Spending some time with Brooks at OR 2014 we had a chance to look at their newest shoes for this year.

Stay tuned after the video for an insight over the new Adrenaline ASR, Cascadia 9, Ghost 7, PureGrit 3, Ravenna 5 and Transcend.

Brooks Pure Grit 3

MSRP: ??
Weight: 8.5 oz (approximate production estimate)
Drop: 4mm
Availability: Summer ’14

The Pure Grit 3 keeps the same contoured footbed characteristic of the Pure Series, but Brooks got rid of the split toe design and tongue design from the last two versions. A new floating tongue design and reduced overlays in the upper brings the weight down over an ounce from the last version (sorry, exact specs were not available at this time).

Brooks keeps the 4mm drop and beveled outsole making the Pure Grit 3 a very agile and low to the ground trail runner with, what looks to be, excellent traction from grippy pentagon-shaped lugs all over the outsole.

Brooks Cascadia 9

MSRP: $120
Weight: 12.2. oz (men’s size 9)
Drop: 12 mm
Availability: Now

Flat lacing reduces pressure on the top of the foot, and the design team focused on improving the mid-foot wrap with some welded overlays which connect into the lacing system. Brooks keeps the midsole and outsole the same but has increased the heel drop by 2mm to an overall 12mm heel drop.

With most of the redesigns taking place entirely in the upper of the shoe, runners can expect the same trusty and durable Cascadia platform with plenty of cushioning and support.

Brooks Ravenna 5

MSRP: $110
Weight: 10.7 oz (men’s size 9)
Drop: 8mm
Availability: Now

The Ravenna receives a complete overhaul to the upper while maintaining its roots, as sewn on seams around the toe box and upper are removed and replaced by welded overlays. Additionally, the mid foot wrap is improved by adding an adjustable saddle which is incorporated into the lacing system to fail in the fit.

A blended BioMoGo DNA foam is used rather than the DNA gel pods in the heel and forefoot in the last version. This reduces weight just a bit, but Brooks also lowered the heel drop to make the Ravenna 5 a more agile, but still supportive, trainer.

Stability is achieved by using a dual density BioMoGo DNA foam on the medial side of the mid foot and a thermoplastic unit throughout the mid foot adds support.

Brooks Transcend

MSRP: $160
Weight: 11.8 oz (men’s size 9)
Drop: 8mm
Availability: Now

The guide rails enhance support and eliminate the need for additional medial posting or plastic throughout the midsole which keeps the Transcend flexible. Brooks’ Caterpillar Crash Pad and flex grooves also aid in flexibility which keeps the shoe from feeling clunky.

One could compare the features of the Transcend to those of an Asics Kayano on steroids as the cushioning of the Transcend is quite a bit more substantial than that of the Brooks Glycerin.

Brooks Adrenaline ASR 14

MSRP: $120
Weight: 11.2 oz (men’s size 9)
Drop: 12mm
Availability: Now

The Adrenaline has always been a best seller for Brooks, so don’t expect many changes to a good thing. A softer mesh in the upper provides a more plush feel, and a mid foot saddle hugs the mid foot a bit more. Outsole was added on the lateral side of the shoe to improve ground contact throughout transition from heel to toe.

If you are a Adrenaline loyalist, this fourteenth version will not disappoint.