I’m loving these shoes…even if they are pink.
I despise pink but they were only $78!
I’m a Brooks girl. I wore Adrenalines for a long, long time before they started to tweak the design (for the worse, in my opinion). So I transitioned to the (slightly) less supportive Ravennas and all was good.
I’m a big believer in “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” when it comes to running shoes. So then why try the PureCadence?
I just finished reading Jay Dicharry’s book, Anatomy for Runners (review coming soon). While he did stress “if it ain’t broke…” when it comes to running shoes, he also pointed out that going as minimal as possible could be better. If Adrenalines are as minimal as you can go, then stick with them.
Going more minimal improves muscle activity in your foot, improves balance and proprioception (something I am trying to work on), and improves foot strength. Our foot responds differently in more minimalist shoes. The cushioning of traditional running shoes have made our feet dependent on that support.
None of this is ground breaking news. And I’m not advocating that everyone switch to a more minimalist shoe. For me, I have an issue with overstriding whenever my pace dips down to HM pace. I can feel my right hamstring tighten after a few miles. This hasn’t manifested as an injury but it’s something I should try to fix.
Dicharry’s advice for runners wanting to switch from a traditional shoe to a more minimalist one is to drop your current heel height by ~half. The Ravennas have a 10mm drop and PureCadence has a 5mm drop.
So far I’ve put 17 miles on my PureCadences (2 short runs and a 9-miler this morning). So far, so good. I can definitely “feel more” when I’m running and I notice the difference in weight. I’m hoping that these shoes, coupled with a few tweaks to my form, will nix my overstriding issues. I haven’t been able to do so in my Ravennas.
Did you transition to a more minimalist shoe recently? Which one? I know the PureFlows are very popular. They might be my next pair.
HEY! what is wrong with pink?!?! 😛
I have those shoes and like them. I also love the connects, especially the second release of them. Best shoes ever. I feel like I am flying. I HATE the flows. They are completely different than the cadences and connects IMHO.
I am a recent convert to the Saucony Kinvara. I ran my last marathon in them and LOVE them. I have had foot issues in the past and the more minimalist shoe practically eliminates my nerve pain.
I have been wanting to try the Pure Cadence since they have come out but haven’t yet, and I also wear Ravenna so I am glad to hear that you like these so far.
I am not a big fan of pink either but for that price I could overlook the color too! Did you get them online?
Will look forward to seeing how you like them after more miles.
I’ve been alternating between the Adrenalins and the Pure Cadences for a few months now. I love the Cadences, but so far the longest I’ve run in them is 7-8 miles. I’m a little nervous about the prospect of running double digit mileage in such a minimalist shoe, but overall I’ve been very happy with these shoes. I’ll probably pick up a new pair in the near future.
I’m a Brooks girl, too 🙂 I’m on my second pair of Pure Connects and love them. I want to try the Pure Connect 2s now that they’re out!
My wife, brother, and I are all transitioning to a more minimal shoe. I am gong from Asics Cumulus to the Brooks Pure Flow. My wife is going from Nike Pegasus to New Balance WR10 (4mm drop) and my brother is going from Nike Pegasus/Lunar Fly to Brooks Cadence. We all love our choices and will soon be running in them 100% of the time.
Nothing wrong at ALL with some pink! Actually, I have a 10 year old student that has the girl’s version of this shoe. She’s really into 5ks and running so she always wears Brooks. When I saw these bright pink ones I made a huge fuss over them because I love the color!!
another brooks girl here. i wore the ghosts and loved them but also wanted to go more minimal so went with the pure cadence as well. lucky for me i got the blue ones (i hate pink too!) and love them! then found them on sale for @dsw so i bought a second pair!
I’m on my fourth pair of PureFlows. I really like them, but they don’t last as long as my wallet would like. My next transition (I hope) will be to some Altra zero drops. I’m always going to like lots of cushioning–I think some of those racing-flat type shoes look cool, but they won’t ever have enough padding for me.
Hmm… I do like the Flows and did a bunch of races and speedwork in them last year. Since I’ve been having Achilles issues I haven’t really wore them since the low drop may bother it, so may have to change it up for racing this year! I kind of hate the term “minimalist” when it comes to running shoes and think people are often too quick to jump on the bandwagon and then get injured. Like you say, the feel is pretty different and they do stress different parts of the body/foot. I think there is a time and a place for them, but wouldn’t consider them an “all the time” shoe. You know?
I like the pink! It’s better than the other color – all black with a little blue? Yuck 🙂
Very interesting! I would like to transition to a more minimal shoe but it scares me. I do love my pureflows and wear them for a little boost of speed here and there. I have tried the Pure Cadence 2 and love that as well! I’m a pink fan also!
I like going a little minimal and switching off shoes. I have loved the Saucony Kinvara’s and they have a 4mm heel-toe drop – they are so lightweight and I like not having the bulk. But I do like a little more cushion than they offer for longer runs. Enjoy your shoes….even if they are pink 🙂
I LOVE the pink – very nice and you can’t beat the price.
I transitioned to a shoe with a lower heel (Mizuno) and really like them. The Brooks I tried were not my favorite, but not horrible either. Thanks for posting this!
I’m also a Brooks Girl. But, unlike most people, I hate the Pure Flows. I have a weird ankle. I run in the Brooks Launch, but I also have been loving the Newton Gravity (which is a 3mm drop and only weighs 7.6 oz!). I’ve always preferred a lighter, more minimal shoe. 🙂
Just noticed from your earlier post that we share the same birthday! Except I’m one year older than you – I’m an old woman of 37 now. 🙂
I wear the Brooks Ghost. I actually love the pink shoes – may have to try them out. I have a few running goals for the next month, & if I acheive them, I’m treating myself to a new pair of shoes. A much needed bribe. 😉
this year the B.A.A. has changed back to the blue-yellow-jackets, but meanwhile I really love the jacket’s bright orange color (Adidas calls it Core Energy/Black). It is an instant reminder of those scorching hot temps on that day in 2012.
I’ve always wanted to try Brooks. I think I will get some for my next pair.
I love your blog! I started mine about 2 months ago based on my goal of running a thousand miles this year.
Hope you check it out!
Runningathousandmiles.blogspot.com
Hello. I can´t agree more. After trying the “altra zero drops” (a bit too radical for me) I decided to try the PureCadence2 (have been a Ravenna4 user for a while). This are truly great fitting shoes, and sofar, the best I have ever had… Love them!!!!!
Lastly, I must say pink is NOT for me..