361 Eleos 2: The Chinese Daily Trainer Nobody Is Talking About

I’m going to be upfront here: the 361 Eleos 2 is not my kind of shoe. I run in zero-drop Altra trail shoes. I like feeling the ground beneath my feet. Max cushion daily trainers? Not really my thing.

But here’s the deal. Every other week, someone in my running group asks me the same question: “What’s a good cushioned daily trainer that won’t cost me $160?” They’ve seen the Hoka Cliftons, they’ve tried the Pegasus, and they’re wondering if there’s something better out there. Something they haven’t heard of.

That’s exactly where the 361 Eleos 2 comes in. At $150, it sits right in the middle of the daily trainer market, packing max cushion with 361’s Primo foam technology. And based on what reviewers are saying, it might be one of the best-kept secrets in the running shoe world right now.

Wait, Who Is 361 Degrees?

If you haven’t heard of 361 Degrees, you’re not alone. They’re a Chinese sportswear brand that’s been making running shoes for years but only recently started gaining traction in Western markets. I actually reviewed their Lynx trail runner a while back, and it surprised me with its quality-to-price ratio.

361 isn’t some random startup. They’re a massive company in China, sponsoring elite athletes and producing millions of shoes per year. The difference is they’re now putting serious effort into competing internationally, and the Eleos 2 is a big part of that push.

For more context on how Chinese brands are shaking up the running market, check out our piece on Chinese carbon running shoes and budget super shoes.

What Makes the Eleos 2 Stand Out?

The headline feature is the Primo foam midsole. This is 361’s most cushioned material, designed to deliver max cushion without the weight penalty you’d normally expect. Road Trail Run ran a multi-tester review and called the shoe “Primo Fun,” which tells you something about the ride quality.

Here’s what reviewers consistently highlight:

• Primo foam midsole that delivers both softness and energy return
• Lightweight for a max-cushion shoe, which is impressive given how much foam is underfoot
• Improved upper compared to the original Eleos, with better breathability and a more refined fit
• Neutral ride that works for a wide range of foot types

Doctors of Running, in their evaluation of the Eleos 1, described the Primo foam as “bouncy AND soft” and noted “consistent steps forward” from 361 as a brand. The Eleos 2 builds on that foundation with a better upper and refined geometry.

The Price Conversation

Let’s talk about money, because that’s where things get interesting. Here’s how the Eleos 2 stacks up against the daily trainers most people are buying:

Feature	361 Eleos 2	Nike Pegasus 42	Hoka Clifton 9	Brooks Ghost 16
Price	$150	$130	$145	$140
Cushion Level	Max	Moderate	Max	Moderate-High
Drop	8mm	10mm	5mm	12mm
Foam Type	Primo	ReactX	Compression EVA	DNA Loft v3
Weight (M9)	~9.5oz	10.2oz	9.2oz	9.8oz
Best For	Easy/long runs	Versatile daily	Easy/recovery	Versatile daily

What jumps out immediately: the Eleos 2 offers max cushion (like the Clifton) at a price that’s only $5 more than the Ghost and $20 more than the Pegasus. But here’s the thing: neither the Ghost nor the Pegasus are max-cushion shoes. They’re moderate cushion daily trainers.

If you want the max-cushion experience, your options are typically the Clifton at $145, the ASICS Nimbus 26 at $160, or now the Eleos 2 at $150. That’s competitive positioning.

Who Is This Shoe For?

Based on the review consensus, the 361 Eleos 2 works best for:

Easy day and long run specialists. If you have a dedicated easy day shoe and want something soft and forgiving, this fits the bill. Road Trail Run’s testers praised the comfort over extended distances.

Heavier runners who need more cushion. The Primo foam handles higher body weights well according to reviewers, maintaining its cushion properties without bottoming out too quickly.

Budget-conscious runners who want premium cushion. You’re getting max-cushion performance for less than the Nimbus and roughly the same as the Clifton. If brand name doesn’t matter to you, there’s real value here.

Runners curious about alternatives. If you’ve been rotating through Pegasus after Pegasus and wondering what else exists, this is a legitimate option from a brand investing heavily in R&D.

Who Should Probably Skip It?

Look, I’ll be honest. If I were buying a daily trainer (which I’m not, because I’m an Altra guy), I’d have some hesitations:

Brand availability and support. 361 doesn’t have the retail presence of Nike or Brooks. You can find it on 361usa.com and Amazon, but you’re not going to walk into your local running store and try it on in most cases.

Limited colorways. Major brands offer dozens of color options. 361 keeps things simpler.

