After not getting to check out shoes from 361° for about a year, we’ve been on a bit of a kick with their latest releases. Today, we’re diving into their newest road shoe, the ELEOS. 361° may not be the first brand that comes to mind when you think of running shoes, but we’ve been consistently impressed by their offerings. Let’s see how the ELEOS stacks up.
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Looks:
If you’ve saw our review of the the Kairos 2 or the Centurion from 361°, you’ll notice the ELEOS fits right in with its siblings. Visually, they’re like non-identical triplets, with each sporting that signature main grey look with a little color on the outer midsole. The ELEOS does stand out a bit with some orangy accenting, a slight shift from the neon yellow seen in the Kairos 2. But aside from that, it’s got that same old-school vibe. Remember, though, don’t judge a shoe by its cover!
Fit & Construction:
Upper:
The upper on the ELEOS seems to almost be a carbon copy of the Kairos 2, even down to the recycled yarn and main grey color scheme. It features a short tongue (though I think it’s a tad longer than the Kairos 2) and a soft, flexible feel—not overly plush, but comfortable.
The fit is solid, with a wider midfoot construction that isn’t technically labeled as “W,” but might as well be. There’s plenty of room for a comfortable fit and doesn’t fit sloppily just by being wider.
Midsole:
I’ve raved about the Engage TPE Foam in past 361° reviews, so I was curious (and a little concerned) when I saw that the ELEOS features a new EVA/PEBA blend Primo Foam instead. But I have to say, it’s a pleasant surprise. The Primo Foam cuts down on weight a little while still offering a cushioned, smooth ride.
It’s a super critical foam that makes the shoe feel lighter than the others we’ve tested, pushing it more into the “tempo trainer” category. Despite its 9.9 oz weight (not exactly speed shoe territory), it feels much lighter on the run. The wide platform may not make it pure speed shoe, but it really can hold paces quite nice. The midsole provides a soft cushion for easy runs, yet delivers a responsive feel when you pick up the pace.
Outsole:
Comparing the ELEOS to other recent 361° releases, the difference in outsole design is clear. While the Kairos 2 had extensive rubber coverage—smart for its overall weight—the ELEOS opts for a more strategically placed pattern, with a more open midsole. The rubber is concentrated primarily in the forefoot, with some coverage on both sides of the heel.
Overall:
The ELEOS stands out as a simple yet effective option for those looking for a reliable tempo trainer. It offers straightforward comfort and performance without the frills, all at a price point that’s refreshingly reasonable. With so many shoes on the market that are more expensive yet lack the uncomplicated comfort of the ELEOS, this model proves that you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality running experience.
361° Eleos $145
Specs & Socials:
- Weight: 9.9 oz (M9)
- Stack: 36mm/30mm
- Drop: 6mm
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.
