Comments on: Brooks Pure Connect: Too Narrow for My Feet

By: Clsoap

Clsoap — Tue, 20 May 2014 03:40:11 +0000

I love these shoes. I have very narrow feet and have tried many different kinds. They are always way too wide in the front no matter how tight I can tie them. This is the first pair I have ever found that does not cause me blisters and pain. I am already disappointed with the Pure Connect 3 because they made it wider than the 2. I hope they keep making them for people like me.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to rovatti.

In my experience certain things will improve when running vs. standing in a shoe, but forefoot width is not generally one of them. If my foot is hanging over the sole on both sides, that's too narrow.
Sent from my iPad

By: strickensocken

strickensocken — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I love these shoes. 35 years ago I was running in Tiger (now Asics) Marathons. These were a shoe little more than a 4-5 mm flat sole with a fabric upper and they were fantastic. Then came progressively more complex shoes with thick cushioning. torsion bars etc. I have always had a bit of an aversion to the more cushioned shoes and at last the right shoes for running have been rediscovered! One feels ready to accelerate at any moment and they are fun to run in. Superb, a great fit. Well done Brooks!

By: Mp0363

Mp0363 — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Tom Buckner.

4mm heel

By: Kevin W. Schell

Kevin W. Schell — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Like you, Pete, I was initially disappointed by the timing of Jim Weber's anti-barefoot remarks relative to the unveiling of the Pure Project line. I felt that the company was certainly being disingenuous with their foray into minimalism and didn't want to have anything to do with it.

I changed my mind about how to respond to Mr. Weber's comments a few weeks ago. I thought that maybe Brooks would change their "official position" on barefoot or minimalist running if they sold a ton of Pure Project shoes so I bought the Flows and I really like them (I also found the Connect to be too narrow through the midfoot with a low volume, narrow toebox). I could do without the, "nav band" or "IDEAL heel" but the Flow's toe-box is huge and I can run 20 miles in them without pain, blisters or lost toenails. I can't run that far in my Vibrams yet and I can't run that far barefoot.

I am using my dollars to send Brooks a message to make more low-to-zero drop shoes with less features and larger toe-boxes. I hope it works.

By: Sam

Sam — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Are any of the brooks pure line shoes comparable to the Saucony Progrid Mirage?

By: Mondo

Mondo — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I'm surprised you went with the Flow, as that one seems like a standard running shoe with a thicker sole.

I agree with all the observations about the Connect - it's way too narrow. The Pure Grit is a little wider but for me the huge deal breaker was that hump that exists at the midfoot of both shoes. It feels like there is a small bar extending across the shoe at that point. Maybe you get used to it, but I don't get the logic behind such a design. Also, just look at the soles of the shoes - hardly minimal.

It seems that most people are responding positively to Brooks Pure Project around the web, so maybe I'm in the minority. This Brooks Pure Project to me is a huge farce and a half-a**ed attempt at swaying the minimalist-interested crowd.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Kevin W. Schell.

Kevin,

I also like the Flow. I wouldn't call the toe box huge (for me at least - fit is very individual), but I must say that I do like the ideal heel. It's basically the same idea as New Balance used on the Minimus Road and Skechers has on the Go Run. Undercutting the heel does seem to help one avoid a heel strike. It's probably the only of the 4 "technologies" that they are touting in the Pure shoes that I feel is of any lasting worth.

By: Semajdunn

Semajdunn — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Thank you for the review. I was thinking about getting a pair but have been waiting for a shoefitter look at Running Warehouse. I hate returning shoes so I either buy them at a store where I can try them on or buy them from Running Warehouse after they have been out long enough that they have the shoefitter info available. Your review saved me a wasted trip to a store.

By: Alex Beecher

Alex Beecher — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

For pavement, I'd always opt for something lighter and without so much substance, regardless. But throw in some nasty rocks, and my opinion changes a little. Hence, the Grit looks a tad more interesting to me. Any chance you'll take a look at that, Pete?

By: Nicole Lacoste

Nicole Lacoste — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I had a quick look at them this weekend too (while I was buying a new pair of VFF – the Komodo Sport – very nice shoe). The shop had the whole Brook’s Pure line. The toe split looks like a total gimmic – there is no independent movement. The toe box is too pointy for me and overall all the pure’s looked quite narrow. I guess I just love the VFF too much. I’d love to try the Altra’s but they’re not available in Europe yet.

By: naturalrunningstore

naturalrunningstore — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hey Pete. With the introduction of this line that does “More With Less” are you aware of Brooks addressing their open letter from Jim Weber” in Jan of 2010. Looks like the leader of the company had some interesting opinions about running and the necessity for supportive cushioned footwear that they believe “is not only beneficial, it also plays an essential role in delivering a comfortable, injury-free running experience.” It would be interesting to hear if their thoughts or philosophy have evolved as the Pure line has emerged.

http://talk.brooksrunning.com/…