Details
Brand
Brooks
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
8.3/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• DNA midsole cushioning provides adaptability and support• Rounded heel improves alignment and decreases joint stress• 3D Fit Print applies snug but comfortable upper layer• Wrap-around heel collar improves comfort• Lightweight design improves responsiveness
Upper
As previously mentioned, this running shoe uses a single layer of 3D printed mesh for its upper. In addition to being beautifully simplistic, this particular design avoids using stitches or seams that could otherwise lead to skin irritation. Additional benefits to this upper are a lighter shoe, a better fit, and a terrific amount of breathability. The anterior-superior portion of the foot while housed in this upper makes long and short runs a breeze, even in very warm climates. The lack of ample protective cushioning does mean that this portion of the Brooks Pureflow 5 isn’t as durable as the uppers of many other running shoes, however, this shoe still boasts a perfectly adequate lifespan if they are used appropriately and treated properly.
Midsole
Brooks used one large piece of special DNA foam material for the midsole. This dense compound has been divided into eight lateral flex grooves in order to improve flexibility. As a result, even beginner runners trying out the Pureflow 5 can move fluidly in any direction or landing that is conceivably capable from the human foot. The result of this is a snug and welcoming around the heel, even while running up or down hills. The rounded heel placed on this Brooks shoe’s midsole is another fantastic implementation of shoe-tech that reduces joint stress and maintains a natural alignment. These are just some of the features that make the Pureflow 5 an excellent fit for beginner runners.
Outsole
With the Brooks PureFlow 5, a common theme can be observed throughout its design. That core design philosophy is an emphasis on the natural landing and function of the human foot. This idea inspires many of the interesting choices made by Brooks in regards to the Pureflow 5’s design, with the most notable of these being seen in the outsole. Rubber is used predominantly from the midfoot to the toe box in order to provide a springiness that can save energy while running and reduce fatigue. This lightweight material is also incorporated into the Pureflow 5’s midsole, resulting in increased comfort on longer runs with concessions made for midfoot and heel strikers. Consequently, these running shoes accentuate the natural stride of a runner rather than attempt to reinvent it.
Breathability
Very little material separates a runner’s foot from the surfaces they are running on when wearing these shoes. The sock liner is the only real form of protection offered, while this does mean that the Brooks Pureflow 5 feels very breathable, it also means that they aren’t a good pick for running on rougher surfaces. The upper portion of these shoes utilizes a perforated mesh material greatly, which also improves the Pureflow 5’s breathability. This means that runners can comfortably wear and use these shoes in high temperatures but it also means that it will function poorly in lower temperatures due to inadequate heat retention.
Comfort
One of the most important determining factors for a running shoe’s comfortability is how tight they feel. This is especially true in the front, even the most comfortably loose shoe can begin to feel oppressive if the toe box is too tight. While the Brooks Pureflow 5 does have a tight toe box, it isn’t tight to such a degree that they make the entire shoe feel uncomfortable. Just enough give is present to allow a runner’s toes to move fluidly, provided that they are wearing the proper size. Aside from this, the typical comfort-related trappings runners may expect in a running shoe are absent in this model, such as numerous layers of pillowy cushioning.
Style
While the style of a running shoe is only important to a specific niche of fashion-oriented individuals, it’s still worth mentioning. Regarding the Brooks PureFlow 5, enough style has been implemented into its design that it stands out from the crowd in a good way. A variety of visually appealing color schemes are available that can coordinate with other running gear and apparel. In addition, the seamless design of the Pureflow 5’s upper portion exudes a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic.
Durability
According to the manufacturer, these shoes should last the typical customer around 250-300 miles of running before necessitating replacement. Impressive as this is, it is still par for the course when it comes to standard running shoes. This durability is only guaranteed if runners use the Pureflow 5 in appropriate running environments, for that reason, using these shoes on running trails is strongly discouraged. Alternatively, running on low-intensity surfaces such as concrete pavement has seemingly no effect on the outsoles. What’s particularly impressive about the durability of these shoes is the 3D fit upper, which retains its sturdiness after extended periods of use.
