The Brooks Pureflow is one of the original shoes Brooks developed in their PureProject line. It’s a lightweight shoe with ample cushioning for neutral runners. It features Brooks BioMoGo DNA cushion technology for environment-friendly, custom cushioning. It also features Brooks IdealHeel to help align your stride and the Brooks Nav Band that wraps around your midfoot for a better fit.

Background
First off, I have only been distance running for little over a year. Like any new runner, buying running shoes for the first time was a rather overwhelming experience. I did as much research as I could about natural running, minimalist running, and good running form as I could before I even tried my first pair. After I convinced myself that minimalist was the way to go, I went to my local running store to get properly fitted. Judging from my weight (200lbs by the way) and my neutral midfoot strike, I was steered toward the Pureflow. It was categorized as a minimalist shoe because it has a 4mm toe-drop, except it has the cushioning of a more traditional shoe. From the moment I slipped it on, I was smitten. I didn’t even know what I had been missing while running in a beat up old pair of Nikes. Walking around the store was like walking on a cloud. No need to look any further, I was sold.

Fit and Feel
As soon as I put these shoes on, my feet felt snug and secure. The elastic NavBand gently held my foot in place so well, I felt like I didn’t even need to use the laces. My heel sunk into the IdealHeel and was hugged by the soft liner. I never had a problem with heel slippage or feeling too loose. The entire upper was designed to wrap seamlessly around the foot. The lightweight, flexible material is snug, but not tight or constrictive. It allowed me to focus on my run and sometimes forget I was even wearing shoes. I wouldn’t say the toe-box is roomy, but there is still plenty of space for toe splay. Being a first time shoe buyer, I can’t say which other moderately cushioned shoes it rivals, but I’m confident it could hold up if not exceed most other competitors. Being a midfoot/forefoot striker, I found there to be plenty of cushioning the length of the shoe. There is enough arch support present to make the shoe feel very stable and supportive without feeling at all like a corrective shoe. All shoes in the PureProject line are designed to align your stride and make for a balanced toe-off.

Performance
The cushioning provides a soft landing, but doesn’t give you that squishy feeling. The midsole is rather responsive to give a little spring with each step. I primarily ran on asphalt, but I did venture onto a couple trails and even on a treadmill. The Pureflows ran great on all surfaces, and the outsole provided enough traction to make it through even the wettest runs. Given that they are lightweight and minimalist, the Pureflows are only rated to last 250-300 miles. Running an average of 8-10 miles per week for 52 weeks, my Pureflows have run their course. Although the outsole doesn’t show significant wear, the cushioning certainly isn’t what it used to be.

Overall
For a first time buy, I couldn’t have been happier with this shoe. My only real critique of the Pureflow is its durability. I would love if they could have lasted 500 miles or more. The price should also make any runner happy. I strongly recommend anyone with a neutral gait looking to transition into a more minimalist shoe should pick up a pair while supplies last.