Finding a daily trainer that delivers plush, max-cushion protection without feeling like a heavy, cumbersome brick on foot is a delicate balancing act. The 361° Eleos 2 steps into the spotlight as an upgraded, refined option engineered to offer even more cushion with even less weight.
Positioned as a smooth, protected neutral daily trainer, the Eleos 2 aims to keep your legs fresh through easy runs, high-volume aerobic blocks, and recovery days. But how does its supercritical Primo Foam platform and redesigned upper hold up when the miles start adding up? Let’s break down every technical specification, upper construction detail, and on-foot performance metric.
Model and Purpose
The 361° Eleos 2 is a max-cushion neutral daily trainer built for plush comfort and smooth impact absorption.
- The Primary Purpose: It targets runners seeking a soft, protective shoe for easy recovery days, high-mileage base building, and long weekend runs.
- The Comfort Philosophy: Designed for athletes who want a plush underfoot feel without the traditional bulk, leveraging a single-piece supercritical foam geometry for effortless transitions.
- The Biomechanical Target: Built for neutral runners who require reliable shock absorption and a stable ground-contact platform without intrusive guidance post elements.
Tech Specs
361° has refined the physical footprint of the Eleos 2 to offer maximum underfoot stack at a remarkably approachable weight:
- Weight: Tipping the scales at 9.9 oz (281g) for a Men’s US 9 (and approximately 7.9 oz / 224g for Women’s US 8).
- Stack Height and Drop: Features a protective stack of 36mm in the heel and 30mm in the forefoot, yielding a smooth, versatile 6mm drop.
- Midsole Compound: Built entirely on a single-piece supercritical Primo Foam platform paired with a removable Ortholite® X-35 insole.
- Price Point: Retailing at $150, offering strong value in the max-cushion daily trainer category.
Key Features
- Primo Foam Midsole: A full-length supercritical foam formulation that delivers maximum plushness, high impact protection, and energetic responsiveness.
- Redesigned Jacquard Mesh Upper: Constructed with 26 percent recycled yarn, featuring an anatomical tongue and targeted midfoot lockdown.
- GEKKO GRIP Forefoot Rubber: Specialized forefoot outsole rubber designed to deliver sticky traction in both wet and dry road conditions.
- H.A.R.T. High-Abrasion Heel Rubber: High-durability rubber placed strategically across high-wear rearfoot strike zones for extended outsole longevity.
- Ortholite® X-35 Insole: Removable moisture-wicking sockliner that enhances immediate step-in comfort and airflow underfoot.
Color and Price
- Launch Price: $150 USD
- Key Colorways: Available in distinct options including Cloud Grey/Estate Blue, Orange Peel/Black, Black/Lotus Seed, and White/Black.
First Impression
Slipping into the 361° Eleos 2 reveals an immediately plush step-in sensation. The removable Ortholite® X-35 insole and soft jacquard mesh upper hug the foot comfortably without feeling restrictive. While the upper is cozy and well-padded around the ankle collar, runners in warmer climates may notice that the interior holds onto heat during longer efforts. Overall, the shoe feels surprisingly light in hand for a 36mm heel stack, promising a well-protected ride from the very first step.
Opinion
Out on the road for easy recovery jogs and steady aerobic miles, the Primo Foam midsole really shines. It provides a soft, forgiving landing that absorbs road chatter completely while offering a gentle rebound into toe-off. The wide, single-piece base flare provides inherent guidance, keeping your stride centered and stable even as leg fatigue sets in late in a long run. While it is not built for aggressive track workouts or fast interval work, it excels at its core mission: keeping your joints fresh and your feet protected mile after mile.
Recommendation
Choose the 361° Eleos 2 if:
- You want a soft, highly cushioned neutral trainer for easy miles, recovery runs, and long aerobic days.
- You appreciate a lightweight supercritical foam ride paired with durable outsole rubber coverage.
- You value sustainable construction, including an upper built with 26 percent recycled yarn.
Skip the 361° Eleos 2 if:
- You need a snappy, firm tempo shoe or a carbon-plated racer for fast interval sessions.
- You run primarily in extreme heat and require an ultra-minimal, razor-thin upper.
