8,108
edits
Changes
Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Brooks PureFlow 3 Review}} Like others in the Brooks Pure range, the PureFlow is neither a minimalist shoe or a massively cushioned Maximalist shoe, but par..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Brooks PureFlow 3 Review}}
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| Brooks PureFlow Review]]. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| 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]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. 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.
* {{H: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.
* {{H: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.
* {{H: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.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The PureFlow is nicely flexible due to the midsole groves and the gaps in the outsole.
* {{H: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.
* {{H:shape}}. The shoe of the shoe is closer to the human foot than many designs, but it's not right and I'd recommend [[Shoe Modifications| cutting open the toe box for comfort]]. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H: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.
* {{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 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.
* {{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.
{{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 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.
* '''[[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.
{| 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 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
** {{H:shape}}. 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 longevity, 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 a lot cheaper.
** {{H:availability}}. The PureFlow 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 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
** {{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 cushioned.
** {{H:weight}}. The Altra is a lot lighter.
** {{H:drop}}. The Altra is zero drop, the PureFlow has 4mm.
** {{H:shape}}. The Altra has a much better toe box.
** {{H:flexibility}}. The Altra 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 longevity, but its foam breaks down more quickly.
** {{H:availability}}. The both are reasonably easy to find.
** {{H: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
** {{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 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
** {{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"
|- 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: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 6}}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
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| Brooks PureFlow Review]]. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| 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]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. 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.
* {{H: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.
* {{H: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.
* {{H: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.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The PureFlow is nicely flexible due to the midsole groves and the gaps in the outsole.
* {{H: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.
* {{H:shape}}. The shoe of the shoe is closer to the human foot than many designs, but it's not right and I'd recommend [[Shoe Modifications| cutting open the toe box for comfort]]. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H: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.
* {{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 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.
* {{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.
{{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 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.
* '''[[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.
{| 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 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
** {{H:shape}}. 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 longevity, 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 a lot cheaper.
** {{H:availability}}. The PureFlow 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 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
** {{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 cushioned.
** {{H:weight}}. The Altra is a lot lighter.
** {{H:drop}}. The Altra is zero drop, the PureFlow has 4mm.
** {{H:shape}}. The Altra has a much better toe box.
** {{H:flexibility}}. The Altra 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 longevity, but its foam breaks down more quickly.
** {{H:availability}}. The both are reasonably easy to find.
** {{H: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
** {{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 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
** {{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"
|- 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: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 6}}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}