About a year ago, we previewed a pair of shoes from a company we knew little about and had neutral expectations. That shoe, the Centauri by 361°, ended up being a sleeper hit and remains one of my favorite running shoes.
Now, we’re back with the Kairos 2.
Read all our Reviews of 361° here!
Looks:
Similar to the Centauri, the Kairos 2 has a simple visual design. The upper features a straightforward gray (“Oyster Mushroom”) option, with a touch of highlighter yellow around the side of the outsole. Despite the yellow accent, there’s nothing particularly eye-catching about it. You might glance at it and move on, thinking it looks a bit old-school. But don’t let appearances deceive you…
Fit & Construction:
As a brief reminder, 361° is a relatively under-the-radar shoe company that has really started to find its stride in the last couple of years. The last few pairs we’ve tried have been seemingly simple and straightforward, yet they provide such a comfortable ride that it’s hard not to reach for them time and time again.
Upper:
The Kairos 2 isn’t flashy or loaded with standout features, but it’s an extremely solid shoe offered at a very appealing price point. This understated approach is a consistent theme throughout the shoe’s design.
The upper is made from classic mesh, composed of 70% recycled materials. While not the most advanced material on the market, it remains soft and flexible, providing a comfortable fit. The lacing system is standard, with a mildly padded tongue that some might find a bit short. However, the tongue stays in place during runs and effectively prevents lace bite, though it does sit lower on the foot than typical designs.
One of the standout features is the toe box, which is impressively wide—perhaps the widest we’ve seen outside of brands specifically known for wide shoes. This allows for plenty of room for toe splay, contributing to overall comfort. The collar is well-padded, adding to the overall comfort and secure fit of the shoe.
Midsole:
The Kairos 2 features Engage TPE foam in the midsole, the same material used in the Centauri model. It offers a simple and comfortable ride, reminiscent of the Centauris. That shoe, out of all the shoes I have tried out, just feels like coming home when I toss it on every now and again.
The midsole provides a balanced feel—neither too springy nor too firm. While the shoe is slightly on the heavier side, it doesn’t quite fall into the recovery shoe category. As a 200 lb. runner, I find the weight manageable, but it might feel different for lighter runners. Despite its weight, the shoe doesn’t run as heavy as expected. In fact, I effortlessly ran about 5-10 seconds per mile (around 7:45/mi) faster than my normal casual pace without experiencing any fatigue.
Unlike many stability shoes that rely on foam posts or plastic support pieces, the Kairos 2 takes a more “au naturel” approach. It achieves stability through its wide platform, thoughtful geometry, and strategic use of outsole rubber. Underfoot, this results in a stable and balanced feel, with the combination of stability and cushioning well-executed. The rocker design adds a touch of propulsion, making it a good fit for heel strikers and midfoot runners alike.
Outsole:
The outsole of the Kairos 2 is another feature that falls into the “solid” category. While it’s not groundbreaking, it does its job exceptionally well. There’s a lot of rubber used, which enhances grip and contributes to the shoe’s durability. Despite the abundance of rubber, the outsole includes breaks that allow for flexibility, ensuring the shoe remains responsive during runs. Durability should be no issue with this design.
Overall:
The Kairos 2 doesn’t get much wrong. The upper, midsole, and outsole are all strong components on their own, coming together to create a rock-solid daily trainer. While it may not generate a lot of hype, at just $130, the Kairos 2 offers excellent value for a reliable, well-rounded shoe.
361° Kairos 2 $130
SPECS & SOCIALS:
- Weight: 10.7 oz (M9)
- Stack: 34mm/26mm
- Drop: 8mm
361°
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Thank you to 361° for providing us with test shoes. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