Protection
When evaluating the level of protection offered by a running shoe, the two most important factors to consider are its impact absorption capabilities and how effective it barricades the foot from the elements. Regarding the former category, the Brooks PureFlow 5 provides excellent shock absorption for the heel and midfoot thanks to its design. Unfortunately, these shoes fall short of the mark in regards to the latter category. These shoes are not viable for use in heavy rain or snow. While the sock liner and mesh material used for the upper provide excellent comfort, they offer little in terms of protection from debris or moisture.
Responsiveness
The way these shoes feel on a runner’s feet compare best with a high-end European sports car, in the sense that they are very sensitive with an impressive amount of potential. No shifting of the feet occurs while wearing the Brooks Pureflow 5, allowing runners to push their feet to the limit without fear of being left behind by the limitations of their footwear. Thanks to the lighter weight and impressive technology implemented into its design, this is just another way that the Brooks Pureflow 5 blows its competitors out of the water.
Support
A common concern individuals face when evaluating a pair of running shoes is how tight they need to be laced. For some shoes, proper support is only guaranteed if you tie them as tight as you can. Thankfully, the Brooks Pureflow 5 does not have this issue, meaning that runners can adjust their lacing to the level that matches their comfort. From the upper to the midsole and all the way down to the outsole, support is guaranteed to the entirety of a runner’s foot when wearing these shoes.
Terrain
It should be fairly obvious what kind of terrain these shoes are best suited for based on their design, but it’s still worth mentioning. The Brooks Pureflow 5 is best suited for running on low to mid-intensity running surfaces due to their lower weight and limited protective cushioning. They will perform admirably on many common roads and sidewalks, even if they involve inclines. However, these shoes are not meant to be used on high-intensity terrain such as a rough trail. These lightweight shoes have a niche in which they perform best and there is nothing wrong with that.
Price
The price makes these shoes a perfect buy. You are getting a solid amount of shoe-tech for a “standard sneaker that you would never run in” price. All the materials are top notch and high quality, the build feels durable and well crafted. Many sneakers within this price point are thrown away at half their lifespans due to poor build quality. Most are very happy with the price point of these shoes, especially with the rich history and technological advancements that a company like Brooks brings to the table.
Drop
Another way in which these Brooks running shoes set themselves apart from many other products is in their lower heel drop. Ordinarily, common running shoes feature a significant difference in elevation between the heel and the forefoot for the purpose of providing more cushion to runners with a tendency to strike their heel. The Pureflow 5 has a heel drop of only 4 mm, meaning that the foot remains mostly flat during a run. A small amount of extra padding has been added to the heel because of this but it isn’t enough to ward off all pain and discomfort that may come about from heel striking.
Stability
In the pursuit of designing a viable running shoe with the lowest possible weight, some design aspects inevitably got the ax. Unfortunately, one of these was stability, at least in regards to gait correction. The lack of serious arch support in the midfoot comes with a deficit of crash rails or support systems that many runners who suffer from overpronation need in order to run comfortably. However, enough stability is present through a securely-fitting upper and high responsiveness to provide significant benefits over literally running barefooted.
Flexibility
One additional benefit to this Brooks running shoe weighing so little and being made from such a small amount of material is that it offers a terrific level of flexibility. For runners looking to emulate a more naturalistic running style or attempting to shave a few seconds off their sprinting time, this is a huge positive. In combination with a comfortably tight-fitting upper, runners will almost feel as if these shoes are the second layer of skin.
Traction
The primary intention of the Brooks Pureflow 5 is to provide a naturalistic running experience that is closer to a more primitive running style. For that reason, little has been added in the way of traction that would be different from running barefoot. However, enough grip has been added to the design of this shoe’s outsole that it will function well on various roads and sidewalks, even if they feature significant elevation. Realistic expectations are important when running in these shoes, meaning that running on most heavy-duty trails is discouraged.
Bottom Line
The Brooks Pureflow 5 is a perfect fit for runners looking for a lightweight article of athletic footwear that can serve as an everyday running tool. Showcasing high-quality construction and design, this shoe can do more for a runner’s progress than just about any smartphone app or running gadget that attempts to do the same. A good pair of road runners can endow runners with the edge needed to drive themselves further forward and these Brooks running shoes offer just that. In essence, the PureFlow 5 is a surprisingly impressive piece of shoe-tech at a very reasonable asking price.
