The 361 Flame 4.5 sits at the very top of the Flame lineup, and it carries that flagship feel from the first step. Earlier versions of this shoe have already proven themselves on the marathon stage across Asia, and this update continues to target experienced runners who are fully comfortable with carbon-plated rides. It now feels more dialed-in and more secure than before, helped by a snug, race-day fit and the addition of a rear pull tab that makes entry easier without compromising lockdown.
Compared to the Flame 4.5 Mix, this shoe leans harder into performance. There’s more carbon plate underfoot here, and you can feel that extra stiffness and propulsion right away. The updated mesh upper is not only more breathable, but also uses stronger yarns, giving it a more confidence-inspiring feel when running fast. Underfoot, the midsole foam is softer than in previous versions, yet it delivers better side-to-side support, so the shoe feels controlled even when you’re pushing the pace.
I feel the arch support working in the background, though it’s less pronounced than in the 4.5 Mix, which makes this version feel more aggressive and race focused. The compression and rebound are noticeably improved, boosting comfort at speed, but at slower paces, it doesn’t feel as forgiving or relaxed as its plated daily trainer sibling.
I’ve already logged 30K in this shoe, and in this review, I’ll break down everything about the 361 Flame 4.5 and tell you more about the fit, ride and performance, and durability, so you know exactly what to expect before lacing it up.
Table of Contents
- Key Specs + Infographic
- Ride & Performance
- Midsole & Plate Feel
- Upper & Fit
- Outsole & Durability
- Who Should Buy the 361 Flame 4.5
- Final Thoughts
- 361 Flame 4.5 FAQs
Key Specs + Infographic
- Support: Neutral
- Weight: 8.2 oz
- Stack Height: 36/30 mm
- Heel-to-toe Drop: 6 mm
- Midsole: Qu!kFLAMECQT (FLAMECQT)
- Plate: Qu!kBONE DYNAM!C Carbon-fiber Plate
- Upper: C!LK(Carbon Silk)
- Outsole: Flat RPU
- Category: Racing Shoe
- Price: $170 at 361
Ride & Performance
The 361 Flame 4.5 clearly isn’t built for cruising. This shoe comes alive once the pace increases to around 5:00 per kilometer and feels most natural when I push faster. That’s where it finds its rhythm—smooth, controlled, and eager to go harder. At easier speeds, it feels restrained and noticeably awkward, but once you’re moving with intent, the shoe finally makes sense.
Stability has improved compared to earlier versions, thanks to the reinforced midsole foam that feels denser and more resistant to deformation. For runners with ankle instability, that added structure can be a real benefit. As an overpronator, this works in my favor, and I actually finish long runs feeling fresher than when I’m in the Li-Ning FEIDIAN 5. That said, the extra weight and density won’t appeal to everyone, and I can see why some runners prefer using this strictly as a tempo shoe rather than their primary marathon racer.
At speed, the Qu!kFLAMECQT (FLAMECQT) midsole really shines. Transitions feel smooth and predictable, and the rocker geometry is more pronounced, creating a strong, explosive toe-off. It works best if you land on the midfoot or forefoot. Trying to force a heel strike feels awkward and unnatural.
On paper, the numbers suggest improved responsiveness and energy return, but in my runs, the rebound didn’t feel different from the previous model. With a 36/30 mm stack height and a 6 mm drop, the ride is still soft, comfortable, and well protected, especially when running fast and staying on your toes.
Midsole & Plate Feel
The Qu!kBONE DYNAM!C carbon-fiber plate immediately feels more aggressive and noticeably firmer than the CARBONDOME plate in the Flame 4.5 Mix. I can feel that extra rigidity the moment I pick up the pace. It’s clearly tuned for racing rather than daily training. The Qu!kFLAMECQT (FLAMECQT) midsole foam follows the same philosophy, sitting on the firmer side to deliver a quicker, more direct response underfoot compared to its plated trainer sibling.
