Brooks PureProject 2.0: The ultimate shoe test

Brooks PureDrift running shoes

This week I've signed up for the Brooks PureProject 2.0 shoe test and I'm one of the few lucky ones to test a pair of Brooks shoes for a week for free. The Brooks PureProject range includes four different shoe types in its collection: PureDrift, PureConnect 2, PureFlow 2, PureCadence 2 and PureGrit 2.

I've chosen the Brooks PureDrift shoe in a stylish black & pink design. As a minimalist shoe, its main features are flexibility and ultra-lightness.
Immediately, when I pick up the shoe box in the shop I notice how light the shoes are. (I couldn't help but to check if the shoes were actually inside the box.) The top material of the shoe is made of very thin, breathable material. The sole is very flexible, split up into individual elements while still providing tight grip. In comparison, my usual ASICS shoes seem very heavy and bulky, which raises my concern if the shoes will be able to provide my joints with enough support (especially my knees).

On Saturday morning I'm giving my test shoes a proper workout. Once I put them on, the shoes snuggle up to my feet nicely, but still offer my toes enough room and flexibility. I feel very bouncy on the heels, but comfortable at the same time. It's a nice, but chilly day and I can feel the cold air coming through my shoes. The thin material might offer flexibility, but it doesn't really offer protection from a cold British winter's day.
My feet feel light and the shoes easily adapt to any surface, may it be hard pavement or soft sand on the beach. It feels like running barefoot, it doesn't seem like I'm wearing running shoes at all. After 5km of running the lactic acid creeps into my muscles, but my feet are still in top shape. Also, my knees are in still in perfectly good condition. All in all - surprisingly top marks for Brooks PureDrift!

Now let's put it through its final test... ;)