Brooks PureConnect and PureGrit Review?

Schuey wrote:Yep all about getting the connects,flow and grits. I hope to take a look at them and try them on at the Expo tomorrow.

I have been excited about these shoes and can't wait to give them a ride. I ran in my T7's yesterday and man I can't wait to have them on for the marathon. Those shoes are such a sweet sweet ride! Well at least for me.

Ben Z wrote:
Any detailed feedback you can share? How is the squared tongue? I've read comments from people claiming it chafes if running sans socks.

Does the DNA cushioning firm up when running? It's so soft walking around.

Does the shoe drain? Seems like it would let in/out water pretty easily based on observation.

Thanks.

Michele "1L" Keane wrote:I'm wondering the same thing, Kenny. I currently run in the Brooks Launch and/or Ghost along with some older Adidas Bostons. I can't run with anything negative due to achilles issues either.

Tim?????? Ben??????

Kenny B. wrote:

Michele "1L" Keane wrote:I'm wondering the same thing, Kenny. I currently run in the Brooks Launch and/or Ghost along with some older Adidas Bostons. I can't run with anything negative due to achilles issues either.

Tim?????? Ben??????

It's a 4mm heel toe offset typically not AT friendly depending on you bio-mechanics. For that reason I have to pass on any shoes made this way. There are still some very light shoes with normal heel toe offset like 8-11mm like Brooks T7 etc.

Michele "1L" Keane wrote:I'm wondering the same thing, Kenny. I currently run in the Brooks Launch and/or Ghost along with some older Adidas Bostons. I can't run with anything negative due to achilles issues either.

Tim?????? Ben??????

Schuey wrote:

Kenny B. wrote:

Michele "1L" Keane wrote:I'm wondering the same thing, Kenny. I currently run in the Brooks Launch and/or Ghost along with some older Adidas Bostons. I can't run with anything negative due to achilles issues either.

Tim?????? Ben??????

It's a 4mm heel toe offset typically not AT friendly depending on you bio-mechanics. For that reason I have to pass on any shoes made this way. There are still some very light shoes with normal heel toe offset like 8-11mm like Brooks T7 etc.

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These shoes are nothing like a so called barefoot shoe! I bought a pair of the Pure Connect last night which is like the T7. I wore it last night just to see how I would like it and the shoe was so dam comfortable and very light. I felt like i was not wearing a shoe. Here is a list of things about the Connect.

The Connect is the lustiest shoe in the line
extended toe flex for incredible flexibility
open mesh upper keeps it breezy
Nav Band provides close-to-foot fit

Toe Flex: The split toe frees the big toe to function independently, engaging your natural balance for a more powerful push-off.
Anatomical Shape: Designed from the most detailed anatomical form gives each shoe the best possible fit and feel.
Nav Band: This elastic band wraps over the instep to provide true assurance and a glove-like fit.
Midsole: In just a slim 4mm offset, the PureProject midsole packs our earth-loving BioMoGo technology blended with the responsive ride of Brooks DNA, not to mention gender friendly cushioning for custom comfort.
Ideal Heel: Our signature slimmed-down heel encourages contact points to shift forward, aligning your center of gravity for optimal spring with every step.

So to me the biggest difference in about these shoes is the 4mm drop and the Heel which allows for more forefoot landing. Now I'm already use to the 4mm drop due to my Peregrine's. But in my opinion this line of shoes by Brooks is nothing like a barefoot running shoe or like any of the NB shoes that very very minimalist.

It really reminds me of being in a normal brook shoe with great comfort but just a lower ride to the ground. I will let you know how it goes on the short run with Chris later today.

Kenny B. wrote:
It may not feel like a barefoot shoe but 4mm drop is 4mm drop. Which means there is more strain on AT and if your foot is not flexibile in that area and my left foot is not because of the way my bones are it could be an issue. That said, it sounds like a pretty awesome shoe but what is the advantage over brooks T7 or Ronin 3's that weigh the same. Sure they both have higher drops but is that a bad thing?

Tim M wrote:

Kenny B. wrote:
It may not feel like a barefoot shoe but 4mm drop is 4mm drop. Which means there is more strain on AT and if your foot is not flexibile in that area and my left foot is not because of the way my bones are it could be an issue. That said, it sounds like a pretty awesome shoe but what is the advantage over brooks T7 or Ronin 3's that weigh the same. Sure they both have higher drops but is that a bad thing?

I know nothing about the Ronin because I wouldn't run in a non-Brooks shoe (except for the NB Minimus Trail).

The PureConnect has much different feel than the T7 Racer. The T7 is a very lightweight racing flat with no cushioning. Even with the 4mm drop and the "feel" of the road, it really does have a more cushioned ride. I would not use the T7 as an everyday trainer, but certainly will with the PureConnect/PureFlow.

Michele "1L" Keane wrote:I might have to try them as well. I love my Launch and Ghosts.

Kenny B. wrote:

Michele "1L" Keane wrote:I might have to try them as well. I love my Launch and Ghosts.

Mich- lets just tread lightly in them at first!

kory.wheatley@gmail.com wrote:sounds like a shoe I need to try. I liked the Brooks Launch. Which these seem to pair with the launch.

Schuey wrote:

Kenny B. wrote:

Michele "1L" Keane wrote:I might have to try them as well. I love my Launch and Ghosts.

Mich- lets just tread lightly in them at first!

Not sure you will have to tread to light in them. I ran in them on Saturday and the shoe felt great and nothing really different then anything else I ran in.

I feel that the the connect will make a great train shoe but the T7 will be my marathon racing shoe. I will let you know more after I go out and run 20 miles in my connect if it is a type of shoe that I would like for longer distances.

Schuey wrote:Toe Flex: The split toe frees the big toe to function independently, engaging your natural balance for a more powerful push-off.

So this split toe thing... does this mean there's a separate compartment for your big toe?

Stephanie wrote:

Schuey wrote:Toe Flex: The split toe frees the big toe to function independently, engaging your natural balance for a more powerful push-off.

So this split toe thing... does this mean there's a separate compartment for your big toe?

Ben Z mentioning the roomier toe box has piqued my interest. I LOVE the Kinvaras but find them a tad too small in the toe box. Schuey, since you find the Peregrine's similar to the PureConnect do you also think they will be comparable to the Kinvara?

Tim M wrote:

Stephanie wrote:

Schuey wrote:Toe Flex: The split toe frees the big toe to function independently, engaging your natural balance for a more powerful push-off.

So this split toe thing... does this mean there's a separate compartment for your big toe?

Ben Z mentioning the roomier toe box has piqued my interest. I LOVE the Kinvaras but find them a tad too small in the toe box. Schuey, since you find the Peregrine's similar to the PureConnect do you also think they will be comparable to the Kinvara?

The split toe shoes allows the front of the shoe to flex better and allow the foot to function normally. There is no compartment in the shoe for the big toe.

Brooks typically has a larger toe box than Saucony. I think the PureConnect is very close to the Kinvara but a little roomier for the toes.