Brooks PureFlow 5 Review

I recently did a review of the Brooks Glycerin 13, which received Runner’s World’s Best Update Award for 2015.  It is an amazing shoe with a nice amount of cushion and feels great on the road (click here for my review).  The Glycerin 13 has a 10mm heel drop, which is more than I typically run in for my faster paced runs.  I am now testing out one of Brooks lighter weight shoes with a 4 mm heel drop, the PureFlow 5. 

Brooks is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.  Brooks’ motto is to “Run Happy” but they also try to “Live Green.”  Brooks has four categories for their shoes.

Cushion Me – Soft and protective shoes
Energize Me – Responsive and springy shoes
Connect Me – Light weight and flexible shoes
Propel Me – Fast, low-profile shoes   

The PureFlow 5 falls in the Connect Me category and while it is light, it still provides enough cushion to make sure your feet are protected not matter if you are on a training run or in a race.

Like the Glycerin 13, the PureFlow 5 uses Brooks’ 3D Fit Print, which is a revolutionary process that uses a screen-print technology to apply the structural material to the upper part of the shoe.  It applies structure to the shoe while still allowing the upper material to stretch.  This makes for a great fitting shoe that feels great. 

Another feature the PureFlow 5 has in common with the Glycerin 13 is the rounded heel that aligns the force of a heel impact with the center of your ankle joint to reduce the stress on your body.

Brooks is using their DNA LT midsole material, which adapts to each step and stride while weighing 10% less than their other midsole materials.  While there is less cushion than the Glycerin 13, I really liked the feel of the cushion.  It provided plenty of cushion and was really flexible.  Since this is part of the Connect Me category, you should be aware that the PureFlow 5 will not give you that ground contact feel that a more minimal shoe would provide, but it has more ground feel than the Glycerin 13.

The wraparound heel comfort collar provides a great fit and feels fantastic.  It locks in your heel and is a great feature for this shoe.  The tongue is awesome as well.  It is cushioned, but isn’t too bulky.  As with all of Brooks’ shoes, they use a round shoe lace that I feel is one of the best in the industry.  I never have to worry about them becoming untied in the middle of a run.

Pros:

Very comfortable

Nice low heel drop at 4mm

Great price $110

Looks awesome

Light weight at 9.2 ounces

90 Day Trial at Brooks.com (Free Returns)

Cons:

Runs a little short so I had to get a ½ size bigger.

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The Brooks Neuro will be released later this year.

I have been very impressed with both the Glycerin 13 and the PureFlow 5.  They are both awesome shoes that serve two different purposes.  I really like that the PureFlow 5 is a lighter weight shoe with a 4 mm heel drop.  It is really flexible with just enough cushioning and it felt great mile after mile.  The price point is great as well at $110 on the Brooks' website.  You can also find them at your local retailer (click here for locations). Way to go Brooks!  I can’t wait to see what Brooks will release in the next few months. 

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.