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Brooks PureConnect

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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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=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. The PureConnect 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. I'd also suggest looking at the [[Hoka Clifton]] is lighter and much better cushioned, or the [[Altra One2| Altra One<sup>2</sup>]] which is 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.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The PureConnect is reasonably cushioned, but I've been surprised how rapidly the midsole became softer. Overall the PureConnect is a little on the firm side given its weight; you can get the same cushioning with less weight, or the same weight with much better cushioning. I also found that the gaps in the outsole could be felt when running, creating a slightly lumpy sensation. I don't think it's enough to cause much of a problem, but it's something to consider.
* {{H:drop}}. The PureConnect has 3mm of drop, but this becomes zero-drop once you're in it.
* {{H: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.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The heel counter is quite solid, with hard edges that might cause some people problems. I think it could dig in quite badly if you twisted your ankle.
{{BuyShoesFastBlr|RW=Tbrooks/pure-connect-3-248|RRS=T248|AZ=T}}{{ShoeGraphsBrooks Pure Connect 3}}
=Comparisons=
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.
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{{FastBlr|brooks/pure-cadence-4-1063|1063|Brooks Pure Cadence 4}}
{{FastBlr|brooks/pure-flow-4-1002|1002|Brooks Pure Flow 4}}
==PureConnect and Hoka Clifton==
Comparing the PureConnect and the [[Hoka Clifton]], the Clifton wins out due to its lightness and cushioning.
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
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{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 2}}==PureConnect and Altra One2 One==Comparing the PureConnect and the [[Altra One2| Altra One<sup>2</sup>]], the Altra wins on weight and cushioning, but the PureConnect will last longer:
* Similarities
** {{H:drop}}. Both shoes are effectively zero-drop.
** {{H:trails}}. The PureConnect has more protection from rocks.
** {{H:longevity}}. The PureConnect lasts longer. (The Altra wears out distressingly quickly.)
* Advantage [[Altra One2| Altra One2One]]
** {{H:cushioning}}. The Altra is a lot more softly cushioned.
** {{H:weight}}. The Altra is a lot lighter.
|[[File:Brooks-PureConnect-3-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks PureConnect 3 outside]]
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|[[File:Altra-One2The One 2.5-top.jpgJPG|none|thumb|150px200px|Altra One2 The One 2.5 top]] |[[File:Altra-One2The One 2.5-bottom.jpgJPG|none|thumb|150px200px|Altra One2 The One 2.5 bottom]] |[[File:Altra-One2The One 2.5-inside.jpgJPG|none|thumb|150px200px|Altra One2 The One 2.5 inside]] |[[File:Altra-One2The One 2.5-outside.jpgJPG|none|thumb|150px200px|Altra One2 The One 2.5 outside]]
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{{FastBlr|altra/one-2.5-1368|1368|Altra One 2.5}}
==PureConnect and Saucony Virrata ==
Comparing the PureConnect and the [[Saucony Virrata]], the Virrata has similar cushioning with less weight:
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
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{{FastBlr|asics/gel-hyperspeed-6-192|192|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6}}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}

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