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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Brooks PureFlow 3 5 Review}}Like others in I liked the [[Brooks Pure rangePureFlow 3]] enough to give it a "recommended" rating, so I looked forward to the fifth version. Sadly, while Brooks have made a few improvements they've also made some significant mistakes. The biggest problem I found with the PureFlow 5 is neither that it's one of the more uncomfortable shoes I've worn recently. There's the poorly designed tongue that dug into the crook of my ankle, the odd cushioning, the stiff upper, the heel counter that's intrusive, all adding up to a minimalist shoe or a massively cushioned [[Minimax]] shoethat I dislike putting on. Like the previous version, but part way between the two extremes. I found the PureFlow 5 to have less cushioning than I expected given its weight. It's not a bad shoe, but you You can get the same cushioning with less weight, or the same weight with more cushioning, and either would be better. The flexible sole is nice, but has the downside of being a magnet for stones that get trapped and have to be removed. This review has taken me a long time to write as I was surprised how quickly the foam put off running in the PureFlow broke down and became softerit until I finally forced myself. Overall, though I generally found the was torn between waiting this shoe better once as "not recommended" or being a little generous and saying that it had started to wear's "worth considering. I found no significant problems with " In the PureFlow, though end I'd advise cutting away the 'Nav Band' felt that puts pressure on the top of your foot. Overall, I liked the PureFlow5 is just about "worth considering", and while there are better shoes out there, I'd recommend but it to you as a contender for your fundswas close. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}

|[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3PureFlow 5-top.jpgJPG|none|thumb|150px250px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 PureFlow 5 top]] |[[File:BrooksPureFlow 5-Pure-Flow-3-bottomoutside.jpgJPG|none|thumb|150px250px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 bottomPureFlow 5 outside]] |- valign="top"|[[File:BrooksPureFlow 5-Pure-Flow-3-insidebottom.jpgJPG|none|thumb|150px250px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 insidePureFlow 5 bottom]] |[[File:BrooksPureFlow 5-Pure-Flow-3-outsideinside.jpgJPG|none|thumb|150px250px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 outsidePureFlow 5 inside]]

* {{H:WhyBuycushioning}}. 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 reasonably cushioned, or the [[Altra One]] that's but it can feel a lot lighter little odd and more softly cushionedoverly firm occasionally. For a faster shoe, try This might be because the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] midsole contains Brooks "DNA" which provides similar cushioning at contains a non-Newtonian fluid. Without going into too much lower weight. Howeverscience, the fact this means that there are better shoes available doesn't make the PureConnect a bad shoe in any way. If midsole is softer when you like the way it fits and feelslanded gently, I have no hesitation in recommending itbut harder if you land harder.* {{H:cushioning}}. The PureFlow is reasonably cushionedTo my mind, but Ithis seems to be the exact opposite of what you've been surprised how rapidly the midsole became softerd want. Overall the PureFlow is If you have a misstep and land a little on harder, the shoe will compound the firm side given its weight, though this firmness breaks downerror and make your landing even more punishing. As noted above, The other concern is that you can get the same cushioning with less weight, or the same weight with much better cushioning. * {{H:drop}}. The PureFlow has 5mm of drop, which did not impact my foot strike unduly. Swapping between the PureFlow and is a zero drop shoe highlights the tendency for the heel raise to move your foot strike back towards the heellittle more than I'd like, but this is fairly minor in this shoenot enough to cause me problems. * {{H:structure}}. The PureFlow uses a single density doesn't have much in the way of foam structure that would interfere with some slight grooves to improve flexibilityyour natural biomechanics. The area under the arch is only 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 PureFlow is more rounded than most traditional shoes, which is a good thing. There is little if any of the "snowshoe" affect that can create excessive torsional (twisting) forces.

