361 Degrees Spire 4
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Overview
The 361 Degrees Spire 4 is a running shoe designed to provide a balance of comfort and performance. This shoe is known for its cushioning and stability, making it a solid choice for neutral runners engaging in daily running or speed training on road surfaces.
Key Features:
- Cushioning: The QU!KFOAM+ EVA midsole delivers enhanced cushioning, complemented by a QU!KFOAM layer for added comfort.
- Upper: A lightweight and breathable engineered mesh upper offers flexibility and freedom of movement.
- Outsole: The outsole provides reliable traction and grip, suitable for various training surfaces, with a focus on asphalt.
The 361 Degrees Spire 4 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize cushioning and stability for their road runs. Its responsive midsole offers a benefit of energy return, making it suitable for both long-distance events and speed workouts.
According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's just below the median price of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the 361 Degrees Spire 4
The 361 Degrees Spire 4 emerges as a reliable option for runners seeking a shoe that balances cushioning and responsiveness. Its QU!KFOAM+ EVA midsole and additional QU!KFOAM layer ensure a comfortable ride, while the engineered mesh upper provides breathability and flexibility. The shoe's heel collar has been redesigned for better support and fit, and the Ortholite sockliner enhances moisture management. Although it may require some break-in time, the Spire 4 is praised for its secure and stable feel. It performs well for average-sized feet, but may not be the best fit for those with wider feet. The shoe's cushioning is adequate for training runs, and it excels during faster paces due to its good energy return. The outsole's grip is suitable for a variety of surfaces, though it is primarily designed for asphalt. Overall, the 361 Degrees Spire 4 is a competent all-rounder, offering a blend of comfort and performance for daily road running and speed workouts.
Comparable Shoes
The Saucony Liberty ISO 2 is a shoe that offers a more modern design and additional cushioning compared to the 361 Degrees Spire 4. It may appeal to runners who prioritize these features in their running shoes.
The Asics Gel Kayano 26 provides a different approach to cushioning and support, potentially making it a better fit for runners seeking a more traditional stability shoe compared to the neutral design of the 361 Degrees Spire 4.
For those looking for a faster shoe, the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 offers a lightweight and quick option, contrasting with the balanced cushioning and stability of the 361 Degrees Spire 4.
6 361 Degrees Spire 4 Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the 361 Degrees Spire 4 is crafted from a lightweight and breathable engineered mesh, providing flexibility and a comfortable fit. The heel collar has been reconstructed to enhance support, ensuring a secure fit during runs. This design choice contributes to the overall comfort and adaptability of the shoe, accommodating a range of movements and running styles.
Midsole
At the heart of the 361 Degrees Spire 4's comfort is its midsole, featuring QU!KFOAM+ EVA for superior cushioning. This is further augmented by a layer of QU!KFOAM, which adds to the shoe's responsiveness and comfort. This combination is a significant improvement over the previous model, aiming to provide a more natural and efficient ride for neutral runners.
Outsole
The outsole of the 361 Degrees Spire 4 is designed to offer excellent traction and grip on a variety of surfaces, with a particular emphasis on asphalt. This makes the shoe versatile for different training environments, ensuring runners can maintain their pace and stability with confidence.
Size/fit
The 361 Degrees Spire 4 is tailored for runners with average-sized feet, featuring a medium toe box for a comfortable fit. While the shoe is secure and stable, those with wider feet might find the fit too narrow, suggesting a need to explore alternative options for a better match.
Comfort
Comfort is a standout feature of the 361 Degrees Spire 4, with its cushioned midsole and breathable upper. The shoe's design ensures a pleasant running experience, even during longer sessions, making it a suitable choice for runners who value comfort on their runs.
Cushioning
Cushioning in the 361 Degrees Spire 4 is delivered through its QU!KFOAM+ EVA midsole, providing a soft and responsive feel underfoot. This feature is particularly appreciated by runners who require additional cushioning for their daily training or longer races.
Who should buy the 361 Degrees Spire 4?
The 361 Degrees Spire 4 is well-suited for neutral runners who seek a shoe that offers a harmonious blend of cushioning and responsiveness. It is ideal for those engaging in everyday training or looking to tackle longer distances like a half-marathon. Runners who appreciate a breathable and flexible upper will also find value in this model.
Who should not buy the 361 Degrees Spire 4?
Runners with wider feet may want to consider other options, as the 361 Degrees Spire 4 tends to be more accommodating for average-sized feet. Additionally, those who prefer a shoe with a more modern design or extra cushioning might explore alternatives such as the Saucony Liberty ISO 2 or the Asics Gel Kayano 26.
361 Degrees Spire 4: What's it good for?
The 361 Degrees Spire 4 is good for road running, offering a stable and cushioned ride. It's also suitable for speed workouts and long-distance events, thanks to its responsive midsole and comfortable fit. The shoe's grip and traction make it a reliable choice for various training surfaces, although it shines on asphalt.
4 361 Degrees Spire 4 FAQs
Is the 361 Degrees Spire 4 suitable for long-distance running?
Yes, the 361 Degrees Spire 4 is suitable for long-distance running, thanks to its cushioned midsole and comfortable fit. It provides a stable and responsive ride, making it a good choice for half-marathon distances and beyond.
Can the 361 Degrees Spire 4 be used for speed training?
The 361 Degrees Spire 4 can be used for speed training due to its responsive midsole and good energy return. While it offers enough cushioning for training runs, it also performs well during faster paces.
How does the 361 Degrees Spire 4 fit for runners with wide feet?
The 361 Degrees Spire 4 is designed with a medium toe box, making it a comfortable fit for runners with average-sized feet. However, it may be too narrow for those with wider feet, who might need to look at other models for a better fit.
What type of cushioning does the 361 Degrees Spire 4 offer?
The 361 Degrees Spire 4 offers cushioning through its QU!KFOAM+ EVA midsole, complemented by an additional QU!KFOAM layer. This combination provides a soft and responsive feel, suitable for various running demands.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | |
| released | ReleasedDec 2019 | Jan 2017 | Dec 2019 | Dec 2020 | Jul 2012 | Apr 2017 |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users |    | ||||
| Weight | WeightM: 286 g W: 232 g | 298 g | 309 g | 312 g | 159 g | M: 238 g W: 190 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot | 16 mm | 12 mm | 12 mm | 14 mm | M: 20 mm W: 18 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop9 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Heel | Heel | 26 mm | 22 mm | 22 mm | 24 mm | M: 28 mm W: 26 mm |
| Usages | UsagesDaily runningSpeed training | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | RacingSpeed training | Daily running |
| Brand | Brand361 Degrees | adidas | adidas | adidas | Nike | Nike |
| Strike Type | Strike TypeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe Type | Lightweight | Lightweight | |||
| Techs | Techs | adidas Ultraboost | adidas Ultraboost | Nike Flyknit | ||
Common characteristicsRoadNeutralNeutral pronationHigh arch |
