361 Flame RS Review: The Carbon Racer Nobody Is Talking About

Here are the main things to know about the 361 Flame RS after putting it through its paces. It’s a shoe that aims to bring speed to more runners without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

• The Flame RS offers a firm and responsive ride thanks to its carbon plate and PU midsole, great for fast running.
• Its upper provides a secure fit, especially in the midfoot and heel, with ample room in the forefoot.
• While it has a carbon plate, the ride is firmer and less ‘bouncy’ than some other top-tier racing shoes.
• At its US retail price, it’s a strong value proposition for a plated racing shoe.
• It’s best suited for race day or speed workouts, not necessarily for everyday easy runs due to its stiffness.

First Impressions And Upper Design

Right out of the box, the 361 Flame RS makes a statement. The colorway I tested was a bright blue and green combo that definitely catches the eye.

It feels high quality in hand, and you can tell 361 put some thought into the construction. While the brand might not be on everyone’s radar yet, especially after the success of the original Flame, the RS is designed to grab attention. It’s a lightweight, race-ready shoe that looks the part.

A Striking Aesthetic

The Flame RS has a look that screams speed. It’s not a bulky shoe by any means, but it has a sculpted midsole and a side structure that gives it a dynamic appearance. The upper is a blend of performance textiles and composites, aiming for that sweet spot between support and breathability.

It moves away from that soft, casual sneaker feel and leans into its performance role. It’s a design that’s both sleek and functional, a real speed machine aesthetic that’s pretty cool to look at. You can see some of the layered structure that contributes to its performance capabilities, similar to what you might find on other performance shoes like the Anta Shock Wave 8 Pro.

Secure Midfoot Lockdown

When you first slip your foot in, you notice the upper is a dual-layered mesh. This isn’t just for looks; it adds structure and helps secure your foot. The traditional lace system, paired with a non-gusseted tongue, might sound basic, but it works. I didn’t have any issues with the tongue shifting around during my runs.

The midfoot feels snug, thanks to overlays that really lock your foot down onto the platform. Adjusting the laces gives you a bit more room if needed, which is nice for dialing in the fit. The heel collar also provides solid support, keeping everything in place.

Comfortable And Breathable Mesh

The dual-layered mesh upper is a definite upgrade. It’s designed with plenty of perforations, which means good ventilation. This is important when you’re pushing the pace and your feet are getting warm.

While it’s structured for lockdown, it doesn’t feel overly restrictive. The forefoot has a good amount of room, not tapering too much, which is a plus for those who don’t like a cramped toe box. The toe guard is also well-executed, flexible but still offering some structure up front without being irritating. It’s a comfortable setup that allows your feet to breathe during longer efforts.

The upper construction on the Flame RS feels thoughtfully designed. It balances the need for a secure fit, especially during fast running, with the necessity of keeping your feet cool and comfortable. The dual-layer mesh is a key component here, providing structure without sacrificing breathability.

Ride Quality And Performance

A Firm Yet Responsive Midsole

The 361 Flame RS offers a ride that leans towards the firmer side, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea for easy miles. It’s not exactly plush, but that firmness really pays off when you pick up the pace.

The QU!KFLAME midsole, combined with the rigid QU!KBONE carbon plate, creates a snappy and responsive feel. It’s definitely a shoe that comes alive when you’re pushing the tempo or tackling speedwork. While it might not have a ton of give, it makes up for it with a propulsive sensation that helps you move forward efficiently.

The Impact Of The Carbon Plate

The carbon plate in the Flame RS is quite noticeable. It’s rigid and contributes significantly to the shoe’s firm ride, but it also provides that essential stiffness for a super shoe.

This rigidity, coupled with an aggressive heel bevel and toe spring, really helps with transitions. You feel a distinct push towards toe-off, making faster running feel more natural and less taxing. It’s designed to get you moving, and it does that job well when you’re running at race pace or faster.

Transitioning Through The Stride

Transitioning through the stride in the Flame RS is a pretty quick affair, thanks to that aggressive geometry. The heel bevel and the pronounced toe spring work together to guide your foot forward rapidly. This design is particularly effective when you’re running fast.

At slower paces, you might find the aggressive toe spring a bit much, almost like it’s pulling you forward a little too eagerly. However, for its intended purpose, speed work and racing, this quick transition is a definite plus.

It feels like the shoe is helping you along, making each stride feel more dynamic. It’s a shoe that encourages you to run fast, and it makes that feel pretty good. If you’re looking for a shoe that feels fast, this is certainly one to consider, especially when compared to other plated options like the Asics Magic Speed 3.

The combination of the firm midsole and the rigid carbon plate means this shoe is best suited for faster running. While you can use it for easy runs, it doesn’t feel like the most comfortable or efficient use of its capabilities. Save it for when you want to go fast.

