Light is fast, apparently and brands are starting to really push the envelope. The 361 MIRO NUDE is one of the lightest shoes on the market. How does it hold up to the rigours of the road?
361 MIRO NUDE Introduction:
The Lightest Shoe on the Road?
The latest breed of ultralight racing shoes, often referred to as “hypershoes,” could very well represent the future of the race category. Especially for elite runners or even non-elites willing to invest in these high-priced yet fragile performance enhancers for race day. So far, only a handful of models have been released. The standout being the 138g adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1, priced at a staggering $500. However, more are expected to hit the market soon.
Enter the 361° MIRO NUDE. Not only is 361° offering an even lighter option for race day, but they are also significantly undercutting the price of most hypershoes, coming in at $219. But does this lower price come with compromises? According to 361°, the MIRO NUDE is designed for only about three professional marathons. Therefore, offering a lifespan of just around 130 km.
A quick glance at the MIRO NUDE and its materials makes it clear that it’s all about speed, with durability taking a back seat. So, is it still worth the investment? Let’s find out.
Specs:
Weight: 3.9oz | 110g
Stack Heights: Unknown
Heel-to-toe drop: Unknown
Retail price: $219
361 MIRO NUDE Upper:
Slender But Secure
Ivan: As expected, given the weight of just 110g in my US 8.5 size, all the materials in the shoe are ultra-thin. Everything non-essential is stripped away – even the insole, which I’ll discuss in more detail later. Despite the lack of padding and structure, the fit and comfort are surprisingly impressive. The upper, supposedly made from carbon silk, wraps the foot snugly and almost disappears once on.
Even without significant reinforcements, the hold feels secure. This is thanks to a snug midfoot wrap, despite the non-gusseted tongue and the absence of padding. The heel counter comes with a firmer strip at the very back of the heel counter providing a touch of structure. Two soft pads on the inside also help prevent heel slippage.
The forefoot offers a bit more space than I expected. While I sometimes wished for a tighter race-fit upfront, that’s likely a matter of personal preference rather than a common issue among runners. A closer fit would make the overall feel similar to the original Nike Vaporfly Next%, which remains my favourite upper of all time.
Other than that, there isn’t much more to say about this minimalistic, almost plastic-feeling, ultra-thin upper with minimal structure. The thin, fairly standard laces do their job as expected. The fit is true to size, and I believe most runners will appreciate the extra space in the forefoot to accommodate swelling over the course of a half or full marathon.
Midsole:
A Wild Ride
Ivan: The 361° MIRO NUDE was my first real experience with one of the new ultralight hypershoes. I was excited but also a bit nervous about burning through the limited mileage they offer. So, for my first run, I laced them up and sprinted a full-on kilometre, with a brief warm-up and cool-down. Instantly, it became clear why this new category of shoes might dominate the market among elites at some point. The lightweight build promotes incredibly high leg turnover, amplified by an early stage rocker geometry, airy yet bouncy foam. Furthermore, it has a thin, semi-flexible carbon plate that adds an extra kick during toe-off. That kilometre ended up being my second-fastest ever. While the shoe can’t take all the credit, it definitely played a role. It offered a ride that was both exhilarating and, though not entirely effortless, certainly helped propel me forward.
After a few more runs, including some mid-distance outings, I’ve gotten a better sense of the MIRO NUDE’s strengths and weaknesses – because, of course, everything comes with trade-offs. Let’s start with a key detail: the 361° MIRO NUDE doesn’t quite reach the maximum 40mm stack height allowed by World Athletics. This is a standard that most of its direct competitors, including the Evo Pro 1, fully exploit. Although 361° hasn’t disclosed the exact specs, I estimate the stack height to be around 30mm. A low drop of roughly 2-4mm, with no insole to add any height. However, due to the softness of the ride, it feels a bit higher stacked than it actually is. While I’m not sure of the exact composition of the foam, it seems like a supercritical TPE compound similar to what’s used in most other race-day shoes nowadays.
Now, onto the big question: would I use the 361° MIRO NUDE for a full marathon? Probably not. This is less about the stack height and more about the shoe’s super aggressive nature and, more critically, its lack of stability. It’s easily the most unstable shoe I’ve ever run in. While I don’t usually need much support, there’s a point where the strain on the feet, ankles, and lower legs becomes excessive. That said, for 5k, 10k, or even half marathon races, this would absolutely be one of my top picks. A top-tier option for shorter distances where the shoe truly excels. In that context, it brings more value as a dedicated short-distance race-day shoe that shines in performance.
To make it more marathon-friendly, I’d suggest a few tweaks: slightly wider platform, a bit firmer foam, and perhaps a thicker carbon plate. However, these changes would likely add significant weight and potentially take away some of the MIRO NUDE’s unique aggression and magic. One last adjustment I’d gladly make is adding a thin insole. Currently, your foot rests directly on the sockliner. While this isn’t terribly uncomfortable, I think a bit more cushioning would enhance comfort without significantly impacting the overall weight – maybe adding around 10g.
361 MIRO NUDE Outsole:
Durability Doubts
Ivan: The outsole features an ultra-thin, smooth layer of rubber (RPU) that has provided excellent traction so far. I’ve primarily tested it in early morning runs with damp conditions, and the grip felt almost sticky, contributing to a reliable, secure stride while even aiding in the push-off phase. The forefoot offers full rubber coverage with small cutouts, likely designed to improve ground contact and reduce slippage.
At the heel, there’s only a small strip of rubber on the lateral side, where most heel strikers tend to land. However, this strip is quite thin and seems prone to wear and tear, making it one of the areas that could become an issue in terms of durability. Naturally, this design choice is in line with the weight-saving approach common in hypershoes. While I can’t draw any conclusions just yet, it will be interesting to see how long the outsole holds up over time.
361 MIRO NUDE Conclusion:
An Aggressive Introduction
Ivan: I’m highly impressed with the 361° MIRO NUDE. Not just for its competitive price point but as a genuine top-tier racing option, despite the brand being lesser-known among most runners. If you can manage its inherent lack of stability, the MIRO NUDE has a lot to offer. In addition to being ultralight, it features a well-fitting upper and delivers a snappy transition thanks to its rocker geometry.
While it doesn’t reach the maximum 40mm stack height allowed by World Athletics, the soft, energetic midsole still provides ample cushioning with a responsive bounce, making the ride feel even more efficient the faster you go. While elite runners might have the strength to handle this shoe over a full marathon, for most of us, the MIRO NUDE’s aggressive nature is best suited for shorter road races, where its speed and performance truly shine.
Ivan
48 years old
180cm (5’9″) – 63kg (138lbs)
Midfoot striker – Cadence runner
Mild pronator