361 AG 5 Summary
Aaron Gordon’s 5th signature with 361 is packed full of performance goodies, and, for $130, it might be the best bang-for-your-buck basketball shoe of 2024-25.
Release Date: 2024
Price: $130
Pros:
- Elite performance features
- Competitive pricing
- Super versatile
Cons:
- Non-premium materials
361 AG 5 Show
Aaron Gordon‘s signature line with 361 has been surprisingly great and consistent since it was launched back in 2020. All of his main signatures have been above-average performers on court, and even his secondary signature shoes, like the 361 AG Zen 3 have been super solid. So, expectations were high here at WearTesters when these came in for testing.
Right off the bat, before even playing with these on court, you can tell the care and attention to detail that 361 put into designing this shoe. The AG 5 retails for a very reasonable $130, and, at that price, you are getting a ton of value for your money. 361 packed the AG 5 with all of its best on-court performance technology, which is something you see less and less from major sneaker brands on the market today. Without considering anything else, this is already a big point in favor of the AG 5.
361 AG 5 Review
361 AG 5 Traction: Durability and Versatility
One of the most notable features of the AG 5 is its decoupled outsole, which is reminiscent of the legendary Air Jordan 28 and 29. This design allows for greater flexibility and improved motion control. The rubber compound feels tough and durable, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor play. And that rubber is etched with a radial-style traction pattern that offers great multidirectional coverage.
The one issue the traction on the AG 5 might run into is picking up dust. The rubber of the sole is tacky, and there isn’t much space between the lines of the traction pattern, which is usually a recipe for a good debris magnet. This won’t be a huge issue, however, since it would just require you to clean the sole from time to time. In general, the AG 5 should offer very solid traction on court and be tough enough to handle any playing surface with ease.
361 AG 5 Cushion: Triple-Density Setup
Cushioning on the AG 5 is wacky — in a good way. It boasts a triple-density setup that enhances performance and comfort and is super impressive, especially considering the price of the shoe. The shoe is halfway between being a squishy, impact protection-heavy big-man shoe, and a reactive, low-profile guard shoe.
In the forefoot of the shoe, we have 361’s ENRG-X foam, which is bouncy and low to the ground — perfect for guards who prioritize court feel and agility. In the heel, the setup is much more plush and combines a black, unnamed carrier foam and a puck of 361’s CQTEXTREM3 (or EXTREM3) foam, providing a springy, impact-absorbing ride seemingly intended for bigger more powerful players. It almost feels like this shoe is designed specifically to assist you with your jumping mechanics.
361 AG 5 Materials: Functional and Efficient
As far as upper materials are concerned, there is nothing premium on the shoe, but everything does its job well on court. The blend of textiles, hot-melt overlays, and fuse construction ensures lightweight performance without sacrificing support or containment. Clearly, most of the budget for this shoe went into the other features, but the overall build is not lacking in any way. A standout detail is the toe cap, which offers additional durability for frequent toe drags.
We have a synthetic toe cap for added containment in that area of the shoe and a portion of “cat-tongue” material in the interior of the heel to prevent heel slippage. Again, nothing special, just a thoughtful design all around.
361 AG 5 Support: Stability Without Compromise
Support is superb, and, if you take into account the price of the AG 5, it just might be the best shoe on the market as far as this performance feature goes. The shoe is equipped with 3 important support features. First off, we have a TPU chassis that spikes up at the midfoot and wraps around the entire heel of the shoe. This will provide excellent lateral support and act as an external heel counter as well.
Then, integrated within the shoe’s midsole, we have a full-length, carbon fiber plate. This plate extends towards the forefoot and heel of the shoe and acts as a torsional plate and a spring plate as well. Finally, we have a substantial TPU bridge at the midfoot of the shoe that unites the 2 portions of the decoupled outsole. Despite these robust support features, the AG 5 remains flexible and springy in the forefoot, making it ideal for players who demand both freedom of movement and secure lockdown. A very interesting setup indeed.
361 AG 5 Fit
The AG 5 fits true-to-size, accommodating most players’ standard fit preferences. It features (as we mentioned) a padded Achilles pillow with a cat’s tongue texture, reducing slippage and ensuring a snug fit around the heel. The midfoot lockdown is enhanced by the lacing system and supportive overlays. So, go with whatever size you usually wear in other brands, and you will be good to go.
361 AG 5 Overall
If what you are looking for in a basketball shoe is elite performance, thoughtful, innovative design, and a reasonable price, you really should consider a shoe like this. Many major sneaker brands (Nike and Jordan, in particular) don’t offer nearly the same level of performance or tech at any price point. So, at the moment, if you are looking for the best of the best, you need to be looking at brands like 361.
The AG 5 is easily the best bang-for-your-buck basketball shoe currently on the market, and it’s as versatile as a shoe can be. The AG 5 is also packed with more tech than anything you will find in almost any other brand. And its detailed design, its mid-tier pricing, and its ability to handle outdoor use put most modern hoop shoes to shame. The AG 5 proves that you can mass-produce a great, tough basketball shoe brimming with tech that most consumers can actually afford.
Take notes, Nike.
