Details
Brand
Brooks
Heel To Toe Drop
8mm
Breathability
7.7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Personalizes the mechanics of each individual runner• Provides plenty of cushioning and support• Ideal for runners with pronation issues• Durable and resistant construction performs well on the road and delivers great traction• Upper construction offers breathability and flexibility• Makes use of some impressive technological advancements
Upper
Construction of the Transcend 3 incorporates meshing material that is soft, breathable, and highly resistant to moisture. The shoes’ upper is made of Conformable Saddle Construction, which provides structure and security, while the upper is made of Elemental Mash, a soft and breathable material that helps keep the foot cool and dry. The seamless Overlay System is made of synthetic materials that work congruently with its lacing system that adjusts in accordance with the runner’s desired level of tightness. Finally, Elemental Lining makes up the inner sleeve, made from a moisture-resistant material.
Midsole
No, SUPER DNA is not the latest attempt for science to produce a whole generation of super athletes. Instead, it’s the shining star of Brooks’ engineering genius. What is a DNA midsole? Brooks refers to it as “non-Newtonian” material that reacts to the level of force that is applied to it. A DNA MIDSOLE is made from materials that deliver cushioning based on the level of pressure that it receives. In addition, it also molds itself over time to the shape of the runner’s underfoot, which makes the platform more comfortable.;But that’s just the start of the Transcend 3’s excellent midsole. It also features the S-257 Cushsole, which offers excellent cushioning. This flexible compound serves as the foundation of the midsole, and its durable nature provides effective cushioning even after many miles of usage. The Caterpillar Crash Pad follows the natural movements of the foot during a run. This segment of pads makes heel-to-toe transitions smooth and easy. Finally, the midsole is outfitted with Double Omega Flex Grooves that gives the midsole great flexibility without compromising its cushioning, allowing the foot to naturally move through the running cycle.
Outsole
The outsole is composed of HPR+ rubber components that are known for durability. They work great as protection from abrasions and general wear and tear. Soft blown rubber, which is lighter in weight than standard rubber, offers greater flexibility and is better adapted for gripping and traction.
Breathability
Proper breathability allows a runner’s feet to stay cool and dry while helping prevent any overheating or irritation-related issues like blisters. Towards this, the Transcend 3’s upper is constructed using microfiber synthetic leather, which also happens to be used in their line of performance shoes. Synthetic leather is made from ultra-fine fibers that are significantly thinner and stronger than those found in regular leather. Laser-Cut Mesh on the shoes’ upper also helps with overall breathability as it allows greater penetration of free-flowing air to circulate within the foot chamber.
Comfort
As a shoe that was designed for the open road and all the pounding and bruising that comes with it, the Transcend 3 offers plush and pillow-like levels of comfort. It features a roomy toe box that makes it a great fit for runners with wide feet and allows for better toe splay than many other running shoes. The all-around cushioning and the extra layer of padding on the heel of the Transcend 3 makes for a pleasant running experience, all while keeping your joints safe from injury.
Style
There are four available style options for both men and women the Transcend 3 comes in. The women’s options range in color from bright hues like hot pink to subtle black and gray. The teal blue and purple option seem to be the more popular color combo for women. The men’s options include electric blue/lime, silver/orange/red, red/black, and black/gray. Unfortunately, styling options are limited with just a few choose from and from an aesthetic point of view, the Transcend 3 simply doesn’t have the look of a shoe in its price category.
Durability
While the “cool” factor may not be the strongest point for Brooks, we cannot say the same for its technological innovation, and this includes finding new ways to make a shoe that lasts a long time. For example, the Transcend 3’s outsole is made from quality crafted rubber compounds that protect the foot from small hazards and is built to last. Protection in the upper comes by way of synthetic materials and strong flexible meshing. The finished product results in a shoe that’s a true road warrior capable of handling the run battle for many miles.
