q tan technology brings unlimited possibilities|361° q tan super running shoes

On December 26, 2019, the 361st day of 2019, the well-known sports brand 361° launched its 361°Q³ (Q-Cube) technology family series of running shoes at the Yicang Art Museum in Shanghai. Among them, a pair of Q-Elastic Ultra running shoes, featuring a special foam material Q-Elastic technology midsole, stood out and felt very innovative.

Appearance Details

The 361° Q-Elastic Ultra running shoes come in a PET frosted outer box, which feels more premium than a paper box. The Q-Elastic technology is the highlight of these shoes.

The 361° Q-Elastic Ultra running shoes use bold and avant-garde colors, making these strikingly flamboyant shoes highly eye-catching.

The knitted upper of the 361° Q-Elastic Ultra running shoes incorporates a large amount of colorful MONO yarn, with a mesh design in the midfoot area on both sides.

The purple-red gradient heel of the 361° Q-Elastic Ultra running shoes has a strong visual impact. The large wrap-around TPU extends significantly forward on both sides and is very hard, providing good support and stability for the user.

The eyelet area is reinforced with PP film hot bonding, the collar is filled with dense foam, and the inner side of the heel is moderately closed to enhance the fit.

The Q-Elastic technology used in the 361° Q-Elastic Ultra running shoes is the latest midsole material from 361°, made from high-performance materials with a special foaming structure. Visually, this material is similar to EPE pearl cotton but has higher density, elasticity, and toughness. The coordinates N24°32′10.30″ E118°08′17.82″ mark the location of 361°'s headquarters in Xiamen. 45°±2° represents softness; 60%↑ represents rebound, meaning 60% of the pressure generated when the foot lands is converted into propulsion; 350%↑ indicates that the toughness has increased by 350% compared to the previous QU!KFOAM midsole.

The wear-resistant outsole of the 361° Q-Elastic Ultra running shoes features circular and dot-shaped anti-slip patterns, with openings at the arch revealing the numbers 3, 6, and 1, highlighting the brand's identity. A single size 9 US 361° Q-Elastic Ultra running shoe weighs 338 grams.

Real-world Experience

When worn, the 361° Q-Elastic Ultra running shoes feel quite comfortable overall. The forefoot is slightly wide, and the midfoot and heel are slightly narrower, making them friendly for users with wider feet. For those with normal foot shapes, pairing them with medium-thick sports socks can achieve a comfortable and snug fit.

Due to the good initial experience with the 361° Q-Elastic Ultra running shoes, they were worn without breaking in for the 2020 Rising Sun New Year Run at the Shanghai International Circuit, covering a total distance of 21.6 kilometers over four laps of the 5.4-kilometer F1 track. The F1 track is not easy to run on, being hard, rough, and having many inclined sections, which pose high demands on both the runner and the shoes. The 361° Q-Elastic Ultra running shoes performed well on this special surface, with no discomfort in the feet after completing the 21.6 kilometers.

From the two running experiences, the Q-Elastic technology used in the 361° Q-Elastic Ultra running shoes provides a relatively soft cushioning feel, with strong pressure-relief capabilities. At the moment of landing, the midsole releases the pressure, reducing the strain on the knee and ankle joints. Even after completing a 21.6-kilometer run, the lower limb joints still felt relaxed and not tense.

Additionally, the Q-Elastic technology midsole material provides a supportive feel when subjected to the pressure of 72 kilograms, but this support does not feel hard. Simply put, it has rebound and toughness. Despite the significant use of Q-Elastic technology material in the heel area, there is no excessive sinking or lateral tilting when landing on the heel. This elastic support often brings comfort and a sense of security.

In terms of running gait smoothness, the sole of these running shoes bends very smoothly without any stiffness or lag. When running at a moderate pace, even though the 361° Q-Elastic Ultra running shoes weigh 338 grams, the gait still feels light and smooth. However, when entering high-speed intervals, the slightly wide forefoot and the weight of the shoes may feel somewhat cumbersome.

Initially, there were doubts about the compression and deformation resistance of the Q-Elastic technology midsole material, but practice proved that the strongest feature of these running shoes is their compression resistance. After a 30-kilometer road run, the midsole of the 361° Q-Elastic Ultra running shoes showed no signs of compression-induced wrinkles, which is truly astonishing. Having worn nearly a hundred pairs of various brand running shoes in recent years, this is the first time encountering such a remarkable material. This also suggests that the Q-Elastic technology material has a relatively high density.

Overall Evaluation

From a professional perspective, the 361° Q-Elastic Ultra running shoes are suitable for general runners for medium to slow-paced running training, both short and long distances. The vibrant appearance also gives these running shoes a casual shoe attribute, making them highly noticeable when worn on the streets.

Previously, 361° made a name for itself in the international market with its QU!KFOAM through its international line products. Today, the more disruptive Q-Elastic technology supercritical material brings an unprecedented experience, and the 361° Q-Elastic Ultra running shoes, which use the Q-Elastic technology midsole material, have not disappointed, showing impressive performance from the first trial. Given time, the Q-Elastic technology material holds infinite possibilities...