The Expedition Journals

The trails are drying out and I have been enjoying exploring new routes and hills in the Taroko 4 trail running shoes from 361°. The range of 361° shoes has always fitted me well (run true to size), and they use some of the best quality materials that I have seen in running shoes to date. The result is durable and comfortable running shoes that stand the test of time and miles. The Taroko 4 are designed to be all weather trail running shoes, with exceptional stability and durability. Featuring a breathable recycled mesh upper with a seamless design to reduce chafing, and an ergonomic fit that moulds perfectly to your upper foot; they are comfortable and lightweight for all kinds of trail based adventures. Clever features like a lace pocket on the tongue are great to see. The soles of the Taroko 4 are a rugged rubber outsole that offers impressive grip on a variety of surfaces; while the cushioned midsole with a 9mm heel to toe drop provides support and protection from vibration. Reliab...

361 Degrees has consistently been my preferred brand for running shoes, and the latest addition to their lineup, the Kairos 2, lives up to the high standards I've come to expect. This new model introduces a fresh platform for 361, incorporating innovative technologies, sustainable fabrics, and the impressive Engage foam cushioning system. Progressive Upper Design The Kairos 2 features a progressive upper fabric design that enhances breathability, comfort, and overall durability. Another standout feature is the 'pressure-free tongue,' a signature element in many 361 shoes, providing a super-soft nylon gusset that eliminates pressure points on the upper foot.  Inside the uppers, the tried-and-tested Otholite® X-40 insole ensures excellent moisture management and breathability. Additionally, new supportive medial and lateral quarter heel welds at the rear of the shoes enhance ankle support upon impact. Exciting Platform Design The platform design takes an exciting step...

The new Yushan 3 shoes from 361° take an already brilliant trail running shoe (I ran my first off-road marathon in the original Yushan), and have developed them through better breathability and protection. These are fast and comfortable trail running shoes for all your off-road running pursuits. The updated Yushan 3 design uses an engineered mesh fabric on the upper, create from one-piece of fabric; to ensure maximum comfort and breathability even in summer running conditions. An anatomically designed Pressure Free Tongue contours over the top of the foot for a more customised fit; removing pressure and stress during dorsiflexion. The heel cup is then well padded and locks the heel securely and comfortably inside the shoe. A full length QU!KFOAM insole utilises an EVA rubber blend for extra durability and comfort; while a QU!KSPRING+ midsole technology gives impressive cushioning and protection from rough trail surfaces. On the tread front, the H.A.R.T. (High Abrasion Rubber T...

The new Spire 5 from 361 degrees pushes the boundaries of comfort and performance for endurance running shoes. I have become a complete convert to the 361 brand: for trail running ( Review – Yushan 2 Trail Shoes ) and for everyday road running ( Review – Strata 5 Road Shoes ). The new 361° Spire 5 is a marathon worthy road shoe that excels in delivering the perfect blend of comfort, rebound and durability. Superior cushioning is the primary focus of the Spire 5—with the aim of producing a shoe that will let you run for miles and miles, without complaint. The new cushioning technology comes in the form of QU!KFLAME. The upper layer of the shoe platform is the proven 361° QUICKSPRING+ foam, but then the Spire 5 benefits from the introduction of a newly developed PEBA nylon elastomer — QU!KFLAME offers superior cushioning and performance: it is extremely springy and 45% lighter than traditional EVA foam, yet it is durable enough to maintain responsiveness. The result is excellent flexibil...

There are very few pairs of running shoes that I would run an off-road marathon in, having only worn them for 15 kilometres previously. I did just that with the 361° Yushan Trail Running Shoes, back in 2019 on the Challenge the Wight event. They were, and are still, the most comfortable off-road trail running shoes that I have worn to date. My fond association with the 361° brand came after trying their Strata 3 Road Running Shoes in early 2018; they proved to be incredibly comfortable, stable, and supportive straight out of the box. I have subsequently run over 700 kilometres in them. When I signed up for the ' Challenge the Wight ' night marathon, I was well aware that my shoe choice would not only play a part in comfort, but also whether I would even finish the event. Due to a relatively collapsed arch and a wide toe spread, I have suffered from repeat problems with cramped or blistered toes, and vulnerable ankle joints—I was the kid who had to wear boots to school (b...

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 runni...

" I have never run more than 23 kilometres before… " is my response, when stood in the fading light at The Needles a fellow 'Challenge the Wight' participant asks if I can " run like you bike ". On hearing my reply, he looks at me with a slight wince " Ah, right… well. Good luck."… As the sunset casts an orange haze on the English Channel, and a warm westerly wind blows in over the cliffs of Alum Bay, I slightly nervously await the start of my first marathon… off-road, through the fast approaching darkness. 21:00 — The gun sounds, and amidst a cheer of support from friends and family, we are off. Up the lane to the coastguard cottages and the old rocket launch site; from where we will then turn eastwards, and traverse the downlands backbone of the Isle of Wight all the way to the finish at Culver Down — 26 miles (42 km) and 2900 feet (890 m) of climbing. This could be a long night. Up over Tennyson Down; down to Freshwater Bay; then up agai...