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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Brooks PureFlow 3 Review}}
Like others in the Brooks Pure range, the PureFlow is neither a minimalist shoe or a massively cushioned [[Minimax]] 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. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
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=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: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.
{{BuyShoesFastBlr|RW=Tbrooks/pure-flow-4-1002|RRS=T1002|AZ=T|ZP=T}}{{ShoeGraphsBrooks Pure Flow 4}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
|[[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.
|[[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:
|[[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.
|[[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}}
