Latest revision as of 15:47, 8 November 2016

Like others in the Brooks Pure range, the PureFlow is neither a minimalist shoe or a massively cushioned Maximalist shoe, but part way between the two extremes. I found the PureFlow to have less cushioning than I expected given its weight. It's not a bad shoe, but you can get the same cushioning with less weight, or the same weight with more cushioning, and either would be better. I was surprised how quickly the foam in the PureFlow broke down and became softer, though I generally found the shoe better once it had started to wear. I found no significant problems with the PureFlow, though I'd advise cutting away the 'Nav Band' that puts pressure on the top of your foot. Overall, I liked the PureFlow, and while there are better shoes out there, I'd recommend it to you as a contender for your funds. For the latest version of the PureFlow see Brooks PureFlow Review. (I use The Science of Running Shoes as the basis of how I test running shoes and what you should look for in a running shoe.)

Brooks Pure Flow 3 top	Brooks Pure Flow 3 bottom
Brooks Pure Flow 3 inside	Brooks Pure Flow 3 outside

1 Characteristics

• Why you’d buy it. The PureFlow could make a good shoe for someone looking to transition from a more traditional shoe, though I prefer the Saucony Kinvara as it's lighter and more softly cushioned. If you're not looking for a transition shoe, then the Hoka Clifton is lighter and much better cushioned, or the Altra One that's a lot lighter and more softly cushioned. For a faster shoe, try the Asics Gel Hyper Speed which provides similar cushioning at a much lower weight. However, the fact that there are better shoes available doesn't make the PureConnect a bad shoe in any way. If you like the way it fits and feels, I have no hesitation in recommending it.
• Cushioning . The PureFlow is reasonably cushioned, but I've been surprised how rapidly the midsole became softer. Overall the PureFlow is a little on the firm side given its weight, though this firmness breaks down. As noted above, you can get the same cushioning with less weight, or the same weight with much better cushioning.
• Drop. The PureFlow has 5mm of drop, which did not impact my foot strike unduly. Swapping between the PureFlow and a zero drop shoe highlights the tendency for the heel raise to move your foot strike back towards the heel, but this is fairly minor in this shoe.
• Structure. The PureFlow uses a single density of foam with some slight grooves to improve flexibility. The area under the arch is slightly raised, which could put pressure on the arch and cause problems as arches are strong when loaded from above, but can be broken easily by pressure from below. The Pure range of shoes includes a "Toe Flex", which is a thinning of the midsole at the front that Brooks claim "allows the big toe to function independently", though I couldn't nice any effect. The heel of the Pure shoes is more rounded than most traditional shoes, which is a good thing.
• Flexibility. The PureFlow is nicely flexible due to the midsole groves and the gaps in the outsole.
• Outsole. The hard rubber outsole covers most of the underside of the shoe. This outsole improves longevity and grip, but adds to the weight. As you can see from the pictures, the outsole is in patches which help keep the shoe flexible. The outsole rubber used here is a nice combination of hard wearing and grippy, and is fairly thick. This outsole increases the weight of the shoe, and the longevity it brings probably won't help much given the way the foam midsole breaks down.
• Shape. The shoe of the shoe is closer to the human foot than many designs, but it's not right and I'd recommend cutting open the toe box for comfort. (I recommend cutting open the toe box of virtually all running shoes, with the exception of a few shoes like some Altra shoes. When you have some worn out shoes, you should try cutting open the toe box. I've found that it's a big improvement, allowing my toes to move naturally and engage for toe off, as well as reducing the possibility of blisters.)
• Upper. The upper is inflexible and there are seams that could rub and create issues for some runners. The ankle opening is well padded, but the rest is thin and breathes reasonably well. The PureFlow has Brooks' "Nav Band" which is an elasticated band over the middle of the shoe, going from where the upper meets the arch of the foot, over the top and down to the outside edge of the midsole. This elasticated band is intended to keep the shoe secure, but it just puts extra pressure on the top of the foot. I strongly recommend cutting this band where it crosses the tongue. Overall the shoe is slightly less comfortable than average.
• Tongue. The PureFlow has a tongue that is attached to the inside of the upper, with the outside free, a combination that I like. It keeps the tongue in place without the problems of a sock style upper. The tongue has a slight degree of soft padding which should be enough for most runners.
• Lacing. The laces are bumpy, which helps them stay tied, but also makes it trickier to get the tension right when tying the shoe. The laces also have an asymmetric pattern, which I didn't find made any difference when compared with other shoes.
• Heel Counter. The heel counter is quite solid, with hard edges that might cause some people problems.

