361˚ Strata 2
Price: $150
Specs: Men’s (size 9): 26mm (heel), 18mm (heel), 8mm heel-toe offset;
Women’s (size 7): 26mm (heel), 18mm (heel), 8mm heel-toe offset
Weight: 10.9 oz. (men’s size 9); 9.3 oz. (women’s size 7)
The Scoop: Although a relatively new brand to the U.S. market, 361˚ is one of the largest shoe manufacturers in the world. Since 2014, the American subsidiary of the brand has played a big role in designing and refining the brand’s shoes specifically for the U.S. market. The revised Strata 2 is a maximum support road running shoe that offers considerable cushioning, comfort and stability. It’s built around a full-length layer of the brand’s innovative Quikfoam midsole foam that helps serve up a smooth and responsive ride. Although it hasn’t gotten the publicity that other innovative dual-purpose foams have received, Quikfoam seems to be on par with new midsole foams like Boost (Adidas), Everun (Saucony) and React (Nike) in how its both shock absorbent and responsive it is. The energetic feel is only slightly muted by a traditional medial post and firm arch bridge that allow the Strata 2 to provide loads of support for moderate to severe overpronators.
Who’s It Best For: The Strata 2 is ideal for a runner looking for a comfortable, supportive shoe that is best for slower paced runs and walking.
Plus: Our wear-testers loved the plush, cozy fit, which is comfortably snug in all the right places—allowing just enough space in the toe box for wiggle room and toe play. The multi-material engineered mesh upper further dials in fit while still retaining a snug and supportive wrap.
Minus: Given all of the firm materials in the midsole and the thick rubber in the outsole, this shoe is heavier and less agile than most road running shoes in this review. That doesn’t diminish the smooth, responsive ride, but several of our wear-testers felt this shoe was weighty, dense and stiff.