That said, the firmness doesn’t come at the expense of long-run comfort. Over distance, the midsole remains supportive and surprisingly accommodating, and on my second run it even felt like it started to adapt to my stride and soften slightly. Turnover feels quick and efficient, and when I push to full speed, the shoe never feels like it’s holding me back or collapsing under load.
As an overpronator, this setup works especially well for me. I already rely on strong legs, so what I need most is stability and solid arch support, and the Flame 4.5 delivers both without draining my legs over long distances. Build quality is another strong point. The 361 Degrees brand consistently uses premium materials and based on how this midsole holds its shape and structure, I expect it to comfortably last at least 250 miles without losing its form or performance.
Upper & Fit
The upper on the 361 Flame 4.5 feels more race-focused than the Flame 4.5 Mix. The mesh is far more breathable than the jacquard mesh used on the Mix, and it’s so thin that you can literally see the color of your socks through it. Despite that airy construction, it still feels premium, and 361 Degrees’ claim of using stronger yarns makes sense once you handle it in person.
Fit is dialed in for racing. The design is streamlined with a snug, locked-in feel through the midfoot, but it still gives you a comfortably roomy toe box. I went true to size, and the fit was excellent, though I did notice the shoe runs slightly longer than what I’m used to, just over 5 mm by my estimate. For my medium-width foot, the width is spot on, so that extra length never became an issue once I started running.
There isn’t much padding in the heel counter, but it’s stiffer at the back, which adds structure. The midfoot lockdown is excellent and secure. The tongue is super thin and highly breathable, and it’s not gusseted, which I actually prefer in a racing shoe. In my experience, gusseted tongues in racers often fold at the sides and are harder to adjust, especially with thicker socks. Here, the upper wraps the foot like a second skin, and even on long runs in hot conditions, breathability and overall comfort remain consistently strong.
Outsole & Durability
Grip has been consistently excellent for me, both on dry pavement and wet roads. The rubber coverage is placed exactly where it needs to be, covering all the key contact points without adding unnecessary bulk. I never felt unsure of my footing, even when pushing the pace on slightly damp surfaces, which is exactly what I want from a race-focused shoe.
The outsole rubber is about as thick as what you get on the Flame 4.5 Mix, but it feels noticeably tougher and slightly grippier underfoot. It gives off a more durable, race-ready feel, especially when cornering or loading the shoe at faster speeds. So far, wear is nonexistent, and the rubber looks like it can handle repeated hard efforts without breaking down too quickly.
Through the center, the midsole exposes the Qu!kBONE DYNAM!C plate, which helps with weight savings and gives the shoe a clean, aggressive look. The trade-off is that this area is more vulnerable to sharp rocks or debris, which could potentially damage the plate if you’re not careful. I’m realistic about carbon-plated shoes not lasting as long as traditional trainers, but based on the build quality here, I’m expecting a solid 300 miles before the Flame 4.5 starts to lose its structure or performance.
Who Should Buy the 361 Flame 4.5
The 361 Flame 4.5 is a high-performance carbon-plated race shoe that shines at faster paces and on race day. If you’re an experienced runner comfortable with aggressive plated footwear, this shoe delivers a responsive, stable, and efficient ride that rewards intent and speed. But it’s not for everyone, and knowing that will help you decide if it deserves a place in your rotation.
Who Should Buy the 361 Flame 4.5
- Runners targeting fast finish times. This shoe excels at tempo and race paces, especially around 5:00/km or faster, thanks to a firm plate and efficient foam.
- Experienced racers comfortable with firmer rides. If you’re accustomed to performance-oriented carbon plates and want a confident feel at speed, this is a great fit.
- Midfoot/forefoot strikers. The rocker geometry and plate design reward non-heel strikes and make transitions smooth at pace.
- Overpronators who need stability. The reinforced midsole structure and lockdown fit offer dependable support without excess fatigue.
- Heat and wet-road runners. Breathable mesh and excellent outsole grip make this shoe reliable in a variety of conditions.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the 361 Flame 4.5
- Runners who prefer slow, easy runs. It doesn’t feel comfortable at easy paces; the ride feels too firm and reactive for recovery or casual runs.
