361 Degrees Centauri 2 Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Runner Profile: 6'1", 180–185 lbs | Heel/Midfoot Striker

Sizing: Normally a US 11, tested in an 11.5

Tested Mileage: 66 miles (11 runs, including Escape the Cape & Ironman 70.3 Muskoka)

I had seen 361 Degrees on display at my Local Running Store for a while, but I hadn't ever pulled the trigger. Earlier this year, while rotating out several end-of-life shoes, I found a pair of the Centauri 2s on clearance and decided to see what they were all about.

Fast forward to today: these shoes have survived the grueling "cappuccino sand" transitions at the Escape the Cape Triathlon and carried me through the 13.1-mile run leg at Ironman 70.3 Muskoka. If you are looking to update your shoe rotation, here is why these need to be on your radar.

The Ride: Propulsive yet Forgiving

I was immediately intrigued by the brand's innovative "Engage" foam, which promised a perfect balance of durability and energy return. From the very first run, I was impressed by how fast and comfortable they felt. They genuinely feel like they are propelling you forward, but they don't have that punishing, rigid harshness of a traditional carbon-plated racing flat. They are much more forgiving.

One of my favorite aspects of the Centauri 2's geometry is how adaptable it is. Mid-race, I frequently like to alter how my foot strikes the ground to regain my rhythm, reset my cadence, or just give my legs a break. This shoe accommodated both my standard heel strike and my midfoot strike seamlessly, keeping the ride smooth no matter how my mechanics shifted.

Sizing & A Masterclass in Tongue Design

Let's talk about the fit. I normally buy a standard size 11 in my running shoes. While the 11 might have technically fit, I went with an 11.5 because it just felt much better on my foot. If you are debating your size, bumping up that half-size is definitely worth trying on.

Beyond the sizing, the upper is brilliant. Historically, my favorite running shoes were the Adidas Ultraboosts because they integrated the tongue directly into the upper, preventing that incredibly annoying side-to-side slide. I've run in plenty of On shoes where the tongue just flaps around mercilessly.

The Centauri 2 doesn't have a fully connected one-piece upper, but it uses super soft nylon gussets that achieve the exact same locked-in result. The tongue stayed perfectly in place for the entirety of my 70.3 run and remained completely comfortable and distraction-free, despite the intense summer heat and heavy sweat.

Traction & Durability

At 66 miles across 11 runs, the outsole is showing fantastic durability. The traction has been highly reliable out on the roads, and the rubber easily looks tough enough to keep soaking up heavy miles. Now that my 70.3 training block is officially complete, I fully plan on taking these out for my 16-to-18-mile long runs.

The Weight Factor

Coming in at approximately 9.2 to 9.8 ounces, the Centauri 2 sits in a very interesting middle ground. It is almost a full ounce lighter than my plush daily trainers (the Asics Gel Kayano 32), meaning it feels remarkably light for a stability-adjacent daily shoe. However, if you are strictly comparing it to dedicated racing flats, it will feel a bit heavier. At 6'1" and 181 lbs, the weight tradeoff for the cushion is a major plus for me.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the 387-ish miles I get out of a good pair of trainers need to count. The 361 Degrees Centauri is an absolute gold find. It is a highly comfortable, durable, and speedy shoe that works perfectly as an everyday trainer and can hold its own on race day. If you find a pair, do not hesitate to add them to your rotation.