361 Degrees Kairos 3 Review
The 361 Kairos 3 is designed for everyday road running at easy to moderate paces, ideal for runners who need some pronation support. Alongside its support features, the Kairos 3 delivers a cushioned and smooth ride.
When your foot touches the ground, it should spread to absorb shock and reshape quickly enough for you to push off from the end of your big toe. This allows the ankle, knee, and hip to function in alignment. If your foot doesn’t reshape quickly enough, you’ll push off from the inside of the big toe or further back, causing slight misalignment through the ankle, knee, and hip. Because running is repetitive, this misalignment occurs with every stride, which can lead to issues such as blisters on the inside of the foot, pain in the ankles or shins, discomfort below the kneecap, or tightness along the outside of the thigh. Shoes like the 361 Kairos 3 are designed to provide extra structure to help the foot push off correctly from the end of the big toe.
As expected for a daily trainer, comfort ranks high among the Kairos 3’s strengths. The heel cup and collar are well-padded, creating a soft step-in feel, while the tongue is also padded and gusseted with a fine mesh. A tab on the tongue, which the laces thread through, prevents it from sliding to one side during runs. An additional lace hole allows for a snugger heel fit or butterfly lacing if needed. I found the heel fit secure, especially for my slim feet. The heel cup includes a plastic insert to hold the foot in place within the midsole. The midsole itself is shaped so the foot sits inside it rather than on top, allowing for more controlled movement and improved gait alignment.
The midsole is made entirely of Engage Foam—a high-rebound material that feels soft on landing and responsive at toe-off. It’s not overly soft, maintaining a stable platform and consistent cushioning throughout the run. With a 34mm heel stack, 26mm forefoot stack, and 8mm drop, the Kairos 3 promotes a smooth transition through the gait cycle. The rocker-shaped midsole helps reduce heel striking and keeps the foot moving efficiently toward toe-off, minimising the time available for overpronation. The result is a road running shoe that subtly guides your gait without feeling intrusive. The ride feels smooth, stable, and well-cushioned.
The Kairos 3 is also more versatile than many road shoes. Its outsole features shallow lugs that provide reliable traction on light trails, disused railway lines, and towpaths—quite different from the slick outsoles found on many road models. A good rubber coverage enhances durability, while the slightly flexible midsole allows for some pace changes. Although not built for fast running, the Kairos 3 handles steady runs comfortably and can cope with a few quicker efforts or fartlek sessions.
361 running shoes fit similarly in length to Brooks, Saucony, Topo, and Altra. For those who wear Hoka, New Balance, Inov-8, or La Sportiva, we recommend trying half a UK size smaller in 361 (e.g. UK 11 in 361 ≈ UK 11.5 in Hoka). The 361 Kairos 3 is available in both men’s and women’s widths, ensuring a suitable fit for most runners.
In summary, the 361 Kairos 3 is a versatile, mild-support road running shoe designed for everyday training. It feels comfortable at steady and slower paces, provides enough cushioning for long runs, and offers extra traction for occasional light trail use.
Alternatives to the 361 Degrees Kairos 3
Hoka Arahi 8: A softer feel to the ride. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-arahi-8-review/
Saucony Guide 18: A very similar concept although slightly softer feel which makes it less responsive when it comes to pick up the pace. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/saucony-guide-18-review/
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24: A higher heel to forefoot, no rocker and more bounce in the midsole. Available in three width men’s and two width women’s https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-adrenaline-gts-24-review/
Karhu Ikoni 3: A slightly firmer feel to the ride. Propulsion and guidance are supplied by the Karhu Fulcrum rather than a rocker or curved midsole. Similarly versatile in that the Ikoni 3 feels comfortable at steady runs paces. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/karhu-ikoni-3-review/
Topo Athletic Ultrafly 5: A broad rounded toe box gives the feet more space to spread and function. The lower drop reduces heel striker further. The ride is firm and responsive. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-ultrafly-5-review/
New Balance 860v14: A softer feel to the ride. You can pick the pace up in these but, they feel better at slower paces. Available in three width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/new-balance-860v14-review/
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