Here’s a quick look at how the ride feels:

• Firmness: Noticeably firm, not soft or plush.
• Responsiveness: High, especially at faster paces.
• Propulsion: Strong forward-driving feel due to the plate and geometry.
• Transition: Quick and aggressive, best suited for tempo and race efforts.

Comparing The Flame RS To Competitors

Alright, let’s talk about how the 361 Flame RS stacks up against some other shoes you might be considering. It’s always good to know where a shoe fits in the grand scheme of things, right?

Flame RS Versus Asics Magic Speed 3

When you put the Flame RS next to the Asics Magic Speed 3, they feel pretty similar in terms of how much shoe is underfoot. The Flame RS has a bit more stack height, but the Magic Speed 3 uses a different foam that feels a bit bouncier, even though it’s also firm.

The Flame RS is definitely firmer and feels a bit harsher on the road. Both shoes come in at the same price point in the US, which is nice. However, the Magic Speed 3 is lighter and feels more forgiving. It also has a full carbon plate, just like the RS. Honestly, if I had to pick one for more versatility, I’d lean towards the Magic Speed 3. It’s almost as fast but gives you a bit more bang for your buck in terms of how you can use it.

Flame RS Versus Asics Metaspeed Edge+

Now, the Asics Metaspeed Edge+ is a different beast altogether. It’s got a higher heel stack and uses a foam that’s way more dynamic and bouncy. Plus, it’s lighter.

For me, the Edge+ is the shoe I’d grab for most races these days. It’s just a superior shoe in my opinion. That said, the Flame RS really shines when you look at its price. It’s a solid alternative if you’re looking for a plated racer without breaking the bank. I still enjoy running in the RS, but for a race day shoe, I’d probably look elsewhere if I had the choice.

Flame RS Versus Its Predecessor

Compared to the original 361 Flame, the RS model has seen some updates, especially to the upper. The fit and lockdown feel better this time around, which is a definite plus.

The actual ride quality, though? It’s pretty much the same. The original Flame was a great shoe, and honestly, the whole super shoe market has just gotten so much better over the last couple of years. While the RS is still a formidable shoe, especially for its price, you can tell that R&D has moved forward quite a bit since the first version came out.

It’s still a fantastic value for a plated racing shoe, but maybe not the cutting-edge option it once was. If you’re looking for a solid shoe for speed work or race day up to a half marathon, it still holds its own. You can find out more about the Li-Ning Feidian 6 Elite if you’re curious about other options in this space.

Durability And Traction

When you’re shelling out for a performance shoe, you want it to last, right? Nobody wants to see their investment wear out after just a few runs. Thankfully, the 361 Flame RS seems to be built with longevity in mind, which is a nice change of pace from some other racers out there.

Outsole Rubber For Grip

The outsole on the Flame RS is pretty solid. It uses a good amount of rubber in key areas, and I found it gripped well on both dry and wet pavement. I even took these out on some light, packed-down trails, and they held up without any major issues.

It’s not a trail shoe, obviously, but for road running, even in less-than-ideal weather, you should feel pretty secure. The rubber seems to be holding up well, too. After about 35 miles, there’s barely any visible wear, which is a good sign for how many miles you can expect to get out of these.

Longevity Of The Midsole Foam

This is where the Flame RS really shines compared to some competitors. Many carbon-plated racers start to feel a bit dead after around 100 miles, but that hasn’t been the case here. The QU!KFLAME midsole foam is holding its structure and responsiveness.

Even after putting some miles on them, the ride hasn’t changed much, which means you’re likely to get a lot more use out of this shoe than you might expect. This is a big plus, especially considering the price point. It means you’re not just buying a shoe for a single race; you’re getting a durable trainer that can handle a lot of workouts and races.

For a shoe that feels this firm, it’s impressive how well the foam is maintaining its integrity. It makes you wonder if this is the direction more shoe companies should be heading with their performance models, offering more miles for your money.

The combination of a durable outsole and a midsole that doesn’t break down quickly makes the 361 Flame RS a smart choice for runners looking for value. It’s not just about speed; it’s about having a shoe that can keep up with your training week after week.

Fit And Sizing Considerations

When it comes to getting the right fit, especially in a performance shoe like the 361 Flame RS, it’s pretty important. You don’t want anything rubbing or feeling too tight when you’re trying to hit your paces.

Generous Forefoot Room

One thing that stands out is the amount of space in the forefoot. If you’ve got wider feet or just prefer a bit more wiggle room up front, you’ll probably appreciate this.

It means your toes aren’t getting squished together, which can be a real problem on longer runs. This extra room can make a big difference in comfort, especially when your feet swell up during a race. It’s nice to see a shoe that doesn’t feel overly narrow.

