• Founded: 2003
• Headquarters: Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
• Industry: Sporting goods
• Products: Running shoes, basketball shoes, training footwear, sportswear, accessories
• Stock Exchange: Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX: 1361)
• Global Presence: Over 60 countries and regions
• Retail Network: More than 8,000 stores and over 1,350 overseas sales points (company figures)23

361° was established in 2003 during a period of rapid growth within China’s sportswear industry. The company officially launched the 361° brand in January 2004.1

The name “361°” symbolises going one degree beyond 360°, reflecting the company’s philosophy of exceeding expectations through innovation, effort, and continuous improvement. This concept later evolved into the international slogan “One Degree Beyond”.1

A significant milestone occurred in 2009 when the company became publicly listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, securing capital for both domestic expansion and international growth.1

The core premise of the brand is that success results from applying one extra degree of effort. Its philosophy encourages athletes and general consumers to:

• Push beyond limits
• Improve through consistent effort
• Balance performance with value
• Pursue both athletic excellence and personal growth

Modern international branding centres on the tagline:

One Degree Beyond

In the Chinese market, the brand continues to emphasise the concept of “One Extra Degree of Passion”.3

361° manufactures products across several sporting categories:

Running

Running is the company’s strongest category, featuring lightweight trainers, racing shoes, and marathon footwear equipped with proprietary foam technologies such as QU!KFOAM, QU!KFLAME, and CQT Carbon Plate systems.

Basketball

361° has gained increasing recognition in basketball through signature athlete shoes and performance models designed for professional competition.

Training

This range includes cross-training shoes, gym footwear, and fitness apparel designed for everyday athletes.

Lifestyle

Casual sneakers and apparel that combine athletic technology with streetwear-inspired designs.

Children’s Products

The 361° Kids division offers sports shoes, apparel, and accessories specifically designed for children and young athletes.23

361° invests significantly in research and development and has introduced several proprietary performance technologies, including:

• QU!KFOAM – Lightweight cushioning for comfort and energy return.
• QU!KBALANCE – Stability technology for improved foot control.
• QU!KFLAME – High-energy foam designed for racing performance.
• Carbon Plate Systems (CQT) – Carbon fibre plates that improve propulsion during running.
• ENRG-X – Cushioning material aimed at maximising rebound and shock absorption.

These technologies are utilised across its premium running and basketball product lines.3

Although originally focused on the Chinese domestic market, 361° has steadily expanded internationally. The company operates or distributes products across:

• North America
• Europe
• Southeast Asia
• South America
• Middle East
• Africa

International subsidiaries have been established in markets including the United States and Europe, with additional expansion into countries such as Malaysia in recent years.23

361° has sponsored numerous international sporting events and organisations.

Olympic Games

The company supplied uniforms for volunteers and technical staff during the:

• 2016 Rio Olympic Games
• 2016 Rio Paralympic Games

This made 361° the first Chinese sportswear company to become an official supplier for an Olympic Games workforce.4

Asian Games

361° served as an official sports apparel partner for the 2022 Asian Games, supplying apparel and supporting one of Asia’s largest multi-sport events.1

National Teams

The company has supplied equipment for multiple national sports teams, including:

• Curling
• Water polo
• Triathlon
• Handball

It has also partnered with numerous National Olympic Committees worldwide.23

361° has collaborated with professional athletes across several sports. Notable ambassadors include:

• Nikola Jokić
• Aaron Gordon
• Spencer Dinwiddie
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

The company also sponsors elite marathon runners, Olympic athletes, and national team competitors in China and abroad.23

361° is widely regarded as one of China’s major sportswear companies, competing domestically with brands such as:

• ANTA Sports
• Li-Ning
• Xtep

Internationally, it competes with companies including:

• Nike
• Adidas
• ASICS
• New Balance

361° positions itself as a high-value performance brand, offering advanced sports technologies at prices generally more accessible than many global premium competitors.5

The brand has earned increasing recognition among runners and basketball players for delivering strong performance relative to price. Several modern running shoes have received positive reviews from footwear reviewers for cushioning, comfort, and racing efficiency, while its basketball shoes have gained visibility through NBA athlete endorsements.3

Like several companies in the global apparel industry, 361° has faced scrutiny regarding supply-chain labour practices in China. The company has been mentioned in discussions concerning alleged links to forced labour in the Xinjiang region. These issues have been the subject of public reporting and remain part of broader international debates about supply-chain transparency in the apparel sector.1

361° continues to expand globally whilst investing in sports science, footwear innovation, and athlete partnerships. The company has reported sustained revenue growth in recent years and remains one of the leading Chinese sportswear brands, with a strategy focused on performance technology, value, and international expansion.6

1. 361 Degrees
2. 品牌介绍 – 品牌概况 – 集团介绍 | 361°
3. Brand Introduction
4. 361 Degrees | govt.chinadaily.com.cn
5. 361 DEGREES
6. 361 Degrees International 2023 Rev CNY8.42B Vs. CNY6.96B >1361.HK