* {{H:outsole}}. The hard rubber outsole covers most of the underside of the shoe, with just a bit of exposed foam under the arch of the foot. 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 I found that the gaps in the sole were something of a nice combination of hard wearing and grippystone trap, and is fairly thick. This outsole increases the weight even small patches of the shoe, gravel meant I sometimes had to stop and pick the longevity it brings probably won't help much given the way the foam midsole breaks downstones out.* {{H:shape}}. The shoe of the shoe PureFlow, like most running shoes, has a toe box that is closer to the human foot than many designs, but it's not right and designed for humans. I'd recommend you [[Shoe Modifications| cutting cut open the toe box for comfortopen]]to prevent toe problems. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}* {{H:upper}}. The upper is inflexible and there are seams that could rub and create issues for some runnersquite thick, but mostly seamless. The ankle opening is well paddedI found it's not very breathable, nor as comfortable as I'd expect, but mostly because the rest material is thin and breathes reasonably wellrather stiff. The PureFlow has Brooks' Thankfully Books have not included their "Nav Band" which is an elasticated band over the middle of the shoe, going from where the upper meets the arch of the footprevious versions, over the top and down to the outside edge which was a poor bit of the midsoledesign. This elasticated band There is intended to keep a reasonable amount of cushioning around the shoe secureankle opening, but it just puts extra pressure on not enough to offset the top of the foot. I strongly recommend cutting this band where it crosses the tongue. Overall the shoe is slightly less comfortable than averageoverly stiff heel counter (see below).* {{H: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 real weak point in place without the problems of a sock style upperthis shoe. The tongue has a slight degree of soft padding which should be enough for most runners.* {{H:lacing}}. The laces are bumpy, which helps them stay tied, but also makes is nicely padded and stiff so it trickier to get 's unlikely even 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. {{FastBlr|brooks/pure-flow-4-1002|1002|Brooks Pure Flow 4}}=Comparisons=Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.==PureFlow, PureCadence, & PureConnect==The Brooks Pure range of shoes is intended to most sensitive runner would be more minimalist, but they're only minimal when compared able to a traditional shoe like feel 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 style of shoes. The Pure range all have some over engineering, with pointless features such as the "Nav Band" that puts extra pressure laces pressing on the top of the their 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 firmerHowever, 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 stiffness means that the gaps in the midsole top edge of the PureFlow do create a slightly uneven, "lumpy" feel underfoot. {| class="wikitable"|- valign="top"|[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 top]] |[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 bottom]] |[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 inside]] |[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 outside]] |- valign="top"|[[File:Brooks-PureCadence-3-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks PureCadence 3 top]] |[[File:Brooks-PureCadence-3-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks PureCadence 3 bottom]] |[[File:Brooks-PureCadence-3-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks PureCadence 3 inside]] |[[File:Brooks-PureCadence-3-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks PureCadence 3 outside]] |- valign="top"|[[File:Brooks-PureConnect-3-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks PureConnect 3 top]] |[[File:Brooks-PureConnect-3-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks PureConnect 3 bottom]] |[[File:Brooks-PureConnect-3-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks PureConnect 3 inside]] |[[File:Brooks-PureConnect-3-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks PureConnect 3 outside]] |}{{FastBlr|brooks/pure-cadence-4-1063|1063|Brooks Pure Cadence 4}}{{FastBlr|brooks/pure-connect-3-248|248|Brooks Pure Connect 3}}==PureFlow and Hoka Clifton==Comparing tongue dug into the PureFlow crook of my ankle 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, caused me problems that limited how far I think it's worth could run in the extrashoe. * Similarities** {{H:shapelacing}}. Neither has a good toe box.** {{H:drop}}. Neither is zero-drop, but neither is bad enough to cause problems. ** {{H:longevity}}. The extra outsole on the PureFlow improves longevitylaces are slightly round, but its foam breaks down more quickly. * Advantage PureFlow** {{H:flexibility}}. The PureFlow is more flexible.** {{H:grip}}. The PureFlow has slightly more grip.** {{H:price}}. The PureFlow is stayed tied without a lot cheaperproblem.** {{H:availabilityheelcounter}}. The PureFlow heel counter is more widely stocked.* Advantage Hoka Clifton** {{H:cushioning}}. The Clifton has far thicker, softer cushioning.** {{H:weight}}. The Clifton is lighter.