Kit Focus — 361 Degrees Yushan Trail Running Shoes

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. These are quite simply the most comfortable off-road trail running shoes I have worn to date.

My fond association with the 361° brand came after trying their Strata 3 Road Running Shoes at the end of last year; they proved to be incredibly comfortable, stable, and supportive, straight out of the box. I have subsequently run over 400 kilometres in them.

When I signed up for the 'Challenge the Wight' night marathon earlier this year, 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 relatively collapsed arches 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 (before that was cool).

From the moment I tried the 361 Yushan Trail Shoes on, they fitted the bill: with their wider toe box, super breathable and flexible one-piece knitted upper, and the Fitz-Rite arch support that runs the length of the shoe.

Out on the trails, my initial commendations were concreted. The 361° Yushan feels like a second supportive skin, and the cushioning is exceptional — created by a mix of a full length QU!KFOAM midsole top-layer to provide shock absorption; a QU!K flex forefoot to provide a balanced toe-off contact point; and a moulded QU!KFOAM insole for added comfort.

Grip and protection also proved to be faultless — with the BIGTOE-Shield providing hidden protection for your fore-foot, and the StoneShield rock plate protecting the sole. The grippy outsole provides traction whether on loose rocks or mud.

Finally, I think the defining factor with the Yushan is the lightweight feel and the perfect 8 millimetre heel-toe drop; two attributes that have previously attracted me to shoes like the Salomon Sense Ride, but with the 361° Yushan seem to be provided without compromising other areas of the shoe — such as robustness or support.

I ran the 'Challenge the Wight' event in the Yushan trail shoes — non-stop, 26.2 miles, with 2600 feet of elevation — all off-road. They were superb. No blisters, no knee or ankle pain, and just a smooth, fast ride. I won the event (my first marathon). In my opinion that makes these winning kicks.

>> Shop the 361° Yushan Trail Shoes at store.361europe.com here <<

361Degrees provided The Expedition Journals with the 361 Yushan Trail Shoes for testing and review