Kit Focus – 361 Degrees Taroko 2 Trail Running Shoes

The Taroko 2 Trail Running Shoes from Chinese brand 361 Degrees are the latest innovative all-terrain running shoes to come out of their highly acclaimed research lab. I had a positive experience with the 361 Yushan trail shoes, so I was keen to test out this new release…


Last year, I ran my first off-road marathon in a pair of 361 Degrees Yushan Trail Shoes—they did well… I took line honours, without a single blister or injury, despite having never run further than 25 kilometres before. Since then those shoes have done many runs and races, including last year's Original Mountain Marathon.

The OMM was what finally killed the Yushans. Scotland's bogs give shoes a real beating. Since then, I have been lusting after another pair. Then, earlier this year 361 Degrees released the new Taroko 2 trail shoes. I could not resist…

361° was founded in 2003 and has quickly grown to become one of the biggest sports brands in China. Their philosophy is to deliver high-quality running shoes that performance-wise are on par with the biggest names in the sport, but without the expensive brand labels.

The Taroko 2 is a trail hybrid shoe that delivers the ideal combination of grip, weight, and comfort to give you a good footing on road and off-road adventures.

Many of the features of the Taroko 2 are the same as the Yushan; the QU!K Flex 4Foot provides a natural and balanced toe-off and enhances ground contact for better acceleration, and the QU!KFOAM midsole offers excellent durability and cushioning. You also get the same moulded QU!KFOAM insole for support and comfort.

The Taroko differs from the Yushan with its introduction of the MORPHIT Heel Lock lacing system. This is a unique design that pulls the heel of the shoe into your foot; to give a more secure hold on uneven terrain. The Taroko also has slightly more heel to toe drop at nine millimetres compared to the Yushan's eight millimetres.

Out on the trails, the Taroko feels satisfyingly like the Yushan; supplying a secure footing on all kinds of terrain. The wide toe box allows your toes to spread and swell a little on longer runs, while the breathable mesh material is ideal for letting your feet breathe and ventilate.

The new MORPHIT heel lacing design does give notably more support and security for your ankles and heels; tightening in around the heel bone and giving a reassuring fit when landing on unstable surfaces.

With the same sole and cushioning as the Yushan, I fully expect the Taroko will go the distance, too. These are not a cheap pair of running shoes but considering the miles I got from the last set of 361 trainers, it is money well spent.

To sum up, the new 361 Degrees Taroko 2's are an impressive pair of mixed-surface trail running shoes; supplying support for your feet, comfort for long distances, and a grippy and durable tread that gives a solid and reassuring footing. Another winner…

>> Shop the Taroko 2 Trail running Shoes here <<

361 Degrees provided theexpeditionjournals.com with a pair of shoes for testing and review