** {{H:trails}}. The Clifton has a little more protection on rocky trails.{| class="wikitable" |- valign="top"|[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 top]] |[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 bottom]] |[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 inside]] |[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 outside]] |- valign="top"|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]] |[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]|}{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 2}}==PureFlow large and Altra One==Comparing the PureFlow and the [[Altra One]]solid, adding to the Altra wins on weight and cushioning, but the PureFlow will last longer:* Advantage PureFlow** {{H:price}}. The PureFlow is cheaper, especially when longevity is considered.** {{H:grip}}. The PureFlow has more grip.** {{H:availability}}. The PureFlow is widely stocked.** {{H:trails}}. The PureFlow has more protection from rocks.** {{H:longevity}}. The PureFlow lasts longer. (The Altra wears out distressingly quickly.)* Advantage [[Altra One]]** {{H:cushioning}}. The Altra is a lot more softly cushionedoverall discomfort.** {{H:weight}}. The Altra is a lot lighter.** {{H:drop}}. The Altra is zero drop, Mostly the PureFlow has 4mm.** {{H:shape}}. The Altra has heal counter in a much better toe box.** {{H:flexibility}}. The Altra shoe is more flexible.{| class="wikitable" |- valign="top"|[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 top]] |[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 bottom]] |[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 inside]] |[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 outside]] |- valign="top"|[[File:Altra The One 2.5-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Altra The One 2.5 top]]|[[File:Altra The One 2.5-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Altra The One 2.5 bottom]]|[[File:Altra The One 2.5-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Altra The One 2.5 inside]]|[[File:Altra The One 2.5-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Altra The One 2.5 outside]]|}{{FastBlr|altra/one-2.5-1368|1368|Altra One 2.5}}==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** {{H:shape}}. Neither has a good toe box.** {{H:longevity}}. The extra outsole on the PureFlow improves longevityisolated enough by padding to be harmless, but its foam breaks down more quickly. ** {{H:availability}}. The both are reasonably easy to find. ** {{H:cushioning}}. Because with the PureFlow is not zero drop, 5 it has more cushioning than the Virrata in the rear foot, but less in the forefootwas slightly noticeable. Depending on If you twist your foot strikeangle, you may find one is better cushioned than I think the other. * Advantage PureFlow** {{H:grip}}. The PureFlow has more grip.** {{H:trails}}. The PureFlow has more protection from rocks.* Advantage [[Saucony Virrata]]** {{H:drop}}. The Virrata is zero-drop.** {{H:weight}}. The Virrata is a lot lighter.** {{H:price}}. The Virrata is a little cheaper.** {{H:flexibility}}. The Virrata is more flexible.{| class="wikitable" |- valign="top"|[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 top]] |[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 bottom]] |[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 inside]] |[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 outside]] |- valign="top"|[[File:Saucony-Virrata-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Virrata top]] |[[File:Saucony-Virrata-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Virrata bottom]] |[[File:Saucony-Virrata-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Virrata inside]] |[[File:Saucony-Virrata-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Virrata outside]]|}==PureFlow heel counter would dig in 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 fastermake things worse. * Similarities** {{H:cushioning}}. Cushioning is similar, though the PureFlow achieves its cushioning with thicker but firmer foam.** {{H:shape}}. Neither has a good toe box.** {{H:drop}}. Neither is zero-drop.** {{H:availability}}. The both are reasonably easy to find. * Advantage PureFlow** {{H:grip}}. The PureFlow has slightly more grip, though it's close.** {{H:trails}}. The PureFlow has more protection from rocks.* Advantage [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]]** {{H:longevity}}. The PureFlow foam breaks down more quickly. ** {{H:weight}}. The Hyper Speed is a lot lighter.** {{H:flexibility}}. The Hyper Speed is more flexible.{| class="wikitable" FastBlr|brooks/pure- valign="top"|[[File:Brooksflow-Pure4-Flow-3-top.jpg1002|none|thumb|150px1002|Brooks Pure Flow 3 top]] |[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 bottom]] |[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 inside]] |[[File:Brooks-Pure-Flow-3-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Brooks Pure Flow 3 outside]] |- valign="top"|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]] |[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]] |[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]] |[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]] |}{{FastBlr|asics/gel-hyperspeed-6-192|192|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 65}}