Secure Heel And Midfoot

While the front is roomy, the shoe does a good job of keeping your heel and midfoot locked down. The upper materials and lacing system work together to hold your foot in place without feeling restrictive. This is key for stability, especially when you’re picking up the pace or making quick turns. You want to feel connected to the shoe, not like your foot is sliding around inside.

Potential For Sockless Wear

Because the interior of the Flame RS is pretty smooth and comfortable, some runners might even consider wearing them sockless. The materials used in the upper are soft and don’t seem like they’d cause irritation.

Of course, this really depends on personal preference and how your feet react, but the potential is there for those who like that feeling. If you’re thinking about it, maybe try a short run first to see how it goes. For more tips on shoe care and fit, you can check out this guide on cleaning running shoes.

The combination of a spacious forefoot and a secure midfoot/heel creates a fit that’s adaptable to different foot shapes. It manages to feel accommodating without sacrificing the lockdown needed for performance running.

Value Proposition

When you look at the 361 Flame RS, it really stands out as a solid option if you’re trying to get into the super shoe game without completely emptying your wallet. It’s not the absolute cheapest shoe out there, but considering what you get, the price point is pretty attractive. This shoe offers a compelling blend of performance features typically found in more expensive models.

Affordable Racing Option

Compared to some of the top-tier racing shoes from major brands, the Flame RS comes in at a significantly lower price. This makes it a great choice for runners who want to experience the benefits of a carbon-plated shoe for speed work or race day but are working with a tighter budget.

It’s a shoe that lets you chase those personal bests without the usual financial commitment. You get a responsive ride and a propulsive feel that can genuinely help you pick up the pace.

Australian Retail Price Discrepancy

It’s worth noting that pricing can sometimes be a bit confusing, especially when looking at different regions. For instance, while the shoe might be priced competitively in the US, there have been reports of a noticeable difference in the Australian market.

Sometimes, you might find it on sale for around $130 USD, which is a steal. However, keeping an eye out for deals is always a good idea, especially if you’re in a region where the initial price might seem a bit higher. Checking with various retailers could save you a good chunk of change, maybe even enough to cover some new running socks or a post-run recovery drink.

Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up against some other popular options, keeping price in mind:

While the Flame RS might not have all the bells and whistles of the most expensive super shoes, it punches well above its weight class. It provides a fast, energetic ride that’s perfect for tempo runs and 5k/10k races. For longer distances, you might prefer something a bit softer, but for its intended purpose and price, it’s hard to beat.

It’s a shoe that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a taste of racing performance. The focus on stability and a firm, responsive feel means it’s a reliable partner for pushing your limits, much like how some are looking at hydrogen as a potential, albeit challenging, energy solution for the future hydrogen’s potential.

Ultimately, the 361 Flame RS is a smart buy for runners looking for a performance shoe that doesn’t break the bank. It’s a testament to how far affordable racing technology has come.

Conclusion

So, is the 361 Flame RS fast enough for race day? For many runners, especially those looking for a more budget-friendly option in the super shoe market, the answer is likely yes.

It offers a firm, responsive ride with a noticeable pop from the carbon plate, making it suitable for speed work and races up to a half marathon. However, if you prefer a softer feel or are looking for the absolute latest in shoe technology, you might find other options more appealing.

The Flame RS stands out as a solid contender, especially considering its price point, but it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as some of its more expensive competitors. It’s a good shoe, a very good shoe even, but perhaps not the game-changer some were hoping for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 361 Flame RS good for beginners?

Yes, it can be! If you’re just starting with shoes that have a carbon plate, the Flame RS offers a firm but stable ride. It might feel a bit stiff at first, but it helps you learn to run faster. Just maybe don’t use it for every single run when you’re starting out.

How does the Flame RS compare to the original 361 Flame?

The RS version has an updated upper for a better fit and lockdown compared to the original. The ride quality is pretty similar, still firm and responsive, but the RS feels a bit more polished overall.

Can I wear the 361 Flame RS for a marathon?

You certainly can! Many runners find it works well for half marathons and even full marathons. Its main job is to help you run faster and save energy, which is exactly what you want on race day. Just make sure you’ve broken them in a bit first.

Is the shoe comfortable for long runs?

It’s designed more for speed than plush comfort. While it’s fine for races, some runners find it a bit too firm for very long, easy training runs. It really shines when you’re picking up the pace.

What makes this shoe different from other racing shoes?

The big difference is often the price. The Flame RS gives you a carbon plate and a fast feel for less money than many other top racing shoes. It’s a bit firmer than some, which some runners like for stability.

Does the Flame RS have good grip?

Yes, it has rubber on the outsole, especially in the front part of the shoe. This gives you good traction, so you don’t have to worry about slipping, even when you’re running fast or on slightly wet surfaces.