If you want a firm, responsive ride. The Eleos 2 is designed to be soft and cushioned. If you prefer something like the Pegasus with a snappier, more versatile feel, this isn’t your shoe.

If you need stability features. This is a neutral shoe. Period.

How It Compares to the Competition

I’ve already shared the comparison between Hoka, Brooks, and ASICS for daily trainers, and the Eleos 2 genuinely belongs in that conversation based on reviewer feedback.

Against the Pegasus 42: The Pegasus is $20 cheaper and more versatile (it can handle tempo runs), but it doesn’t offer the same level of cushion. Different shoes for different purposes.

Against the Clifton 9: The most direct competitor. Similar max-cushion approach, similar weight. The Clifton has the Hoka brand recognition and that meta-rocker geometry. The Eleos 2 counters with a more traditional ride feel and competitive pricing. Comes down to preference.

Against the Ghost 16: The Ghost is a moderate-cushion shoe, so it’s really a different category. More versatile than the Eleos 2 but less cushioned. If you want one shoe that does everything okay, get the Ghost. If you want dedicated easy-day cushion, the Eleos 2 wins.

Against the Nimbus 26: The Nimbus costs $160 and delivers premium max cushion with ASICS Gel technology. It’s heavier and pricier. The Eleos 2 offers a lighter, cheaper alternative with competitive cushioning.

For a broader look at the category, check our best daily training shoes for 2026 roundup.

The Bigger Picture: Chinese Brands Are Coming

The 361 Eleos 2 is part of a larger trend I’ve been watching closely. Chinese running brands are no longer just making cheap knockoffs. They’re investing in genuine foam technology, signing athletes, and pricing competitively against Western incumbents.

361 Degrees, Xtep, Li-Ning… these companies have massive R&D budgets and manufacturing capabilities. The Eleos 2 at $150 isn’t cheap because it’s cutting corners. It’s $150 because 361 doesn’t need to spend billions on marketing like Nike does.

That matters. If a shoe performs at the same level as a Clifton or Ghost but comes from a brand you’ve never heard of, is brand recognition worth paying more? For some runners, yes. Brand trust, return policies, and retail availability matter. But for others, performance is performance.

My Honest Take

I haven’t run in the Eleos 2. I probably won’t, because max cushion just isn’t my style. But I’ve spent time reading through multiple detailed reviews, and the consensus is clear: this is a legitimate daily trainer that competes with shoes from brands with 10x the marketing budget.

Road Trail Run’s multi-tester approach is particularly convincing because it eliminates single-reviewer bias. When multiple testers across different body types and running styles all report positive experiences, that tells you something real about the shoe.

If my running buddies ask me again next week about a cushioned daily trainer, I’m going to mention the 361 Eleos 2 alongside the usual suspects. It deserves to be in the conversation. And at $150 for max cushion with a lightweight build, it might deserve to be at the top of the list for value-focused runners.

Want to understand how we evaluate shoes like this without owning them? Check out our methodology page.

FAQ

Is 361 Degrees a legitimate running shoe brand?

Yes. 361 Degrees is a major Chinese sportswear company that’s been around since 2003. They sponsor elite athletes, have significant R&D resources, and sell millions of shoes globally. They’re newer to Western markets, but they’re not a startup or unknown quantity in the running world.

How does Primo foam compare to Nike ReactX or Hoka’s EVA?

Based on reviewer feedback, Primo foam sits in the “soft and bouncy” category. Doctors of Running described it as “bouncy AND soft,” which differentiates it from ReactX (more responsive, less plush) and Hoka’s compression EVA (more rocker-driven, less inherent bounce). It’s closest in feel to ASICS FF Blast+ or Saucony PWRRUN+.

Can I find the 361 Eleos 2 in running stores?

Currently, availability is mostly online through 361usa.com and Amazon. Some specialty running stores are starting to carry 361 products, but you won’t find the same retail presence as Nike or Brooks. This is one of the tradeoffs of going with a less-established Western brand.

Is the 361 Eleos 2 good for marathon training?

According to reviewers, it works well for easy and long runs, which makes it suitable as part of a marathon training rotation. It’s not a race-day shoe or a speed workout shoe, but for those 60-70% of training miles done at easy pace, reviewers report it handles the distance comfortably.

What improved from the Eleos 1 to the Eleos 2?

The biggest changes are in the upper. Reviewers note better breathability and an improved fit compared to the first version. The Primo foam midsole carries over, which makes sense since it received positive feedback in the original. 361 essentially kept what worked and fixed what didn’t.