DURABLE RIDE

CHINESE-BASED 361° IS a relatively new footwear company here in Canada, but they’ve actually been producing shoes in China since 2002. The company has steadily built its lineup over the years and now offers a complete line of footwear and apparel. The original Sensation shoe was developed in California and featured a new foam and construction technology designed to offer the best combination of durability and performance. Three iterations later, the Sensation continues to be an outstanding option for triathletes looking for a speedy shoe that still offers lots of cushioning and support.

The Sensation 3 features the 361 QU!KFOAM midsole that made the original Sensation such a hit, offering lots of cushioning without leaving you feeling like you’re running on a pillow. There’s a specially designed midfoot area that holds your foot securely, and provides a stable feel as you start to push the pace. The specially designed tongue, breathable air mesh upper with an open toe box and seamless forefoot area make this a great shoe for triathletes looking for additional comfort coming out of T2.

Once you have your legs under you in a race you’ll enjoy the nine millimetre drop and specially designed forefoot area that makes it easy to toe off as you ramp up the pace. You’ll enjoy those same benefits, too, if you’re using the Sensation 3 for some faster workouts.

The durable outsole offers lots of traction and is also designed to help absorb shock, which makes the Sensation 3 a great option for longer runs, too.

The latest version of the Sensation is a bit stiffer than the previous editions, which is a bit of a downside, but despite that, it remains an excellent option for triathletes looking for a comfortable, supportive shoe that offers an excellent feel for the road regardless of the pace you’re running.—KM

361° Sensation 3 $170