Tried and tested: Brooks PureDrift

Minimal running shoes continue to be one of the most interesting areas of development in the running shoe market, so Danielle, our very own barefoot running fan decided to put a pair of the Brooks PureDrift to the test.

Brooks PureDrift side

These super light (5.6 oz) shoes are aimed at a runner looking for a minimal shoe. And it's not only the sole that is minimal, the upper fabric is very light, as is the insole and all the trim details.

I really liked the feel of this shoe, certainly it is great for runners transitioning to barefoot technique as it offers some cushioning, and with the removable inner sole allows the user to be as purist as they choose.

Brooks PureDrift

Styling is kept simple and dictated by the function of the shoe.

The fit is designed to be snug and at first it feels like the shoes are too small, but actually they are very comfortable, and once you get used to the fit they feel more like a second skin.

The neon insole is removable to allow an even more minimal, zero-drop fit - a neat idea that makes the shoe more versatile.

Brooks PureDrift sole

The lightweight spongy sole is a blend of Brooks BioMoGo and Brooks DNA, which to the non-science geeks means it is comfy, springy and responsive.

The most interesting aspect of the sole is the two split grooves in the toe box that allow your forefoot to flex more naturally. Again the feel takes a little getting used to, but soon you don't notice anything - except comfort!

Brooks PureDrift split toe

This angle shows the split grooves in the toe box. For me the left hand shoe fits differently to the right hand shoe, and the fabric on the left hand shoe buckles slightly at the split.

At first I was worried this was going to irritate or cause blisters, but it seems to have moulded to my foot now and no longer bothers me - certainly I have had no blisters after quite extensive testing!

Brooks PureDrift top

The lacing is slightly angled to one side and with the design following this line there is an asymetric styling to this shoe.

The colourway is good, right on trend with the neon accents and black as a base colour is always versatile.

All-in-all a nice looking shoe!

RATING: 5/5 – I love them!

I have been wearing barefoot and minimal shoes for over two years now and gradually the experience has improved as the newest developments are released. Of course technique for barefoot running is critical, but I do find the right shoe can also help to get the technique right. Last year I ran the London Marathon in a pair of Brooks Green Silence, which is a half-way step to minimal. But if I had had these shoes then, then I would have happily embarked upon the race in them.

I really like the fact that the inner can be removed for a more traditional barefoot experience too, the fact that you can alternate within the same shoe depending on end use is a real bonus. Me, I will train some sessions with the insole and others without, and the benefit it that the shoe still fits the same and I know it will be comfortable.

Of course like most Sportsisters, I use my shoes for more than just running - these have been spinning, to the gym and played badminton. All of which they performed well for.

GOOD POINTS:
- The removable inner sole makes them very versatile
- Comfortable - after a couple of runs they felt like a second skin
- The split toe really does give a better foot to floor feel
- They look great

BAD POINTS:
- Rather expensive for such a simple shoe.

PRICE: £100

SIZES: UK 3 - UK 10

BUY: brooksrunning.co.uk