Details
Brand
Brooks
Heel To Toe Drop
4 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Outsole made of a standard rubber material• BioMoGo DNA cushioning provides dynamic padding• Guiderails positioned on sides of the shoe provide stability• Rounded heel encourages more natural foot strike and improved the fit• Omega Flex Grooves in the outsole enhance overall flexibility• Upper constructed using 3D Fit Print technology which makes it nearly seamless• Padded tongue and heel• Internal support saddle secures midfoot• Toe Flex (split toe) in forefoot improves toe-off feel• NAV Band adds another element of support
Upper
The Brooks PureCadence 6 has a sophisticated 3D Fit Print upper. This means that the fit is super snug without causing pain or discomfort. Compared to the previous version of the shoe, the PureCadence 6 has a much improved upper fit. Brooks has gone back to what worked before the 5th iteration. The upper in this version of the shoe is also more supportive. The stretchy laces of the shoe are interesting but many runners had trouble keeping them tied. Bending over to tie your shoes during a race is not any runner’s idea of a successful performance. The upper also features a NAV band. It’s interesting to note that some other PureProject models also feature the same component. There is a version of the PureFlow, a neutral shoe, that features a NAV Band and many reviewers found it a superfluous addition. Reviewers of the PureCadence 6 were pleased with the support this component added.;The tongue and heel collar of the PureCadence 6 also get a bit of padding. The tongue is nicely padded but stays out of the way for the most part. It’s another tiny improvement since the last version.
Midsole
The midsole of the Brooks PureCadence 6 contains BioMoGo DNA cushioning. This type of proprietary cushioning material ensures that the wearer receives dynamic padding and support as they run. Instead of a medial post, the PureCadence 6 provides stability via its lateral Guide Rail system. An Internal Support Saddle also works to hug the midfoot snugly and provide support. A heel counter also lends an extra hand in terms of support. The midsole cushioning in the PureCadence 6 is there but it’s to be noted that those who prefer ample cushioning may not feel comfortable at the outset in this shoe.
Outsole
The outsole of the Brooks PureCadence 6 is made of standard rubber. There’s nothing too spectacular to say about the outsole’s technologies but it seems to do the job okay. A few runners did mention that the shoe ran well even on varied terrain making it a versatile training option. Also technically part of the shoe’s sole is the specially rounded heel. This construction in the rearfoot is meant to provide a smoother ride feel and encourage a more natural gait. Also noticeable on the shoe is the Omega Flex Grooves which enhance flexibility. The forefoot also features a Toe Flex area which helps to make toe off more efficient.
Breathability
The Brooks PureCadence 6 is very breathable. The 3D print material is resistant but thin enough to let air circulate. Unfortunately, this also means the shoe is easily waterlogged. Thankfully, the shoe dries quickly enough for this not to be a problem. A few runners did feel like the shoe could use a bit more ventilation, but they were in the minority.
Comfort
Reviewers were way happier with this version of the Brooks PureCadence. The fifth version just didn’t please most runners due to a poor fitting upper and some other design flaws. Brooks has returned to a tried and true formula for the lineup and has managed to regain some loyal followers. Most reviewers cited a comfortable fit that was true to size. There’s enough cushioning in the midsole to soften impact but it’s not a shoe for runners who like a plush ride. The improved support makes the Brooks PureCadence 6 more comfortable for overpronators and with a little bit of added flexibility, the fit feels much better as well. Reviewers commented that running in the shoe felt natural. A nearly seamless upper helps to make the ride just as comfortable inside as it is on the outside.
Style
Brooks hasn’t altered the aesthetic of the shoe that much. The Brooks PureCadence 6 looks strikingly similar to the PureCadence 5. If the overlays look a little different it’s because the brand decided to offer more muted tones with this version. The less flashy color options eliminate the contrasting overlays which provided a pop of color. Instead, with the PureCadence 6, the laces bring a burst of color (that’s still fairly subdued) as well as a slim band around the midsole. Quite a few reviewers mentioned they would have preferred more color options including some brighter picks.
Durability
The Brooks PureCadence 6 is a lightweight shoe with a pretty minimal design so don’t expect miracles when it comes to durability. Most wearers should get about 250-300 miles out of the shoe. The outsole is fairly durable and the upper has been strengthened since the last iteration so most runners should have no problem in terms of durability. Again, it’s a fairly minimalist stability shoe, so there’s less cushioning, and the materials used in construction are generally thinner than in sturdier models. Regardless, it’s not a flimsy shoe.
