Brooks PureCadence 5 Review

If you just start with the PureCadence lineup, you’ll appreciate the PureCadence 5 for its flexibility, lightweight with decent cushioning and ample support to promote proper alignment. And for those who intend to transition to minimalist shoes, these are great! Do you want to have more details of the shoes? Let’s refer to the article of a runner below.

Brooks PureCadence 5 description

Cushioning

The PureCadence 5 shoes are very similar to their previous versions with reasonable amount of cushioning to keep my feet happy and have smooth transitions as well as comfort over long distances. BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning has the ability to dynamically adjust to each step and stride. This also delivers great shock absorption during landing and take-off to help reduce the risk of impact-related injuries. However, according to a few runners, the 5th version of the PureCadence is a little stiffer than previous ones which means they offer a firmer ride. I think everyone has their own feel, but in terms of cushioning, they are enough to support as well as make my feet comfortable with good underfoot feel overall.

Support

The Brooks promises to introduce to runners lightweight but supportive running shoes. These are ideal for mild over-pronators or runners who have medium to high arches with decent arch support. I do tend to over-pronate, and after a first few miles, I started to feel discomfort on the outsides of my feet. But after transitioning to these, all the discomfort had gone away and my feet felt good by the end of runs. Guide Rail system featured in the shoes helps the whole body align with the way it likes to run. Rounded heel design not only promotes a smoother landing but also provides better alignment to minimize stress on joints by shifting impact forward. In fact, these shoes helped me very nicely to adjust into a forefoot strike form. Plus, with a 4-mm drop, these nice comfortable shoes provide good contact with the road.

Flexibility

These PureCadence shoes are considered as flexible running shoes. Brooks advertised that Omega Flex Grooves optimize flexibility. Besides, the flexibility also comes from a new 3D fit print in the upper which is flawlessly constructed for more comfortable and secure fit. I agree with this and have no complaint.

Stability

Sometimes, I feel that they aren’t like minimalist shoes but more like stability/trail shoes - the lightweight stability ones. However, these Cadence shoes are not particularly stable. They only provide enough stability for my mild over-pronation.

Durability

These shoes have been famous for their high durability. They have very durable rubber on the outsole to withstand hard surfaces. Furthermore, the upper has still held up very well after several months of usage without any tearing or abrasion. Generally speaking, Brooks always choose the good and high quality materials to build their products and these PureCadence v5 shoes are no exception. Therefore, you don’t have to concern too much about the quality.

Traction and terrains

The tread is good. Moreover, a harder rubber unit of the outsole indeed provides more traction even on wet road, track or asphalt with faster paced efforts but not for running on rocks or trails.

Weight

The PureCadence 5 shoes are lighter than most of its competitors and quite light for stability shoes. The outsole doesn’t have a lot of thick rubber which helps reduce the weight. Besides, the materials used to make up the upper are also light so they don’t increase the weight of the shoes. For me, they are certainly the lightest running shoes I have ever owned.

Look

The shoes bring to me a luxurious feel. They are more aesthetically appealing with exceptional color combinations. These colors are a bit flashy but it’s better to be seen when you are on the road. The shoes look good enough to wear like casual sneakers, even when the tread is worn out.

Use

I have worn these minimalist shoes for short to longer runs on the road for several months and feel very happy with the good results they bring to my running life. I also often wear these for everyday walking. Besides sport field, these are also great to be combined with your usual clothes.

Previous version of Brooks PureCadence 5

Brooks PureCadence 4

Brooks PureCadence 4 features five unique technologies including: Nav Band, Toe Flex, rounded heel, BioMOGO DNA, and anatomical Last. The adaptive BioMoGo DNA midsole created by blending of responsive Brooks DNA and earth-friendly BioMoGo provides custom cushioning. Minimal synthetic overlays with lightweight and highly breathable mesh upper ensures soft feel around the feet and dry, cool feet in every run. Elastic Nav Band at the mid-foot removed in the 5th version hugs the foot like a glove for a secure and comfortable fit. These are specially built for the mild to moderate over-pronators who are interested in lightweight and minimalist category without losing needed support.

Brooks PureCadence 3

The PureCadence 3 is a great choice for stability runners who look for a race day choice, solid daily trainers, or want to transition to a more minimalist inspired alternative. This version used to be one of the most supportive models in Brooks’ Pure Project Line to offer support in a lightweight stripped down frame. Besides new and updated features that focused on improve fit and underfoot feel, this new version still maintains many aspects from the prior ones. The PureCadence 3 is very comfortable right out of the box. These shoes have noticeable slight lateral lean which help combat over-pronation and offer more midfoot support than some other shoes. The nice low profile and lightweight of The PureCadence 3 usually make runners feel like not wearing supportive shoes at all.

Brooks PureCadence 2

This version used to be unique with almost no competition. The Pure Cadence 2 is a stable, fun and good looking shoe specially designed for over-pronators with its a slight lateral lean and those who are curious about minimalist shoes. I have to say that the fit of these is slightly narrow in the toe box and medium in the heel. The heel height is reduced while still retain the cushioning and support features in traditional shoes. These feel lighter and faster than they look. The special thing of Brooks PureCadence 2 shoes is that they offer stability through geometry rather than traditional posting like other models.

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Similar running shoes to Brooks PureCadence

Pearl Izumi Road M2

The Pearl Izumi Road M2 v3 is also considered to belonged to the lightweight stability category with its great combination of responsive cushioning, stability and flexibility. The shoes provide plush comfort with effective and fast transitions. You can totally use these for ultra-long runs thanks to the support from their stability and cushioning. They are also an excellent over-pronation measure for mild over-pronators.

New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo

The second similar model to Brooks PureCadence is New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo which features an innovative midsole setup to offer mild stability. These shoes are designed with higher medial side in comparison with lateral side to help curb over-pronation. Plus, they also have superior comfort and breathability. In terms of weight, the shoes are similar to the Brooks PureCadence. These are indeed a great replacement for PureCadence shoes.

Skechers GOrun Ride

Another similar running shoe of Brooks PureCadence is Skechers GOrun Ride 5. These are applauded by most runners because of its comfortable and lightweight construction. They have an increased Resalyte midsole for impact protection and responsive ride. Besides, Skechers GOrun Ride 5 also provides secure and stable fit thanks to its integrated inner support strap. But in terms of stability, these are not better than Brooks PureCadence shoes. Come with an attractive design at an affordable price, these are often picked by many runners.