What You Want To Know
- Weighs 10 oz. (283 g.) for a US M9 / 8.2 oz. (232 g.) for a US W7.5
- An higher that solely a mom (or anybody else) might love
- Qu!kflame and Qu!kspring, however is {that a} good factor?
- Not less than 361 Levels retains on truckin’
- Accessible now for $160
LINDSAY: In case anybody else was questioning, it’s pronounced Three-Six-One-Levels. “One Diploma Past” is their motto. Get it? Bueller? Bueller?
I needed to do my analysis earlier than scripting this overview as a result of I’d by no means heard of this model earlier than. Not solely a shocker to those that know me — I’m one of many extra novice runners round right here — however I digress. 361 Levels launched in China in 2003 and is now making its means throughout the Pacific to our nice United States.
The Spire 5 is 361’s newest shoe. It is available in three completely different colorways (magenta, black, and turquoise), and I believe all three are very simplistic with a contemporary design. Nothing flashy right here, just a few each day colours on a each day coach. It’s value mentioning that solely the magenta is available in Vast, although. Are you taking notes?
After I first put this shoe on, I used to be floored by how snug it was. Did I simply placed on a Hoka? Is that this going to be my new go-to? Sadly, it didn’t pan out like that, but it surely’s not all unhealthy information. Let’s get into it.
JARRETT (WIDE FOOT): Like Lindsay, I, too, am model new to the world of 361. I wasn’t anticipating to be on the overview for the Spire 5, so when it confirmed up, I used to be in a position to go in with none expectations. After my first run, I made a decision to lookup the shoe, and 361 says it’s introducing race day foam into the consolation of a premium coach. That’s a daring assertion. One which I’m not too positive I agree with.
The Good
LINDSAY: I loved the higher on this shoe. So comfortable, so comfortable, so plush. Just like the Spire 4, the forefoot seems to be slim, however there was loads of room within the toe field. And whereas my toes might wiggle round a bit, the superb lockdown within the midfoot held me in place. The “pressure-free” tongue design additionally “freed” me up for excellent vary of movement.
There’s a ten/10 Ortholite foam insole with an additional cushion across the ankle. Perhaps I’m simply getting older, and my ankles are getting weaker, but when loving a bit of further cushion for the pushing is unsuitable, then I don’t need to be proper. I additionally ran by way of fairly a couple of puddles in these and didn’t find yourself with soaked socks. Simply say no to pruney toes.
The midsole homes a full size of their Qu!kspring element on high of the Qu!kflame foam layer. (Strive saying that 10 instances quick) This dynamic duo offers it a reasonably excessive stack for a impartial coaching shoe, however there’s nonetheless a stable steadiness of cushion and efficiency.
Not an excessive amount of to say concerning the outsole as a result of, properly, there’s hardly any outsole! A skinny layer of rubber traces the toes and the heel, holding this shoe light-weight whereas nonetheless feeling sturdy and providing good traction on moist roads. It’s relatively vast, as properly, which made for assured steppin’.
JARRETT (WIDE FOOT): The higher consists of an engineered jacquard mesh, a skinny tongue, and a luxurious heel collar. I do suppose the higher is stable and cozy. My US M10.5 size matches nice, and the 2E width hugs my midfoot, holding issues from transferring round.
That skinny tongue I discussed is an anatomically designed pressure-free tongue to take away stress and stress from the highest of the foot. It’s a elaborate means of claiming it’s skinny however doesn’t trigger stress from the laces. I’m a fan of the plush heel collar, which provides to the consolation and lockdown.
The outsole is an anti-abrasion rubber method that permits it to be thinner. This rubber covers the forefoot and heel whereas the midfoot has uncovered midsole foam. I assumed the traction was fairly good in dry circumstances, however I received a bit of squirrely throughout my run within the rain.
Final however not least, the Spire 5 is a clear and simple-looking shoe. Those that don’t need neon retina burners would really like this.
Store 361 Levels Spire 5 – Males
Store 361 Levels Spire 5 – Ladies
The Dangerous
LINDSAY: The Spire 4 was successful amongst the mid and forefoot strikers, however I’m unsure they’d really feel the identical with the Spire 5. I felt each toe off on the concrete roads, and my metatarsals have been howlin’. It’s only a agency shoe, and even after some miles, I felt like I used to be nonetheless making an attempt to interrupt by way of the out-of-the-box stiffness.
361 Levels advertises this shoe as “race day foam in a premium coach,” however I didn’t get the bouncy response of a race day shoe, in order that one didn’t fairly resonate with me. I additionally wouldn’t say these are the light-weight model of the Spire shoe that Austin has been on the lookout for since reviewing the Spire 3. Sigh. Perhaps subsequent time.
JARRETT (WIDE FOOT): The midsole is twin layer. The underside foam is Qu!kflame, a PEBA materials for higher cushion at a lighter weight, whereas the highest layer is Qu!kspring, an EVA compound that helps with cushion and responsiveness. Whereas I wouldn’t say the midsole is horrible, I’m placing it on this part as a result of I didn’t get a lot cushion or response.
All of my runs have been agency and non-responsive. Certain, the shoe was easy, however that was the one redeeming high quality I felt with the trip. I delay scripting this overview as a result of I stored pulling it out in hopes issues would really feel higher. Sadly, it didn’t.
Store 361 Levels Spire 5 – Males
Store 361 Levels Spire 5 – Ladies
361 Levels Spire 5 Conclusion
LINDSAY: General, the 361 Levels Spire 5 is a superb match for these shorter, moderately-paced runs. The insanely snug higher makes you are feeling such as you simply placed on a Hoka, however the firmer outsole really feel and trip make this shoe one in every of a form. Take that as you’ll. At $160, it’s priced pretty in opposition to different conventional, each day impartial trainers and can simply discover a place amongst any degree of runner.
JARRETT (WIDE FOOT): 361 Levels compares the Spire 5 to the Asics Nimbus, Saucony Triumph, and New Stability Recent Foam 1080. I don’t see it, as these sneakers are all softer underfoot. I’d virtually examine this to the Saucony Journey 15 with the firmer really feel. So in the event you’re a fan of 361 Levels and need a firmer shoe that rolls fairly easily, chances are you’ll need to take a look at the Spire 5.
You possibly can decide up the 361 Levels Spire 5 for $160 by utilizing the store hyperlink beneath.
Store 361 Levels Spire 5 – Males
Store 361 Levels Spire 5 – Ladies
Lindsay is a graduate of the College of Florida with a doctorate in Optometry who now resides in Baltimore and runs with the Consider Run Membership.
