Editor rating:
9/10 on
THOMAS CAUGHLAN
User's rating:

PROS

  • Updates to the shoe have helped to improve the quality and fit of the shoe’s upper while small tweaks to the midsole have improved stability features of the shoe.

CONS

  • Price

OUR VERDICT

Updates to the PureCadence have helped to further improve this unique stability shoe. The PureCadence 3 is a great shoe for the stability runner looking for a solid daily trainer, race day choice, or curious about a more minimalist inspired alternative.
SHOE INFO
Brand
Pure Cadence 3
Model
Type
8.6 oz. (men) 6.9 oz. (women) oz. (244 gr.)
Weight
120 US$
MSRP
WHO IS IT FOR
Mild to moderate overpronators seeking a lower drop, lower profile alternative support shoe.

Brooks PureCadence 3 General Info:

The Brooks PureCadence 3 is the most supportive model in Brooks’ Pure Project Line. The PureCadence is one of the more-widely popular models in the line do to its ability to provide support in a lightweight stripped down frame.

The PureCadence 3 is the first entirely new upgrade since the shoes first launch. Not to worry though this new version mirrors many aspects from the prior versions. The updates to the PureCadence 3 are subtle and have enhanced the shoes over all fit and underfoot feel versus altering it into something new.

Brooks PureCadence 3 First Impression:

Out of the box and on my feet, the PureCadence 3 was very comfortable. The feel and roll of the shoe are what I would have expected and am accustomed to from a PureProject Shoe.

The Shoe has a noticeable slight lateral lean to help combat ovepronation, and offers up a bit more midfoot support than the other models in the line that I have run in. The shoe has a nice low profile making any runner feel that they are not wearing a supportive shoe at all.

Brooks PureCadence 3 Sole Unit:

The Sole of the PureCadence 3 is still made from Brooks’ BioMoGo DNA blended material. I found the PureCadence 3 to be just slightly more resilient or firmer that other models.

The Outsole of the Pure Cadence 3 has taken on a slightly different tread pattern, and a more pod-like appearance than before. A second stability pod had been added to the medial side in the arch to compliment the lateral one. This addition is to help with further stability through the gait cycle.

While this was not super noticeable to me while running, as I tend to land more forefoot, it was more present when I walked. The last has a nice anatomic fit that opens into the deeply carved grooves of the fore foot that allowed for a wide range of motion.

The PureCadene 3 has changed the ToeFlex to now take in the first two toes and not just the big toe. I found that this not only allowed my toes to splay better, but also provided more power through toe-off.

The Ideal heel in the PureCadence 3, along with the other shoes across the line, has underwent a slight modification. While the overall shape remains unchanged and still mimics the natural curve of the heel the bevel has been increased.

The bevel now has a 360 degree row of pods that keeps the first point of contact closer to joint center. This really helped keep the transition of the shoe fluid, and reduced the tendency for the heel to land first. A feature that may be of interest to heel strikers.

Brooks PureCadence 3 Upper:

The PureCadence 3 NavBand is constructed of silicone vs. elastic as before. The band has also now been integrated into midsole on the medial side of the shoe. This alteration along with the additional support pod to the arch provided superior midfoot support and stability. Runners that are constantly in need of increased arch support will benefit from this change.

The upper has a conformable fit thanks to its burrito wrapped tongue. The tongue was a feature of the 2 but has been changed on the 3 to wrap from the inside of the foot outward, as opposed to outside to inside as was found in the 2.

Breathable mesh is featured throughout the upper and is given structure with use of well-placed seamless overlays.

The shoe still incorporates an asymmetric lacing system which I have come to enjoy as it provides a nice secure lock down, and nearly eliminates all rubbing to the top of my foot.

The heel is very form fitting which keeps it aligned over your center of gravity and is nicely padded I might add. This unique counter coupled the shoes 4mm drop definitely encourages a natural more forward foot strike.

Brooks PureCadence 3 Opinion:

I think that the PureCadence 3 would be a great shoe for the mild to moderate overpronator looking for a daily trainer. The Purecadence 3 along with the PureProject line are definitely unique and stand alone in their class. The Purecadence 3 has a just right cushioning in my opinion that’s not too hard and not too soft.

The good people at Brooks have done a wonderful job in updating the shoe by make subtle changes to enhance and improve upon what already helped make the shoe great. The have definitely adhered to the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” mentality very well.

We thank the nice people at Brooks for sending us a pair of PureCadence 3 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.

Brooks Pure Cadence 3 Price Comparison

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