The Chinese giant, famous on NBA courts, goes off-road by joining forces with the leader in high-performance technical soles.
There is major news in the outdoor world. Soles by MICHELIN, the undisputed reference in high-performance sole development, has announced a strategic partnership with 361°, the Chinese sportswear giant.
Globally renowned for its dominance in the basketball world—thanks to top-tier brand ambassadors like Nikola Jokić, Aaron Gordon, and Spencer Dinwiddie—361° has decided to broaden its horizons. The goal? To conquer the trail running market, bringing the same pursuit of performance from the hardwood to dirt paths.
A Technology-Driven Alliance
The result of this collaboration is the new Lingci V1, a model that marks the brand’s official entry into the trail segment. The alliance between the two companies is not just commercial, but technical: the aim is to merge Soles by MICHELIN’s engineering know-how with 361°’s production capabilities, creating advanced solutions designed (initially) for the Asian market.
Lingci V1: Designed for Long Distances
The Lingci V1 was born to answer a specific need: reliability on long runs. Whether facing muddy terrain, rocky ground, or technical trails, the shoe has been developed to support the athlete in the most complex off-road conditions.
A fundamental contribution comes from JV International—the strategic partner for the development of MICHELIN soles—which worked on a construction that is both lightweight and highly performant.
The Secret is in the Sole
For a trail runner, contact with the ground is everything. Here are the key strengths of the MICHELIN sole equipped on the Lingci V1:
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Multidirectional Traction: The tread design is engineered to guarantee grip in every direction, which is crucial for changes in slope and tight turns.
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Specific Compound: The rubber compound used has been optimized for trail running, offering superior abrasion resistance even on irregular and aggressive surfaces.
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Stability and Comfort: The structure ensures a stable foothold, reducing fatigue over long distances.
A New Chapter for Soles by MICHELIN
With the launch of the Lingci V1, Soles by MICHELIN once again confirms its role as a key technological partner for the global footwear industry. From sportswear to outdoor, and even lifestyle, the brand continues to demonstrate its ability to create “tailor-made soles” for every type of challenge.