Protection
The Transcend 3 works great as a shelter from injury. Perhaps the most innovative development is the use of IDEAL PRESSURE ZONES. Instead of pressure being centralized to a single part of the shoe, Brooks developed a way for this pressure to be evenly distributed from midfoot to forefoot. Having pressure equally distributed over a greater area means that impact is not centralized to one region of the body. The Transcend 3 also features a ROUNDED HEAL. The curvature at the rear promotes a more linear angle for your entire body by expanding the force of impact over the ankle. Through IDEAL PRESSURE ZONES and ROUNDED HEAL technology, Brooks has taken on innovative ways to promote healthier running and to protect the foot from damage.
Responsiveness
It seems safe to say that SUPER DNA is the meat and potatoes of the Transcend 3’s overall construction. Let us remind you that Brooks’ DNA midsole is comprised of non-Newtonian material. The non-newtonian material is a viscous liquid that reacts similarly to a mixture of cornstarch and water. If no force is applied to the liquid then it’s non-reactive and objects simply sink through, in the same way, an object would sink beneath the surface of a thick liquid like oil. However, when strong pressure is applied, it works like a springboard. Imagine jumping up and down on a spring mattress and how it reacts do differences in pressure as you jump. Since runners come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and speeds, a SUPER DNA midsole responds to the individual making the Transcend 3 a unique find in this category.
Support
When it comes to shoes when we think of the term ‘support’ it refers to a shoe’s ability to control pronation. The Transcend 3 certainly makes use of its midsole technologies to offer runners the benefits of a stable and comfortable run. Through the use of IDEAL PRESSURE ZONES, a ROUNDED HEAL, and SUPER DNA, the Transcend 3 is a running shoe that works in concert to create a custom fit level of support.
Terrain
The Brooks Transcend 3 is meant for the open road. Its technical specs are formulated to handle the firmness of the pavement. The rubber materials that comprise the outsole are tough, durable, and provide great traction on asphalt and other traditional running surfaces.
Price
The Transcend 3 places on the higher end of the price scale. Some users of the shoe have commented that the materials for this version have not been upgraded from prior versions, but whether this shoe is worth the money ultimately depends on the priorities of the consumer.
Drop
The heel to toe offset, or drop, measures 8mm. The lower the number the greater the likelihood of a mid-foot to forefoot strike. A minimalist shoe will have a lower drop whereas a higher offset measurement increases landing toward the rear of the foot. At 8mm, the Transcend 3 places just slightly lower than the standard running shoe and much higher than a minimalist drop.
Stability
This shoe implements the use of GUARD RAILS, which are located on the side of the midsole. It’s another feature that aids in support by stabilizing a runner’s natural motion. However, it’s not just GUARD RAILS but an entire basket of technological features that comprise the stability and support elements of this shoe. The Transcend 3 is ideal for runners with flat to medium arches.
Flexibility
Brooks has taken 3D print technology, which it refers to as 3D FIT PRINT, and used it on the Transcend 3. In fact, the shoe’s upper has been printed on using this technology. Brooks states that this method maintains shoe structure and it aids in overall flexibility. When combined with the shoe’s upper materials, the mesh and synthetic overlays, in particular, you wind up with a shoe that remains fairly flexible despite its weight limitations.
Traction
Traction in the Transcend 3 is facilitated by the HPR+ rubber on the outsole. This material offers superior protection against small rocks and other hazards while also delivering great traction by engaging a firm grip upon contact with the ground. Above-average grip and traction are key benefits from softer blown rubber materials.
Bottom Line
The Brooks Transcend 3 has plenty of “wow” factor that should intrigue runners looking for a running shoe that employs some of the most interesting technological innovations in running shoes today. 3D FIT PRINT, GUARD RAILS, and SUPER DNA are all wildly interesting features that make the Transcend 3 a running shoe that keeps up and adapts to the runner to personalize their running experience while also delivering quality traction and outstanding durability. It’s still not clear whether running in a pair or taking them apart in a science lab is the best course of action with this trainer, and maybe the answer is both. But these features are not just for show: they are beneficial for runners who are looking for a custom fit. But for runners looking for a top of the line, cutting-edge running shoe that aims to provide a personalized fit and excellent performance, the Transcend 3 is one of the most interesting options available on the market.
