361 Flame 4  Running Shoe Review

Reviewed Jan 14, 2026 at 11:52am
Test bench update Jun 30, 2026 at 12:24pm
Tested using Methodology v0.12 
361 Flame 4

Track

8.2
Half/Full Marathon Racing 
7.6
5K/10K Racing 
7.8
Long Run 
6.3
Daily Training 

Track

 1

We've tested these running shoes to expand our database and allow users to compare results to help with their buying decisions. We don't expect to write a full review, but if you have any questions about this product, please let us know.

Our Verdict

8.2
Half/Full Marathon Racing 
7.6
5K/10K Racing 
7.8
Long Run 
6.3
Daily Training 
  • 8.2
    Half/Full Marathon Racing
  • 7.6
    5K/10K Racing
  • 7.8
    Long Run
  • 6.3
    Daily Training
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Jun 30, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.12, which fixes how we measure firmness, a component of the Stability and 5K/10K Racing usages. There may be inconsistencies between the text and the scores for these usages, but the scores should still be considered valid. We've also brought back the Energy Return score and added two new usages: Daily Training and Long Run. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
    2.  Updated Jun 30, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.11, adding two new rocker measurements to the Design section, and three new responsiveness tests to the Performance section. The Energy Return usage score has been replaced with Responsiveness. Check out the details in our changelog.
    3.  Updated Jun 17, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.10, adding a new set of fit tests to the Design section and an overall fit performance usage. Check out the details in our changelog.
    4.  Updated Apr 13, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
    How We Test Running Shoes
    How We Test Running Shoes

    We buy and test running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes so team members can log in miles. This real-world testing is conducted at various paces and conditions, across different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    8.0

    Energy Return

    8.1
    Forefoot Compression Energy Return
    Forefoot Energy Return
    81.5%
    7.9
    Heel Compression Energy Return
    Heel Energy Return
    80.2%
    8.4

    Responsiveness

    8.5
    Forefoot Bending Energy Return
    Forefoot Bending Energy Return
    75.4%
    9.0
    Forefoot Bending Stiffness
    Forefoot Bending Stiffness
    30.1 N/mm
    Forefoot Bending Force
    434 N
    8.3
    Forefoot Rocker Geometry
    Toe Spring
    60 mm (2.4")
    Toe Apex Position
    60.1%
    Forefoot Rocker Angle
    28.6°
    8.4
    Rocker Stiffness
    Force To Flatten The Rocker
    139 N
    8.5

    Cushioning

    7.9
    Heel Cushioning
    Energy Absorbed At 550N
    3.89 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1100N
    9.75 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1900N
    15.37 J
    9.0
    Forefoot Cushioning
    Energy Absorbed At 800N
    5.57 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1300N
    10.14 J
    Energy Absorbed At 2050N
    15.58 J
    6.2

    Stability

    External Shape
    Outsole Heel Width
    85 mm (3.3")
    Outsole Arch Width
    65 mm (2.6")
    Outsole Forefoot Width
    112 mm (4.4")
    Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
    2.19
    Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
    3.37
    7.3
    Heel Firmness
    Firmness At 550N
    39.2 N/mm
    Firmness At 1100N
    51.0 N/mm
    Firmness At 1900N
    74.6 N/mm
    5.9
    Forefoot Firmness
    Firmness At 800N
    50.3 N/mm
    Firmness At 1300N
    63.8 N/mm
    Firmness At 2050N
    86 N/mm
    Other Features
    Tongue Gusset Type
    Non-gusseted
    Plate
    Carbon Fiber
    8.0

    True To Size

    10
    Length Fit
    9.6
    Forefoot Fit: Width
    Ball-Of-Foot TTS Deviation
    -1.2 mm (-0.048")
    Toe TTS Deviation
    3.4 mm (0.133")
    2.0
    Arch Fit: Width
    Arch Width TTS Deviation
    -9.4 mm (-0.371")
    4.8
    Forefoot Fit: Height
    Toe TTS Deviation
    -6.2 mm (-0.242")
    Additional Tests
    7.7
    Design
    Weight
    Weight
    215.5 g (7.60 oz)
    Design
    Stack Heights
    Heel Stack Height
    38.7 mm
    Forefoot Stack Height
    33.2 mm
    Heel-To-Toe Drop
    5.5 mm
    Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
    6.0 mm
    Design
    Internal Shape
    Internal Length
    270 mm (10.6")
    Internal Heel Width
    57 mm (2.2")
    Internal Forefoot Width
    90 mm (3.5")
    Wide Sizing Available
    No
    7.1
    Design
    Heel Rocker Geometry
    Heel Spring
    22 mm (0.9")
    Heel Apex Position
    27.2%
    Heel Rocker Angle
    16.3°
    8.5
    Performance
    Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
    Energy Absorbed At 10km
    9.43 J
    Energy Absorbed At 20km
    9.26 J
    Energy Absorbed At 30km
    9.17 J
    Energy Absorbed At 40km
    9.09 J