Protection
The Brooks PureCadence 6 provides protection in a few ways. The upper on this version provides a lot more support than before. A snug fit helps to ensure the ride is stable for the wearer. The NAV Band on the upper is another component that helps lock in the foot. In addition, the Guide Rails located on the sides of the shoe keep overpronators from rolling inward excessively. Some runners felt comfortable running off-road with the PureCadence 6 which says a lot about the shoe’s ability to handle potential hazards.
Responsiveness
The Brooks PureCadence 6 is semi-responsive. The midsole cushioning provides a good rebound for the runner but it’s not outstanding. Where the shoe shines is in its ability to provide a natural ride while still offering support. Most stability shoes lose out on responsiveness because they are heavier underfoot and have rigid medial posts. The PureCadence 6 is different. Sure, there’s some stiffness at first, but the outsole Flex Grooves help to reduce this rigidity and offer up some pliability. The shoe also happens to be low to the ground as well as providing an even more natural wear experience.
Support
The support in the Brooks PureCadence 6 comes from the 3D Fit Printed upper which secures the wearers foot much better than before. In addition, the NAV Band keeps the runner locked in. The laces help a bit, but many runners found they untied easily. The BioMoGo DNA cushioning acts as a frame underfoot keeping wearers from collapsing into the ground. Some runners did find the cushioning a bit stiff but there’s a reason for that. The cushion provides support, and there’s just less of it overall. The Heel Counter also works to add another supportive component by keeping the heel fixed in place.
Terrain
Some runners did find they were fine when running on varied terrain with the Brooks PureCadence 6. Mixing things up doesn’t seem to be a problem for the shoe. It can handle a variety of surfaces usually with no problem. The lugs are not aggressive by any means, but the shoe performs well regardless. It’s important to note that the shoe doesn’t do well in the rain since it gets waterlogged very easily. It’s something to consider if you’re more interested in a waterproof shoe.
Price
Brooks decided to drop the price a fraction with the new version of the PureCadence. The Brooks PureCadence 6 is still an affordable option. It’s interesting to see this kind of price drop when a shoe is on its sixth version. Perhaps it’s a way to attract loyalists who strayed post-PureCadence 5? It’s a nice way to bring in, even more, potential fans to the mix.
Drop
The Brooks PureCadence 6 features a fairly low 4mm drop. The heel to toe drop remains unchanged from the previous version so wearers can rest assured they’re still close to the ground. This lower drop allows runners to run naturally thanks to a nice ground-foot connection. The majority of reviewers were pleased with the ride and many called it ‘natural’ feeling. The PureCadence 6, like its predecessors, is well-suited to runners with a forefoot or midfoot strike. In fact, the rounded heel in the rearfoot actually works to encourage a more forward impact zone.
Stability
The Brooks PureCadence 6 features Guiderails on the side of the shoe. These help to correct overpronation. Since the shoe provides stability without a medial post, it’s significantly lighter than other similarly categorized models. It manages to feel like a minimalist shoe while still being supportive and stable. That’s huge for overpronators who are used to bulk trainers with medial posts. The PureCadence offers something a bit different. At its lighter weight, it’s still great for faster runs and even works as a racing shoe.
Flexibility
The Brooks PureCadence 6 brings with it a bit more flexibility. The mesh upper provides more support than before but is also flexible enough to stretch a tad. The Toe Flex forefoot and Omega Grooves ensure the wearer can move through their gait cycle comfortably and naturally. Some reviewers did find the shoe required a breaking-in period because of some excess stiffness underfoot. This feeling seems to dissipate after a few runs.
Traction
There’s a decent amount of traction with the outsole of the Brooks PureCadence 6. It’s just not something that the majority of reviewers commented on. That must mean the traction is adequate. A few runners mentioned that the shoe did well on varied terrain so it’s likely it can grip surfaces well, too. The lugs are not aggressive but the shoe is low enough to the ground and supportive enough to ensure runners stay upright.
Bottom Line
The Brooks PureCadence 6 is a welcome update for the PureCadence line. The previous version was generally ill-received by many runners and Brooks brought things back to basics with some minor improvements that make the update worthwhile.;While the design has changed very little, the improved upper fit offers better support for the wearer, is more durable, and the shoe is lighter in weight. Buyers also get treated to a nice $10 drop in price from the last version. A small downside comes in the form of limited muted color choices and a stiff feel that takes some getting used to. A breaking in period fixes the rigidness quite quickly and the boring color selection isn’t a deal breaker. The Brooks PureCadence 6 is an all-around lightweight stability trainer that will serve runners well even on race day.
