Details
Brand
Brooks
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
PureGrit 6 (2017)
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Long-lasting BioMoGo DNA cushioning system• Wider toe box• Excellent grip on wet surfaces• Elastic wrap around the midfoot• Added protection from injuries
Upper
Brooks made some necessary changes to the upper of PureGrit 3, including the pattern of the lace. The current off-centered lace pattern aims at distributing the pressure over a larger area of the foot, as opposed to the previous versions which exerted pressure on the bones on top of the foot. PureGrit 3 also redesigned the style of the tongue, which is more traditional compared to the medial coupled wrapped tongue in the previous versions. When it comes to the change in the tongue, runners have different views. Some runners find the tongue comfortable, while others feel it is one of major downside. The runners who argue that it is a disadvantage, mention of the challenge is keeping the tongue at the center of the foot during their run. The runners prefer the previous combination of stitched welded overlays and mesh material, which gave the shoe a comfortable fit while still providing “breathing” room for the foot.
Midsole
Brooks PureGrit 3 midsole is consistent with the entire Pure collection beginning with BioMogo DNA cushioning. Brooks made an effort to be eco-friendly by ensuring that the BioMoGo midsole is made of biodegradable material. The material can take up to 20 years to break down in landfills when the shoe is worn out as opposed to other plastic midsoles that could take centuries to degrade. The cushion adapts to the rounded heel, which shifts the runners towards a much more aligned Nav Band, covering the foot for a traditional fit. The PureGrit 3 has added a rock plate under the forefoot, giving the runner protection on a rocky surface. The shoe also has a stronger toe box.
Outsole
The best update to the shoe is its outsole. The rubber outsole is covered with hexagon shaped studs. The shoe’s outsole has gutters that allow it to flex in certain spots under the foot, which enable more natural movement. The outsole also has an aggressive tread. The treads provide a firm base and allow the runners to get through rugged, rocky trails as well as muddy trails. The only downside of the PureGrit 3 outsole is its quicker deterioration. Most runners stated that after only running approximately 150 miles and mostly on soft surfaces, the lugs showed signs of wear.
Breathability
Brooks PureGrit 3 has the ability of effectively shedding water during runs. The upper is made of permeable mesh material with tiny spaces that allow the runner’s foot to release moisture, keeping the foot cool and dry. Overall, this is a very breathable shoe.
Comfort
Brooks PureGrit 3 has a forefoot plate that improves comfort, particularly on technical terrain. It has a thin mesh fitted in the forefoot enhances breathability and allows the shoe to dry quickly. The shoe also has padding wrapped around the ankle collar and heel, keeping them comfortable during runs. However, some runners complain of the flimsy insole making them uncomfortable during runs, especially on rocky surfaces.
Style
Brooks PureGrit 3 has an aggressive appeal. Most runners appreciated their first impression of the shoe. Some runners mentioned that its appearance resembles those of Brooks Cascadia and appreciated the fact that PureGrit 3 was more robust than the PureGrit 2. The colors options are limited to blue and red, though both are very attractive and bold colors. They also feature a bright green on the outsole.
Durability
The overall durability for the Brooks PureGrit 3 is good. Some users state they have used their shoes for several hundred miles, and they still barely look used. The lugs of the sole remain intact and continue to provide a good grip, while the mesh on the upper shoes does not show signs of wear. The one downside that reviewers noted was the outsole begins to separate from the shoe at the toes. Some runners mentioned that the insole broke down faster than they expected.
Protection
The front of the foot is protected with a durable TPU film. It also has the famous adaptive cushion created by the BioMoGo DNA, protecting the underfoot during runs. The trail-optimized features in the shoe, such as multi-edge gripping lugs and forefoot rock shield, also help protect runner’s feet. The rock plate added to the shoe also provides protection, especially on technical trails. The new toecap in the PureGrit 3 adds another level of protection, keeping toes from becoming injured on the trails.
Responsiveness
Bio-Mogo DNA in the midsole gives the shoe a firm cushioning while providing good ground feel, allowing for good responsiveness. The firm midsole cushioning is also flexible and allows for natural foot movement. It has an outstanding grip which makes it more responsive through rough terrain.
Support
In the midsole, the shoe has a cushion that covers the rounded heel that supports the heel, making any runner feel comfortable even after long runs. The cushion defines the stiffness of the shoe that prevents the runner from sliding when running on surfaces such as wet rocks, hence enhancing support.
Terrain
This is a trail running shoe. Thanks to the forefoot plate, the Brooks PureGrit 3 is more protected on technical, rough terrain.
Price
The Brooks PureGrit 3 is available online at an average price of $120, which is a relatively affordable price. Compared to other shoes with similar features, the PureGrit 3 runs about average.
Drop
The heel-to-toe drop of the PureGrit 3 is 4mm.
Stability
The outsole in the Brooks PureGrit 3 features 3mm hexagonal lugs giving the shoe a stable traction on a steep descent, muddy areas, and loose gravel. Another feature that promotes stability are the rear foot platforms which offers additional support for pronators.
Flexibility
The PureGrit 3’s flexibility is similar to the Brooks PureFlow3. The BioMogo DNA which is an adaptive midsole cushioning material that gives the shoe its firmness while still allowing for flexibility and responsiveness. The flexibility helps provide a smooth transition from heel to toe off. However, the rear foot is not flexible, in order to provide a level of stability.
Traction
Brooks PureGrit 3 provides excellent grip on a variety of surfaces including wet surfaces. The shoe has a great lug pattern in order to prevent slipping on the trails.
Bottom Line
Brooks PureGrit 3 shoes are a great alternative for runners looking for something in between a traditional and a minimalist shoes. The shoes have a simple look and have the right amount of support and cushioning. The shoe is perfect for technical trails and long trail runs. The upgrade to the aggressive outsole as well as the addition of the rock plate improves the overall performance of the shoe. Brooks PureGrit 3 gives runners confidence and is suitable on a variety of terrain.
