Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 vs 361 Flame: Two Fast Shoes, Two Different Jobs

Introduction

Two carbon-plated shoes built for pace, aimed at slightly different jobs: the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 and the 361 Flame. On paper they are near-twins, but on the road they each reward a different kind of running.

The numbers are remarkably close. The 361 Flame costs around £150, weighs 233 grams (8.2 oz) for men in a size 8, and has an 8 mm drop. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 costs £155 or $160, weighs 232 grams (8.2 oz) in the same size, and also has an 8 mm drop. Both fit true to size. The real differences show up in ride feel and versatility, and that is where this comparison gets interesting.

The 361 Flame: A Race Shoe That Leans Efficient

The 361 Flame is a lightweight carbon plate race shoe designed for a fast heel-to-toe transition, high energy return, and more efficient running at speed. Its rocker-style geometry is reminiscent of the Nike Vaporfly, though the feel is not the same. Instead of a bouncy, propulsive ride, the Flame delivers a more subtle efficiency gain: a lovely, fluid turnover that rolls you along, with a firmer midsole than most carbon shoes.

The upper uses a lightweight mono mesh with reinforced sections for structure, modest padding around the ankle collar, a lean tongue, and a healthy amount of outsole rubber to protect the midsole foam. The PU foam feels similar in touch to Saucony’s PWRRUN PB, despite being a different chemistry.

The best way to place it is alongside the Nike Zoom Fly range: a fast training partner to a super shoe rather than a full-blown racer. It is a bit heavier and probably a bit more durable than most full-fledged racers, which is why it is priced closer to the Endorphin Speed.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2: The Versatile All-Rounder

The Endorphin Speed 2 is the follow-up to the popular original Speed, designed for versatility across everything from daily training runs to race day. It sits between the Endorphin Shift for slower training miles and Saucony’s high-performance racer, the Endorphin Pro.

A full-length nylon plate combines with PWRRUN PB midsole foam for a responsive ride, while Speedroll technology rolls you forward through your foot strike. The engineered mesh upper features a form-fit design for lockdown, and an XT-900 outsole adds grip while protecting the midsole foam.

This is a shoe that eats up tempo runs, shines in speed sessions, and is surprisingly comfortable for easy runs. At all-out paces it performs very nearly as well as a full carbon shoe while keeping the versatility of a trainer.

Fit and Comfort Compared

Both shoes fit true to size, with good toe box room and a secure hold around the heel and midfoot. Neither reviewer would size up or down in either shoe.

The Endorphin Speed 2 runs quite narrow. On the initial runs it felt a little uncomfortable on the outside of the foot, though that settled after a few runs, around 70K in. The 361 Flame also fits a touch restrictive around the midfoot, but proved more comfortable than expected. Its upper has less visible padding than the Speed 2, yet there is ample padding hidden within, and it caused no rubbing even when worn for a half marathon straight out of the box.

Real-World Performance

In the Flame, hard workouts have gone well. A track session in 2K and 400 metre reps in absolutely tipping rain delivered impressive grip on a flooded track, despite the outsole looking fairly minimal. A hard park run effort followed by a 5K at around 3:35 per kilometre on tired legs felt natural and easy, with heart rate staying lower than expected. Even a longer run approaching 20K of hard running stayed comfortable.

The Endorphin Speed 2 has been a long-term favorite across 5K races, short track prep, and long easy plods. A standout session was a 10-mile steady run a week before a marathon: the efficiency and pace at a given effort level built real confidence, which is exactly what this shoe is about.

Which One Should You Buy?

Both are fantastic shoes for running at pace, but they reward different priorities. If all-out speed sessions are the focus, particularly track reps and workouts near race pace, the 361 Flame tips it. It is a strong fast trainer and racer that should not be counted out, and 361’s PU foam has clearly impressed during testing. Because its geometry resembles the Vaporfly but with a firmer, more stable and durable ride, it could also work as a closer-matched training partner to that shoe.

For versatility overall, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 is the pick. It handles daily wear as well as faster efforts, offers a bit more padding and a more solid feel on the foot, and delivers excellent value for what it does. It veers towards mid-to-faster training rather than slow, comfort-focused easy miles, but if you want one shoe to tackle everything, this is it.

Conclusion

These two shoes are more similar than their marketing suggests. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 is a daily trainer that veers towards faster racing and remains the more versatile, more comfortable choice. The 361 Flame is a carbon plate shoe focused on racing, with a snappier, more aggressive feel and a firm, efficient ride that suits tempo work and speed-focused training. Pick the Flame for dedicated fast efforts, and the Speed 2 if you want one shoe that does nearly everything well.