361 Elios Review: A Max Cushion Daily Trainer That Punches Above Its Price

Introduction

Some running shoes feel like a compromise between comfort and pace. The 361 Elios is not one of them. This max cushion trainer surprised with how deep the softness runs, while still pushing back with a bit of spring at toe-off. For a brand that has quietly shown up at race expos for a few years, this is a strong statement of intent.

What makes it more interesting is the price. At $145, it undercuts the very shoes it seems designed to challenge, and it does so without feeling like a budget alternative.

Specs and Construction

The Elios uses a 36 mm stack with a 6 mm drop, putting 30 mm of what 361 calls Primo foam under the foot. That foam is produced through a supercritical process, and while 361 has not disclosed the exact source material, the feel is reminiscent of early-generation supercritical TPU foams: soft on landing, but with a lively rebound.

The outsole takes a practical approach. Two leafs of high-abrasion rubber cover the heel, where wear is highest, while three separate rubber sections protect the lateral, center, and medial forefoot. There is a fair amount of exposed foam, and the footprint is noticeably wide.

Up top, the upper uses a soft material made with 25% recycled yarns, with moderate padding and thick laces. The heel cup and collar carry that plushness into the step-in, and the Ortholite insole, made with 20% recycled content, adds another layer of comfort. Stated weight is 9.9 oz, though a size 9 sample weighed in at 9.6 oz (272 g).

Ride Impressions

On easy runs and longer efforts, the squishy sensation is immediately welcome. The key, though, is that the shoe is not mushy. It compresses deeply on landing, almost like a crumple zone, but it decompresses quickly. The ride feels like two foams working together: one that collapses into instant softness, and a denser layer underneath that pushes back with real bounce.

Two design choices keep all that foam under control. The first is an aggressive forefoot rocker that makes the transition feel like stepping off the edge of a curb, rolling you forward efficiently. The second is the wide footprint, which keeps the shoe stable without resorting to harsh stability elements. The Elios is not a stability shoe, but it avoids the wobble you might expect from this much foam.

Who This Shoe Is For

This is a shoe built for easy runs, recovery days, and long runs, including progressions that start easy and finish around marathon effort. It is not the lightest option, so very hard marathon workouts are probably not its best use, but the middle ground of a long run with gradually faster miles is where it excels.

The fit runs slightly relaxed, with more room than many shoes in this class, which many runners will appreciate. It also works well as a casual everyday shoe, though the aggressive rocker can feel a little odd at walking pace. Sizing true to size worked well.

Alternatives Worth Comparing

ASICS Nimbus 26

The Nimbus 26 appears to be the direct target for the Elios, based on how similar the foam shaping, heel cup, and upper design are. Both aim for the same plush experience. The trade-off comes down to priorities: if you want to add slightly faster miles to your long run, the 361 is the better pick. If you want more comfort, more chill, and more stability, the Nimbus 26 is the safer bet, though it costs $15 more at $160.

On Cloud Eclipse

The Cloud Eclipse delivers the closest overall experience of the alternatives. It is very comfortable, genuinely soft, and still has a nice spring, making it fun for progression runs even if it is not a first choice for the biggest marathon workouts. It is also a better casual shoe and more stable than the Elios. Those advantages come at a price, however: $180, which is $35 more than the 361.

Buying Advice

If you have been overlooking 361 as a brand, the Elios makes a strong case to start paying attention. It is one of the most impressive max cushion shoes of the year, and at $145 it delivers an amount of shoe and performance that makes the price genuinely hard to argue with.

Choose the Elios if soft-but-springy cushioning for easy and long runs is your priority. Choose the Nimbus 26 if maximum comfort and stability matter more than pace. Choose the Cloud Eclipse if you want the best all-rounder for both running and casual wear and do not mind paying extra for it.

Conclusion

The 361 Elios proves that a first impression from an unfamiliar brand can land hard. Deep cushioning, a controlled and stable ride, a relaxed comfortable fit, and a price below its closest rivals make it an easy recommendation for anyone shopping in the max cushion daily trainer category.