I was excited to try the 361 Ventus. 361 has been on a tear lately with new shoes, and the Ventus is a brand-new addition to their lineup. I’m always curious about new shoe models—will they be good? Over the last few years, 361 has hit the mark with their new shoes. They have really grown on me and become some of my favorite running shoes. Plus, their US headquarters is right here in Southern California.
This weekend at the Surf City Half Marathon, they are one of the race sponsors…how fun!
What is the 361 Ventus?
Designed as a versatile daily trainer, the Ventus aims to fill the gap between the highly cushioned Eleos and the firmer Flame RS. With a PEBA-infused midsole and a durable outsole, the Ventus is built for a range of paces and distances.
Before trying the 361 Ventus, I had a couple of questions:
- Does the 361 Ventus fit true to size? Yes, I’ve found the Ventus fits well, and I haven’t had any issues. It does fit a little more narrow than many other 361 shoes (note not on the narrow side, just more narrow).
- Is the 361 Ventus good? Yes, it’s a great “super trainer” with premium cushioning.
Quick Facts
- Weight: 8.8 oz
- Stack Height: 35mm heel / 27mm forefoot (8mm drop)
- Price: $160
361 Ventus Fit
The upper of the 361 Ventus utilizes a TPU yarn-woven material that balances breathability, durability, and comfort. A small concern I have for the desert summer is the thicker material…I worry my feet may overheat during the hottest months.
The best running shoe uppers disappear on your feet, and I haven’t had any issues with the Ventus. While many 361 shoes fit a little wider than average, I’ve found the Ventus to fit true to size. In running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide, and I’ve found the size 11 to fit best (which is my usual 361 size).
Overall, I’ve been happy with the fit. If you are new to 361, your usual running shoe size should work fine. There is nothing extraordinary about the upper, but that’s honestly what I like in a running shoe. Something that fits well and feels good.
361 Ventus Midsole
The midsole is where the magic happens, right? Featuring a combination of Primo foam and CQT EXTREM3 (PEBA-based) material, the shoe delivers an energetic and bouncy ride without being overly soft.
With high-cushioned running shoes, I’ve sometimes found they are just way too soft for my liking…I feel like my foot is sinking into a marshmallow abyss. That isn’t the case with the 361 Ventus.
Where does the 361 Ventus fit into my rotation? It’s a great long run or easy run shoe. I appreciate that you can pick up the pace easier than in the Eleos, and it has more cushion. It’s been a fun shoe to run in.
My first run in the 361 Ventus was an easy run, the day after a long run. I appreciated how much cushion it had. Since then, I’ve taken it out on all sorts of runs, including easy runs, long runs, and workouts, and I’ve found it excels most at long, easy efforts.
Outsole
The Ventus features GEKKO GRIP rubber, providing reliable traction and durability. I’ve never had a 361 shoe that isn’t durable, and the Ventus is no exception. I’ve now put about 100 miles on it with no signs of slowing down or losing traction.
I’ve taken it out on sandy trails as well as inclement weather days with no issues. Now, it’s not a trail running shoe, but it handles easy trails just fine. I haven’t had any trouble with grip or stability.
361 Ventus Conclusion
The 361 Ventus is a strong addition to the brand’s lineup, offering a fun ride. It’s been one of my favorite shoes in the last few months! If you’re looking for a versatile, cushioned trainer, consider it.
Who Should Buy the 361 Ventus?
- Runners looking for a high-cushioned trainer.
- Fans of the 361 Eleos looking for a slightly firmer alternative.
Who Should Not Buy the 361 Ventus?
- Runners who prefer an ultra-lightweight, minimal upper.
- Those who need extra forefoot cushioning for long-distance efforts.
- Athletes looking for a dedicated race day shoe (try the 361 Furious Future 2.0 instead).
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, New Balance 1080v13 Shoe Review , Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0 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 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro ,Nike Vaporfly 3 ,
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 running shoe?
Have you tried 361?