Comments on: Brooks PureDrift Running Shoe Review

By: Nathaniel

Nathaniel — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 05:32:32 +0000

The pure drift is an amazing shoe. I initially had plantar fasciitis when I bought my first pair, but the pure drift must have improved my biomechanics that it healed my plantar fasciitis. I was able to run up to 950miles on my first pair. The upper got so worn out that they have holes already, so I bought another pair (orange) at 50% off.

By: Pete Larson

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

In reply to Soekawan Holip.

Agree on all points - GoBionic is a better ride compared to Drift without insole, but the Drift is indeed a good looking shoe. I suspect the old insole would be the same as in the update.
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By: Alex Beecher

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

In reply to BrooklyN.

It's quite different, apart from the sort of foot shaped last. The outsole being segmented makes it much more flexible than any of Altra's cushioned offerings, and quite a bit lighter too.

By: Woody

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

My personal experience with the shoe is pretty much on par with your review except I only got a small blister when running without the sockliner. I really like the suggestion of adding the Cadence liner. I have been using them without socks and have not had any issue other than where it tends to rub on the medial edge behind the big toe.

By: Erin Gates

Erin Gates — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to A_T_T.

No, the upper is very breathable-you can see your socks through-I ordered the pure flows and only ran twice in them and returned them-I hated that shoe more than any other that I have had on my foot. This shoe is nothing like the pure flow in my opinion.

By: A_T_T

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

Yes, but is the upper an oven like the PureFlow?

By: Derick

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

I've had a pair these for a couple months now (haven't run much in them until recently with wet/snowy streets). I had done 7-13 mile easy runs in them without issue. In a faster pace run last week and a half marathon today I ended up with a blister behind my left, big toe. Was really hoping they could be my long distance racing shoe. Tried out the Skechers GoRun2 as well, but they dug a hole in the top of my foot, so now I've ordered the Saucony Virrata.

By: BrooklyN

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

Looks awfully like an Altra shoe.

By: Soekawan Holip

Soekawan Holip — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks for the review Pete. Between the GoBionic and PureDrift, I also prefer the former to run in. From an “eye-catching” standpoint, the PureDrift IMHO wins hands down (perhaps only Brooks can make black shoes with blue accents look so good).

I enjoy running in the PureDrifts as well, and will try using the insole from the Cadence (albeit mine is the old Cadence). Fortunately I’ve had no blister from running in the PureDrifts, with the insoles (comfortable) or without (harsh). Interesting to read that many find removing the insoles on the PureDrift to be a less pleasant experience (ditto here).

http://shoesgadget.blogspot.co…

By: Erin Gates

Erin Gates — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I have 2 pairs of these. I was having knee issues and got went to a biomechanics workshop to find out I was a heel striker. In making the transition to a more natural foot strike I bought my first pair of Drifts and fell in love. It was the only shoe that I had tried that allowed me to run w/o knee pain. I purchased another pair a couple months later, after trying saucony virratas, pure flows, and asics noosa tri. I have worn them for 2 half marathons and an 18.12 mile race and they performed very well for me-however, when I just wore them for my first marathon I ended up w/ a hot spot on the top of my foot-right where the burrito style tongue ends. I just noticed Pete that you discussed this being an issue in your Pure Grit review. Interesting that it did not bother me until I pushed the mileage over 20 miles. It happened on my long training run, so I purchased this shield to protect the spot and even wearing that did not help. I finished the marathon w/ my goal time ( sub 4) but was left w/ some lingering pain for the next few days-just curious what your thoughts are on this? I don't want to give this shoe up, but I want to run more marathons and do not want that pain for the last 3-4 miles. I am in search of the perfect shoe and I feel like I will never find it!

By: Pete Larson

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

In reply to PYF.

It may be entirely psychological, but I feel faster in a shoe that is a bit stiffer. The sole feels like it has more "pop." That's why I like a shoe like the Adidas Hagio in the 5k or for speed work - firm sole that has a bit more stiffness than most shoes.
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By: Soekawan Holip

Soekawan Holip — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Pete Larson.

Just went out for a 5k with the PureDrift, with the old Cadence's insole. More comfortable ride, thanks Pete!

I did notice that the Drifts have a slight slapping sound upon ground impact; whereas the GoBionics are relatively silent (unrelated to the insoles).

http://shoesgadget.blogspot.co...