- Those seeking plush everyday comfort. Compared to daily trainers or plated trainer hybrids, the Flame 4.5’s density and stiffness might feel harsh over extended easy efforts.
- Heel strikers looking for forgiveness. This shoe doesn’t favor heavy heel landings. It feels awkward and less efficient when you’re not on your midfoot or forefoot.
If your goal is to sharpen your race performance and you’re ready for a firm, responsive, and stable plated ride, the Flame 4.5 is worth serious consideration. But if everyday comfort and slow paces matter more, you’ll be happier with a different trainer or a plated daily option.
Final Thoughts
After putting meaningful miles on the 361 Flame 4.5, it’s clear this shoe has a distinct purpose: go fast and stay confident while doing it. When you hit tempo and race paces, the ride feels deliberate — firm underfoot, stable through transitions, and eager to carry you forward. The aggressive plate and refined midsole deliver a propulsion that rewards intent, and the secure fit makes you feel locked in even under strain. For runners who thrive on performance-focused gear and value structure as much as speed, this shoe is a strong contender.
That focus, however, is also what limits its versatility. At slower paces, the Flame 4.5 feels firm and less accommodating, which means it won’t replace your daily trainer or recovery shoe. It’s a tool optimized for sharper efforts, and if that aligns with your training and race goals, it performs admirably. In the end, this is a race-day instrument first, and for runners who want that edge on race morning, it’s a shoe worth considering.
361 Flame 4.5 FAQs
Here are the most common questions runners ask about the 361 Flame 4.5, answered based on real-world testing and experience. Whether you’re comparing it to other carbon-plated shoes or deciding if it fits your training goals, these FAQs cover fit, performance, durability, and more.
1. What kind of runner is the Flame 4.5 best for?
The Flame 4.5 is ideal for experienced runners who are comfortable with carbon-plated shoes and want a responsive, stable race-day performer. It works especially well for midfoot or forefoot strikers at tempo and faster paces.
2. Can I use the Flame 4.5 for daily training?
While the shoe is stable and comfortable over distance, its firmer foam and aggressive plate make it less suited for easy runs or recovery days. Most runners will prefer a dedicated trainer for everyday mileage.
3. How does the fit compare to the Flame 4.5 Mix?
The fit is snug and race-ready, with a roomy toe box and secure midfoot. I went true to size and found it excellent, though the shoe runs slightly longer than typical trainers. Width is true-to-size for medium feet.
4. Does the Flame 4.5 feel comfortable at slow paces?
Not particularly. It comes alive at around 5:00/km and faster, but at slower paces it feels firmer and less forgiving than daily trainers or plated trainers like the Flame 4.5 Mix.
5. How durable is the outsole?
Outsole grip is excellent in both dry and wet conditions, and the rubber feels tougher and grippier than the Flame 4.5 Mix. Based on early wear, I’d expect solid durability through around 300 miles before noticeable degradation.
6. Is the carbon plate stiff?
Yes. The Qu!kBONE DYNAM!C carbon-fiber plate feels firmer and more aggressive than the CARBONDOME plate in the Flame 4.5 Mix, which translates to quicker responses and a more race-focused feel.
7. How breathable is the upper?
Very breathable. The mesh is thin and airy, you can see your sock color through it, yet it still feels durable and premium. Even on long runs in warm weather, heat buildup hasn’t been an issue.
8. How does it handle wet roads?
Grip is strong on both dry and wet pavement, and traction feels reliable when pushing the pace in varying conditions.
9. Does this shoe help with stability and overpronation?
Yes, the reinforced midsole and firm structure provide a stable platform, which has worked well for me as an overpronator, especially on longer efforts.
10. What’s the stack height and ride feel?
With a 36/30 mm stack and a 6 mm drop, the ride feels soft and protected for a race shoe but firmer than a daily trainer. It balances cushioning and responsiveness for sustained fast running.
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