Lisbon Half Marathon Race Test: 361 Flame, Goodr Sunglasses and Safesky Blaze Cap

Introduction

Testing new kit on race day is the only way to find out how it really behaves, so a hot Lisbon Half Marathon became the proving ground for three pieces of gear: the 361 Flame racing shoes, a pair of Goodr running sunglasses and the Safesky Blaze cap. With temperatures around 24 to 25 degrees, well above a typical training day, the conditions were demanding enough to expose any weaknesses. Here is how each one held up.

The Race Context

The Lisbon Half Marathon is a big, well-organized event with around 35,000 runners, a flat course and excellent on-course support: plenty of water stations, gels and energy drinks throughout. The route opens with a run over the main bridge, which is a memorable way to start, though the bridge is narrow and congestion in the first couple of kilometres makes overtaking difficult.

Two practical notes for anyone considering the race: there are no starting waves, so runners chasing a fast time should position themselves right at the front, and the start line is reachable only by train, since the same train that runs under the bridge is the only way in. As a race-day backdrop for testing gear, it does the job beautifully.

361 Flame

The 361 Flame proved to be a genuinely competitive racing shoe, and better than expected. The ride sits somewhere between the Nike Vaporfly design and something like the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2: firmer than the Vaporfly but not as firm as the Endorphin Pro 2, with a little bounce in there and a slightly propulsive feel that encourages pushing the pace.

Two things worth knowing before buying. First, the midfoot runs slightly narrow, which caused some rubbing on one foot, though nothing serious. Second, value depends heavily on price: around 140 pounds would make these a good-value option, so it is worth checking the current price before committing. The general impression is that they are similar in character to the Nike Zoom Fly, but a little lighter and a little faster. The Vaporfly and Alphafly still have the edge, but the Flame is a credible alternative.

Goodr Running Sunglasses

Bright sun made sunglasses essential on the day, and the Goodr pair was a revelation for a self-confessed running-shade sceptic. They stayed on perfectly, fit nicely alongside a cap, and handled the race conditions without any problems.

What sets them apart for many runners is that they do not look like typical athletic eyewear. They are sunglasses you can happily wear away from running too, with plenty of good designs to choose from. At around 25 pounds, they are an easy recommendation for anyone who wants running shades that do not look ridiculous, and they are comfortable enough to wear for the entire duration of a hot half marathon.

Safesky Blaze Cap

The Safesky Blaze cap has plenty going for it, and it is a firm favourite for slow, comfortable runs. On a hot race day, however, the material proved a little too thick. The head got noticeably hot, and a lighter, thinner cap would have been the better choice for racing in 24 to 25 degree conditions.

The takeaway is not that this is a bad cap, but that it is best matched to cooler weather and easy efforts rather than hot-weather racing. If most of your running happens in a milder climate like the UK, it remains a solid, comfortable option worth considering.

Buying Advice

Match each product to the conditions you actually race in. The 361 Flame suits runners who want a light, slightly bouncy race shoe between the firmer and softer ends of the super-shoe spectrum, provided the narrow midfoot works with their foot shape. The Goodr sunglasses are almost universally applicable: cheap, comfortable, stylish and race-proven. The Safesky Blaze cap is best kept for cool-weather easy runs rather than hot race days.

Conclusion

On a hot, crowded but beautifully organized half marathon course, the 361 Flame delivered a surprisingly competitive and propulsive ride, the Goodr sunglasses were flawless and excellent value, and the Safesky Blaze cap showed it belongs in the cool-weather rotation. For runners building a race-day kit, the shoes and shades are the standout picks from this test.