361° Flame 3 Review
When it comes to high-performance running shoes, 361° Sports has built a reputation for creating innovative footwear that delivers both comfort and performance. But did you know 361° also makes amazing performance running shoes? Let’s check it out by introducing the 361° Flame 3 in the “Miro” colorway, a super lightweight shoe designed for training and marathon running. Weighing in at just 228 grams in a size 9, the shoe packs advanced technology from the 361° laboratory while still maintaining an impressive lightweight feel.
With a sleek and modern design, the 361° Flame 3 doesn’t just look good—it performs. The upper is constructed from durable, fully breathable C!LK (Carbon Silk) mesh, offering excellent airflow to keep your feet fresh throughout your sessions. Reinforced welded TPU strips on the toe guard, lace holes, and the silver 361° logo ensure secure foot containment. The addition of edge-rated lockdown laces enhances fit and avoids distractions, with a recommendation to lace all the way up for added heel lock, especially since the laces run long. Memory foam in the ankle collar further adds to the lockdown and comfort, rounding out a thoughtfully designed upper.
Key specifications:
Brand: 361°
Model: Flame 3
Weight: 8 oz. (228 g) for US 9 model
Heel: 36 mm
Toe: 30 mm
Heel drop: 6 mm
Carbon plate: Qu!kBONE DYNAM!C carbon-fiber plate
Cushioning & Ride
Amount of cushioning: Moderate cushioning
Purpose: Daily training, long-distance running, and half marathon races
Price of 361° Flame 3
Price: $238 CAD
Upper
The upper of the 361° Flame 3 is built using C!LK (Carbon Silk) technology, designed for excellent breathability and lightness. This mesh material ensures that your feet stay cool, even during long and intense running sessions. Reinforced welded TPU strips in key areas like the toe guard and lace holes add durability and secure foot containment, while the memory foam padding in the ankle collar provides both lockdown and comfort. For those needing a secure fit, the edge-rated lockdown laces help avoid distractions, and lacing all the way up offers additional heel lock for a snug feel during long runs.
Midsole
The Qu!kFLAMECQT midsole is where the magic happens. Designed for springiness and cushioning, this super lightweight yet responsive foam delivers a smooth, natural heel-to-toe transition, whether you’re walking or running. The Qu!kBONE DYNAM!C carbon-fiber plate further enhances torsional stability and energy return, offering customized support and rigidity where it’s needed most. This midsole construction is ideal for long-distance runs, helping to reduce fatigue by providing energy-efficient propulsion.
It’s worth noting that these shoes require a breaking-in period. Initially, the 361° Flame 3 might feel stiff on your first few runs, but as you put more kilometers into them, the shoes start to soften and the bounce really begins to shine. By the time I reached 20-25 km in these shoes, they had become much more comfortable and responsive. So, don’t expect the best performance on your first run—give them time to break in, and soon you’ll find they deliver that much-needed bounce and support.
Outsole
The RPU outsole of the 361° Flame 3 is thin yet effective. The 3D patterns on the outsole ensure stability and slip resistance, while the durable rubber compound grips well on most surfaces, from daily training routes to more demanding race terrains. Despite its thinness, the RPU outsole is built to last, providing strong traction and stability without adding unnecessary weight to the shoe.
Pros
- Springy energy return
- Highly breathable
- Budget-friendly for the features
Cons
- Needs a break-in period
- Limited arch support for longer runs
Verdict
The 361° Flame 3 in the “Miro” colorway stands out as a well-rounded, high-performance running shoe designed for both daily training and half marathon races. Weighing just 228 grams, this shoe combines advanced tech, such as the Qu!kFLAMECQT midsole for superior cushioning and energy return, the Qu!kBONE DYNAM!C carbon-fiber plate for support and propulsion, and the lightweight C!LK (Carbon Silk) mesh upper for breathability. With a brief breaking-in period, you’ll soon find the 361° Flame 3 delivers comfort and bounce for long-distance running. While it may not be the perfect marathon shoe, it’s a solid option for shorter distances and everyday use. For full marathons, you can check out the 361° Miro Nude, designed specifically for marathon performance.
