361 Helios 2 Review and Alternatives: Comfy Max Cushion, or Something Better for Less?

Introduction

The 361 Helios 2 arrives with a familiar problem: it looks, fits, and runs almost exactly like the original Helios. That is great news if you loved version one, and slightly frustrating if you were hoping for a meaningful update. It is a comfy, squishy max cushion daily trainer with enough pep for regular training, and it lands at $150 on release. The real question is whether you should buy it, hunt down the discounted first version, or pick one of two very similar rivals. This guide walks through all four shoes so you can match the ride to your needs.

361 Helios 2 Overview and Specs

On paper, the Helios 2 is a near-carbon copy of its predecessor. It uses a 36 mm stack height with a 6 mm drop, which means 30 mm of Primo foam in the forefoot. Primo foam is a supercritical PEBA, a higher-end foam, and it is the only foam in the shoe. The outsole sticks with a similar pattern to last year, pairing grippy Gecko rubber in the forefoot with a high-abrasion “Hart” rubber compound at the rear for durability.

The upper is a breathable jacquard mesh that is soft without being overly stretchy. The tongue has a restrained amount of padding, while the heel collar is plush and overstuffed for a luxurious feel. The fit is true to a usual running shoe size, and the whole package weighs 9.9 oz, or 281 g. Every one of those specs matches the original Helios exactly.

How the Helios 2 Feels on the Road

The Primo foam is the star here. It crumples a lot when you land on it, then releases that energy back gently, producing a squishy, soft ride that still has a little bounce. It is genuinely nice for recovery runs and comfy everyday training, and it also handles treadmill miles well. It is not the mushiest shoe out there, so it avoids feeling dead at easy paces.

There are limits, though. The softness becomes a negative on very long runs and during faster interval work. It is also not the right pick for bigger, taller runners who might compress the foam too much, and it is not a gym shoe. If easy, comfortable mileage is your goal, it delivers very well.

Is the Helios 2 Actually Different from the Helios 1?

In short: barely. The fit is the same, the feel is the same, and every major spec carries over. This is not an upper update; it is closer to a non-update. You are getting the same shoe as the original Helios, with a $150 price tag that is $5 more than last year.

The silver lining is that the original 361 Helios is expected to be discounted as remaining inventory clears. If you want this shoe, grabbing version one at that reduced price is the smarter play while supplies last.

Best Budget-Friendly Alternative: Under Armour Infinity Elite 2

The Under Armour Infinity Elite 2 was one of the most underrated shoes of its release year, and it sits in very similar territory. Both shoes are comfy, squishy max cushion trainers, and many of the same descriptors apply to both. The foam behaviour differs a bit: Primo foam compresses in a slightly more controlled way, and the Helios 2 has more foam under the forefoot. The Infinity Elite 2’s foam drops off quickly up front, so heel strikers get plenty of cushioning while forefoot strikers get less.

The pricing story is where things get interesting. The Infinity Elite 2 retails for $160 but is currently on sale at $155, and an extra 50% off promo code (extra50, available in the United States) can bring it down to roughly $75 to $80. At that price it is a fantastic deal. The Helios 2 is the slightly better shoe, but at under $80, the Infinity Elite 2 is probably the one to buy.

Best for Heavier Runners: Skechers Arava Burst

The Skechers Arava Burst takes a similar approach with very squishy foam aimed at a comfortable, cushioned experience. The key difference is how the foam behaves: the Arava Burst tends to compress and stay compressed, which can feel a bit sticky, whereas the Helios 2’s Primo foam bounces back more quickly for softness without mushiness. The foam in the Helios 2 is simply a bit nicer.

Where the Arava Burst wins is size and build. It is a much bigger, heavier shoe, and that makes it friendlier for bigger, taller runners who might otherwise crumple the Helios 2’s foam. Pricing jumps around, sometimes $150 and sometimes $160, so you will not save money by choosing Skechers. But if you like what the Helios 2 promises and worry about crushing the foam, the Arava Burst is worth a look.

Buying Advice: Which One Should You Get?

If you want the nicest foam feel in this category and do not mind paying full price, the Helios 2 is a very comfortable option. If you want that same ride for less, track down the discounted original Helios before stock disappears. If you mainly chase value, the Infinity Elite 2 at roughly $75 to $80 with the US promo is hard to beat. And if you are a bigger runner who wants max cushion that can hold up under you, the Arava Burst is the safer bet.

Conclusion

The 361 Helios 2 is a genuinely comfortable max cushion daily trainer with a peppy edge, held back only by the fact that it is nearly identical to its predecessor at a slightly higher price. Depending on your size, budget, and timing, one of its three close rivals may serve you just as well, or better.