361 Spire 5 Initial Review: A Softer, More Flexible Premium Daily Trainer

Introduction

The 361 Spire 5 arrives after a significant overhaul, both for the shoe itself and for the brand’s recent lineup. This is an initial-look review of a shoe that has changed in some fundamental ways: the carbon fiber plate from the previous version is gone, and both the upper and the midsole have been completely redone. The result is a very different character underfoot compared with the stiffer, firmer rides of earlier 361 shoes.

What Changed in the Spire 5

The most important change is the removal of the carbon fiber plate, which brings extra flexibility into the shoe. The midsole still uses QUICKSPRING PLUS, an EVA material, but it now pairs it with QUICKFLAME, a Peba-based foam. That foam feels very similar to POWERRUN PB in practice and looks almost identical, running the full length of the shoe. The ride is bouncy and softer underfoot, a clear departure from the stiff, harder feel of previous Spire versions.

Positioning has shifted too. This is a premium neutral daily trainer, sitting in the same space as shoes like the Nimbus or the Triumph. If you are shopping in that category, the Spire 5 is now a realistic alternative rather than a niche pick.

Fit and Upper

The upper is very solid, with an extremely stiff heel counter and plenty of cushioning around the top of the collar. It is a thicker, more secure upper overall, so runners who like a locked-in, well-padded feel should be well served here.

Fit has also improved. Previous 361 shoes ran narrow enough to cause problems even in wider sizes, and that is no longer the case here. The forefoot still tapers a good amount, but the overall fit is much more forgiving than before.

Ride Feel and Performance

Specs: the men’s size 9 comes in at 10 ounces, with a 29/20 heel and forefoot stack giving a 9 millimeter drop. Underfoot, it feels cushioned and soft, which makes it comfortable for everyday mileage.

It behaves like a true daily trainer: you can pick up the pace somewhat thanks to the foam, and a bit of up-tempo work is possible, but this is not a shoe built for super fast runs. Daily training is where it belongs.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Stability is the main caveat. Because the Peba foam has no additional stiffening agents, the Spire 5 is not super stable. Runners with very neutral mechanics should do really well in this shoe. If your mechanics are not neutral, a different option may be worth considering.

Conclusion

The 361 Spire 5 is a genuinely reworked shoe: a plate-free, softer and bouncier ride from the new QUICKFLAME midsole, a more forgiving fit, and a secure, well-cushioned upper. For neutral runners after a premium cushioned daily trainer, it deserves a place on the shortlist.