Breaking Down the Differences Between the ASICS GEL-QUANTUM 360 7 and 360 8
The series has forged a reputation for being a flawless everyday sneaker ever since its debut in 2015. Known for visible full-length GEL midsoles and the ability to switch between both monochromatic colourways and technicolour mash-ups, the GEL-QUANTUM 360 is somewhat of a cult model. It blurs the line between lifestyle and sport and delivers supreme comfort.
This month, ASICS will release the latest variation of the series: the GEL-QUANTUM 360 8. With GRs landing imminently, the first glimpse ASICS shared of their newest GEL-QUANTUM was through February's .
There’s usually only slight changes to the construction of each GEL-QUANTUM 360 in the series, but the latest version is kitted with plenty of tweaks when compared to its predecessor. While spotting these variations is often reserved for the diehards, we’ve gone ahead and done the work for you – it’s time to break down the differences between the ASICS GEL-QUANTUM 360 7 and 360 8 ahead of their launch at .
Sole Specs
The ASICS GEL-QUANTUM series is known for visible and in-your-face GEL sole units, and with each new variation, ASICS continue to make the 360-degrees of GEL even bigger. The midsoles of both the 7 and 8 remain at a similar height; however, the newest edition boasts a bulkier GEL insert that is crafted using the brand's new DIVISION SPACE tech. Previous iterations have featured clear dividers between multiple ‘blocks’ of GEL that form the midsole, but the newest edition’s sole is a solid block of the brand’s signature tech. The midsole of the GEL-QUANTUM 8 gives off a sleeker lifestyle look, as opposed to the 7’s sporty vibe.
Size Matters
When compared top-down with the naked eye, both models look to be exactly the same, but when we measured each toe box, the 7 was slightly smaller and slimmer than its sibling. Compared side-by-side, the rounded edges increase the size and bulk of the 8, and the protruding heel panel also adds some length. The latter of which has been built using ASICS' TRUSSTIC technology, providing stability and dynamic appearance. The GEL-QUANTUM 8's new construction is a far cry from its many predecessor’s slimline build.
Proportionate Panelling
For almost a decade, ASICS GEL-QUANTUM models have stood at the forefront of the sport style phenomenon thanks to their play on panels and materials. The first few iterations led the way with knit and mesh fabrics; however, the recent versions have pushed a more technical look, hosting synthetic overlay panels. The GEL-QUANTUM 7 opts for a geometric situation, with distinctive panelling that exudes assertive energy, on both the standard and knit variants of the 7. The GEL-QUANTUM 8, however, chooses a rounded, lifestyle look. To craft the upper, ASICS reimagined this pair with 5D printed details that resemble shapes found in the natural environment. The panel construction is still the same as many of its predecessors, but the placement and colour-blocking is reminiscent of ASICS’ 2010 runner aesthetic, similar to models like the GT-2160. This shift makes sense for ASICS, as the technical runner style is zipping through the zeitgeist, especially on TikTok.
Brash Branding
ASICS’ GEL-QUANTUM 360 series is almost ten years old and is an iconic part of the brand’s identity. That said, the past versions of the 360 haven’t brandished the GEL-QUANTUM name until now – the newest edition rocks GEL-QUANTUM 360 along the tongue and heel. This shift may have to do with the slew of collaborations conducted with Bulgarian designer Kiko Kostadinov. He's made the QUANTUM name known among fashion's elite circles using collaborative models such as the GEL-QUANTUM Lylia and GEL-QUANTUM Zientzia. Interestingly, this will be the first time that ASICS have used the GEL-QUANTUM's full-name branding since 2021's GEL-QUANTUM 360 4.
The Small Stuff
Breaking down the differences wouldn’t be complete without going through the smallest details that’ve changed. First are the eyestays: on the QUANTUM 7, ASICS have chosen straight lines, while the 8 employs zig-zagged panels. Another small detail shift is the FF BLAST tech branding the GEL-QUANTUM series is known for. On the 8, this sits on the medial forefoot midsole rather than the outsole, and it hosts 20 per cent biomass content extracted from sugarcane. This eco-friendly cushioning is all new for the ASICS brand, and it provides a softer landing and contains more foam than the regular FF BLAST tech. Another noteworthy change is to the outsole of the GEL-QUANTUM 8, which features a different tread, as well as a plastic panel addition to the lower midfoot area. Finally, while there's a big 'GEL' logo on the lateral heel of the 7, there’s no such standalone branding on the 8.
The ASICS GEL-QUANTUM line has been a cult favourite since its release in 2015, especially the 360 variant, and each build just keeps getting better. You can cop the on March 8 Subscribe to our Newsletter!