PureDrift: Brooks' Zero-Drop Minimalist Racers

When Brooks Running launched its line of ‘Minimalist’ shoes – The Pure Project series in late 2011,  it became a runaway success for this shoe company who has been one of the top sellers in the North American market.  The Brooks Pure Project series was launched in Singapore in March 2012 to good response from the local market, which was already into the minimalist shoe movement with the likes of leaders like the Vibram Five Fingers and New Balance Minimus range.

New to the PureProject stable is the PureDrift, slated for release in January 2013.  Taken from the Brooks PureDrift website >>  "The PureDrift is designed to be like an extension of your body...Exclusive to Pure Drift: dual toe box split, for better balance and a springy push-off; a removable sockliner for a customizable experience -- 4mm offset out of the box or zero offset for a more extreme connection with the ground; and a sleek, anatomical upper with ultra-breathable mesh and featherweight feel."

So when it was brought in to Singapore recently, we were most excited to take this new minimalist babe for a spin and feel for ourselves if it was worth the wait.  In my first run with the very lightweight (6ounce) shoe, I was pleased to find its mid-foot cushion to be ample - yes, that is always the first portion that I feel for - any shoe that gives the 'flat' or 'slappy' feel will not go for more than 1km of serious running with me.

The design looks pleasantly sleek with the lime green colours and solid blacks at places to accentuate the lines and curves.  The tongue of the shoe has one side fixed for an easier wrap, very similar to what was implemented in the NB Minimus Road Zero.

Next was the snug feel on the heel wrap/counter while having a rather broad front.  I personally prefer a narrower front for a firm wrap, although it would be a good fit for most Asian feet which are generally broader.   However, any concerns of wobbles from a loose fit slowly evaporated as I ran on for more than 2km.  

As I got warmed up into it after 5km of rather quick running, I was happy to note that there was not much heat generated and the shoes still felt cool, allowing me to sustain the pace without getting too hot inside the shoes...haha.  I did some fartleks, tempos and jogs just to 'play around' with the shoes, and found them to be consistently snug and responsive for much of the 12km of its maiden trip.

It is good news that the PureDrift has not only maintained, but has upgraded the 5 key features of the Pure Project series, integrated quite seamlessly to continue to provide that overall feeling of snugness, responsiveness and propulsion.

Heel Wrap
The heel is made to wrap the heel better to prevent the feet from wobbling about, an issue faced by many Asian runners who experience ‘heel slippage’ with conventional shoes.  

Toe Split
The toe split on the underside of the shoes between the big toe and the rest of the 4 other toes continue to provide that steady firm road-holding.

Low Heel-Toe Responsiveness

The “green” midsole technology incorporates less layers to give a better feel for the road and a responsive ride. The 4mm heel-toe differential (drop) remains very comfortable for me, and with the new option of going zero-drop (by removing the insole), it offers even more versatility to the cushion runner transitioning to full zero-drop minimalism.

Elastic Band

There was still the elastic (Nav) band that was signature of the earlier Pure Project models, but this time, the Nav band was not too tight and in fact gave a very much improved wrap and feel...nice touch.

Natural Last

The PureProject line prides itself as having a natural last that follows the shape of the feet. 

Philosophy behind the Brooks Pure Project Line

For the Minimalist or Barefoot purist, the Brooks PureDrift is definitely one step closer to the zero-drop lightness of shoes.  However, maintaining the option of having a 4mm heel-toe differential coupled with good mid-foot cushioning continues to encourage the traditional runner used to cushioned trainers to take a closer look at the PureDrift to help them transition to minimalist zero-drop running.

My first 12km trial with the PureDrift was satisfying to say the least.  I would like to spend more time with them over the next couple of months running in its zero-drop option as well as extending the distances to 21km or longer.  We hope to give you more updates and news of the availability and special pricing of the PureDrift to our running community....Stay Tuned!