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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Brooks PureConnect 3 Review}}
The PureConnect is the thinnest and lightest of the road shoes in the Pure range, though the difference between it and the [[Brooks PureFlow| PureFlow]] is relatively minor. The PureConnect is part way between a true minimalist shoe and the massively cushioned [[MinimaxMaximalist]] shoes. I found the PureConnect to have less cushioning than I expected given its weight, and I found that the cut outs in the midsole made the shoe feel a little lumpy. The PureConnect is 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. Like other shoes in the Pure range, foam breaks down more quickly than I expected, becoming softer. I generally found the shoe better once it had started to wear, but of course it continues to degrade. I found no significant problems with the PureConnect , though I'd advise cutting away the 'Nav Band' that puts pressure on the top of your foot. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
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Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==PureCadence, PureConnect, & PureFlow==
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 Minimax 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.
* '''[[Brooks PureFlow| PureFlow]] and [[Brooks PureCadence| 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.
* '''[[Brooks PureFlow| PureFlow]] and [[Brooks PureConnect| 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.