Hardwear
Product 2023
Woman, Man
When we first opened the box of the 361° Spire 5, we couldn’t help but wonder: how is it different from the 361° Centauri?
Aesthetically, they’re very similar. Both offer a 9 mm drop and use the same type of midsole foam. However, the price tag differs: €140 for the Centauri vs. €170 for the Spire 5.
So, to get a real sense of the difference, we ran in both pairs. Verdict?
The 361° Centauri is all about plush comfort—its midsole is softer, absorbs more of the runner’s energy, and offers slightly less lateral stability.
The Spire 5, on the other hand, delivers sharper responsiveness, allowing for a cleaner push-off and better energy return. In short: you go faster in the Spire 5. It also provides more secure foot placement, with better lateral stability and less “give” under pressure.
That said, the Spire 5 is still a very comfortable shoe, offering generous impact absorption and ideal for piling on the miles. It’s a model you could confidently use for training—and even for some longer-distance road races.
The in-shoe feel was described as ultra-soft. Like the Centauri, it features a beautifully designed tongue that doesn’t rub the top of the foot, stays in place, and flexes smoothly with the stride.
The build quality of the Spire 5 is excellent—premium materials, no visible seams, and extremely precise construction.
The 361° Spire 5 is an outstanding, high-comfort daily trainer, built with care and equipped with a great balance of cushioning and responsiveness. It earns our First Award.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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