Please support this site This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions. Buy Brooks Pure Flow 3 at Zappos Buy Brooks Pure Flow 3 at Road Runner Sports Buy Brooks Pure Flow 3 at Kelly's Running Warehouse Buy Brooks Pure Flow 3 at Charlotte Ultra Running Company

2 Comparisons

Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.

2.1 PureFlow, PureCadence, & PureConnect

The Brooks Pure range of shoes is intended to be more minimalist, but they're only minimal when compared to a traditional shoe like the Asics GT 2000. I would consider Pure shoes as in the "balanced" category that is part way between minimalist and the massively cushioned Maximalist style of shoes. The Pure range all have some over engineering, with pointless features such as the "Nav Band" that puts extra pressure on the top of the foot. It seems that most shoe manufacturers feel the need to justify their prices with some type of gimmick rather than producing simple, effective shoes, which is a shame. To evaluate the three shoes, it's best to look at how they compare to the PureFlow, which is the middle ground.

• PureFlow and PureCadence. The PureCadence has a slightly thicker midsole than the PureFlow, but it's also a little firmer. The PureCadence also adds a Medial Post which makes the shoe a little firmer, but this breaks down remarkably quickly.
• PureFlow and PureConnect. The PureConnect has a little less cushioning than the PureFlow, though they are remarkably similar, even when wearing one on each foot. I did notice that the gaps in the midsole of the PureFlow do create a slightly uneven, "lumpy" feel underfoot.

Brooks Pure Flow 3 top	Brooks Pure Flow 3 bottom	Brooks Pure Flow 3 inside	Brooks Pure Flow 3 outside
Brooks PureCadence 3 top	Brooks PureCadence 3 bottom	Brooks PureCadence 3 inside	Brooks PureCadence 3 outside
Brooks PureConnect 3 top	Brooks PureConnect 3 bottom	Brooks PureConnect 3 inside	Brooks PureConnect 3 outside

Please support this site This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions. Buy Brooks Pure Cadence 4 at Zappos Buy Brooks Pure Cadence 4 at Road Runner Sports Buy Brooks Pure Cadence 4 at Kelly's Running Warehouse Buy Brooks Pure Cadence 4 at Charlotte Ultra Running Company

Please support this site This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions. Buy Brooks Pure Connect 3 at Zappos Buy Brooks Pure Connect 3 at Road Runner Sports Buy Brooks Pure Connect 3 at Kelly's Running Warehouse Buy Brooks Pure Connect 3 at Charlotte Ultra Running Company

2.2 PureFlow and Hoka Clifton

Comparing the PureFlow and the Hoka Clifton, the Clifton is the clear winner, as it's both lighter and better cushioned, and though it's a lot more expensive, I think it's worth the extra.

• Similarities
  • Shape. Neither has a good toe box.
  • Drop. Neither is zero-drop, but neither is bad enough to cause problems.
  • Longevity. The extra outsole on the PureFlow improves longevity, but its foam breaks down more quickly.
• Advantage PureFlow
  • Flexibility. The PureFlow is more flexible.
  • Grip. The PureFlow has slightly more grip.
  • Price. The PureFlow is a lot cheaper.
  • Availability. The PureFlow is more widely stocked.
• Advantage Hoka Clifton
  • Cushioning . The Clifton has far thicker, softer cushioning.
  • Weight. The Clifton is lighter.
  • Trails. The Clifton has a little more protection on rocky trails.

