Brooks PureDrift Running Shoe Review

Whenever I test a new pair of shoes, I am usually careful to run with them “too fast too soon”. I learned from experience that it will be a recipe for injury. However, there are some shoes that feels like you’ve been wearing them for a long time. There is that instant “click”.  You want to run more because they feel good the first time. The Brooks PureDrift is one of these shoes. It took me just two 5K test runs then I wore them to train for a 21K mileage twice.

I have worn two Brooks running shoes previously. I wore the Brooks Glycerin 8 during the Dumaguete Adventure Marathon in 2010 and I tested the Brooks PureConnect where I got blisters from the stiff heel counter.

The Brooks PureDrift is meant to replace the Brooks Green Silence which stopped production despite having good reviews. Having, ran wearing the PureDrift, I think this one will even get better reviews from runners.

Brooks PureDrift is priced at 4,999 Php at Runnr

Brooks PureDrift Features

The Brooks PureDrift got several features from the Brooks PureProject Collection. They seem to be similar to the PureConnect and the Pureflow. Check out the photo and the list of features below.

Click on the image for a larger vie

Brooks PureDrift Features

Dual Toe Flex for better balance and toe off

Nav Band provides a more secure fit

BROOKS PUREDRIFT REVIEW – PROs

Lighter Running Shoes – PureDrift comes at 5.6 ounces only. It’s a light running shoes that can help shave off some minutes on our PR.

From 4mm to 0mm – The removable insole allows you to choose between a 4mm offset and a 0mm offset. I prefer the 0mm for a more barefoot feel and for an even lighter ride. The 4mm is great to extra cushioning especially if you are just starting out with a minimalist shoe.

PureDrift with the 4mm insole

PureDrift at 0mm with the insole removed

Flexible and Soft – Unlike my first experience with the PureConnect which was rather stiff, the Brooks PureDrift is more flexible and comfortable to wear. No blisters so far and looks promising even if I run a marathon with them.

Environmentally-Friendly – These running shoes is made of the BioMoGo compound which degrades 50 times faster than other midsole compounds.

BioMoGo compound at the midsole and outsole

BROOKS PUREDRIFT REVIEW – CONs

Roomy Toebox – By design, the Brooks PureDrift was made to have a wider toe box than other Brooks shoes. Thus, I find the shoes to be very roomy in the toe box and in the upper. For a better fit, choose a half size lower than your usual shoe size.

Very wide and roomy toebox

Summary

The Brooks PureDrift is a lightweight running shoe ideal for runners with a neutral gait.  It’s removable insole gives you a choice with between a 4mm drop for some cushioned ride or a 0mm for a more barefoot feel.  It’s soft and comfortable all over making them ideal for long runs.  The toebox is a bit roomy compared to standard sizes so it is recommended you choose a half size lower for a better fit.

The Brooks PureDrift is priced 4,999 Php and is available in Runnr Stores and Toby’s Arena.

List of Runnr Branches

• RUNNR Bonifacio High Street (Bldg B3) 403-1787
• RUNNR Trinoma (Level 2) 901 0046
• RUNNR Alabang Town Center (Level 2, The Garden)) 869 7343
• RUNNR Ayala Center Cebu (Level 2) (032) 505-2883

List of Toby’s Arena Branches

• Toby’s Arena Shangrila (Level 1) 633-7014
• Toby’s Arena Mall of Asia (Level 1 Entertainment Mall) 556-0445
• Toby’s Arena Abreeza Davao (Level 2) (082) 3210-9677