.5 Shoe Review Hoka Cielo X1, New Balance Fuelcell 5280,  Reebok Run fast Pro ,Nike Vaporfly 3 , ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris

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:

What is your favorite race day shoe?

Have you tried the brand 361?