Brooks Pure Flow 3 top	Brooks Pure Flow 3 bottom	Brooks Pure Flow 3 inside	Brooks Pure Flow 3 outside
Hoka OneOne Clifton top	Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom	Hoka OneOne Clifton inside	Hoka OneOne Clifton outside

Please support this site This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions. Buy Hoka Clifton 2 at Zappos Buy Hoka Clifton 2 at Road Runner Sports Buy Hoka Clifton 2 at Kelly's Running Warehouse Buy Hoka Clifton 2 at Charlotte Ultra Running Company

2.3 PureFlow and Altra One

Comparing the PureFlow and the Altra One, the Altra wins on weight and cushioning, but the PureFlow will last longer:

• Advantage PureFlow
  • Price. The PureFlow is cheaper, especially when longevity is considered.
  • Grip. The PureFlow has more grip.
  • Availability. The PureFlow is widely stocked.
  • Trails. The PureFlow has more protection from rocks.
  • Longevity. The PureFlow lasts longer. (The Altra wears out distressingly quickly.)
• Advantage Altra One
  • Cushioning . The Altra is a lot more softly cushioned.
  • Weight. The Altra is a lot lighter.
  • Drop. The Altra is zero drop, the PureFlow has 4mm.
  • Shape. The Altra has a much better toe box.
  • Flexibility. The Altra is more flexible.

Brooks Pure Flow 3 top	Brooks Pure Flow 3 bottom	Brooks Pure Flow 3 inside	Brooks Pure Flow 3 outside
Altra The One 2.5 top	Altra The One 2.5 bottom	Altra The One 2.5 inside	Altra The One 2.5 outside

Please support this site This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions. Buy Altra One 2.5 at Zappos Buy Altra One 2.5 at Road Runner Sports Buy Altra One 2.5 at Kelly's Running Warehouse Buy Altra One 2.5 at Charlotte Ultra Running Company

2.4 PureFlow and Saucony Virrata

Comparing the PureFlow and the Saucony Virrata, the Virrata is a lot lighter and has somewhat similar levels of cushioning.

• Similarities
  • Shape. Neither has a good toe box.
  • Longevity. The extra outsole on the PureFlow improves longevity, but its foam breaks down more quickly.
  • Availability. The both are reasonably easy to find.
  • Cushioning . Because the PureFlow is not zero drop, it has more cushioning than the Virrata in the rear foot, but less in the forefoot. Depending on your foot strike, you may find one is better cushioned than the other.
• Advantage PureFlow
  • Grip. The PureFlow has more grip.
  • Trails. The PureFlow has more protection from rocks.
• Advantage Saucony Virrata
  • Drop. The Virrata is zero-drop.
  • Weight. The Virrata is a lot lighter.
  • Price. The Virrata is a little cheaper.
  • Flexibility. The Virrata is more flexible.

Brooks Pure Flow 3 top	Brooks Pure Flow 3 bottom	Brooks Pure Flow 3 inside	Brooks Pure Flow 3 outside
Saucony Virrata top	Saucony Virrata bottom	Saucony Virrata inside	Saucony Virrata outside

2.5 PureFlow and Asics Gel Hyper Speed

Comparing the PureFlow and the Asics Gel Hyper Speed the Hyper Speed has similar cushioning but is vastly lighter, making you faster.

• Similarities
  • Cushioning . Cushioning is similar, though the PureFlow achieves its cushioning with thicker but firmer foam.
  • Shape. Neither has a good toe box.
  • Drop. Neither is zero-drop.
  • Availability. The both are reasonably easy to find.
• Advantage PureFlow
  • Grip. The PureFlow has slightly more grip, though it's close.
  • Trails. The PureFlow has more protection from rocks.
• Advantage Asics Gel Hyper Speed
  • Longevity. The PureFlow foam breaks down more quickly.
  • Weight. The Hyper Speed is a lot lighter.
  • Flexibility. The Hyper Speed is more flexible.

Brooks Pure Flow 3 top	Brooks Pure Flow 3 bottom	Brooks Pure Flow 3 inside	Brooks Pure Flow 3 outside
Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top	Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom	Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside	Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside

Please support this site This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions. Buy Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 at Zappos Buy Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 at Road Runner Sports Buy Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 at Kelly's Running Warehouse Buy Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 at Charlotte Ultra Running Company

3 Cushioning and Shoes

It's intuitively obvious that the cushioning in a shoe will reduce the impact on your body when running. However, The Science of Running Shoes indicates that the reality is rather more complex. While slight cushioning may reduce the effort needed to run by improving your Running Economy, most scientific research indicates that more cushioning does further improve Running Economy. In addition, cushioning does not generally reduce impact and may actually increase it. This is counterintuitive, but is likely to be due to the way a runners mind and body adapts to softer cushioning. Unfortunately, the scientific evidence is far from complete and it's hard to give clear recommendations. I believe that some runners will prefer more cushioning, while others prefer less, and typically those running further have a fondness for greater cushioning. I also believe that a shoe should be as light as possible, and a shoe should justify its weight with the cushioning it provides. My advice is to decide what level of cushioning you're looking for, and then find the lightest shoes that also fit well and are comfortable.

4 Visualizing the Attributes of the Brooks PureFlow 3

5 A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes

If you're looking for "the best of the best" running shoe, here are my top picks. Of course, the answer will depend a little on what you're looking for, so I have recommendations for various categories. Best All Round Shoe. The Altra Escalante is my current all-round favorite. It has plenty of cushioning for its weight, it has a very springy midsole, it lasts well, and it has a shape that's closer to the shape of a human foot than most shoes. It's a great shoe for any runner, including those Starting to run. It's also a fairly easy shoe to find due to its popularity. Best Maximalist Shoe: If you want something massively cushioned, then I'd recommend the Saucony Kinvara 8. It's remarkably light and remarkably cushioned, beating Hoka at their own game. Best Optimal Shoe: For those looking to trade cushioning for speed, the Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 was my top pick, but the latest version (LT 4) falls short of it's predecessor. There are lots of great optimal running shoes, which provide just enough cushioning with light weight and minimal frills, but all have their weak spots. Probably the best option at the moment is the Altra Vanish-R, which offers great cushioning for just over 5oz/150g. Fastest Shoe: If you really want speed, then check out the Nike Vaporfly 4%. It's light, massively cushioned, and has a carbon fiber plate. Nothing comes close, not even the now defunct New Balance RC5000‏‎ or New Balance RC5000v2‏‎. There are a number of caveats; it's really expensive, it's really hard to find, and there's a significant injury risk. Best Minimalist Shoe: Merrell Trail Glove. I recommend the trail glove for road running in spite of the 'trail' moniker. It's not a fast shoe by any means, but it's comfortable and will last well. All Terrain Shoe. For trail running, I've become a fan of Altra, and I think their best shoe is the the Altra Timp, though the Altra Lone Peak is really close. Honorable Mention: It's not really a running shoe, but the Vivobarefoot Ra is comfortable, minimalist and can more or less pass as a dress shoe. I've worn mine to weddings with a suit and they've not looked out of place. You can run in the Ra, but the leather means it doesn't breathe well.

For a more detailed on running shoes see the Recommendations for Best Running Shoes. This table lists the key attributes of What to Look for in Running Shoes. For more detailed information, on the shoes see detailed shoe comparison.

It's not a running shoe, but I love the Hoka Tor Ultra hiking boot and I've tested the Altra Lone Peak Boot, the Hoka Tor Speed 2, and the Inov-8 Roclite 325 hiking boots
Older shoe reviews: Saucony Hattori Review, Mizuno Cursoris Review, Skechers GO Bionic 2 Review, Hoka Clifton Review, Saucony Virrata 2 Review, Brooks PureCadence 3 Review, Brooks PureConnect 3 Review, Brooks PureFlow 3 Review, Skechers GO Bionic 2 Review, New Balance 980 Review, Brooks Transcend 2 Review, Hoka Huaka Review, Patagonia EVERlong Review, Asics 33-DFA Review, Hoka Conquest Review, Saucony Cortana Review, Puma Faas 100 R Review, Saucony Fastwitch Review, Nike Free Review, Asics Gel Lyte 33 Review, Skechers GOmeb Speed Review, Skechers GOrun Ultra Road Review, Nike LunaRacer Review, Altra Paradigm Review.