Customer Reviews Brooks PureConnect® 2

Recently I have been on a quest to find the best long distance running shoe that fits my needs. for the past 3 years I have been running in the Merrill Barefoot trail glove and that suited my needs for the 5-8 mile run. last month I did the 10 miler in Newport (which was awesome) but around mile 6 the road changed from asphalt to concrete when we turned onto Bellevue Ave. That really hurt the outside of my right foot. I am not a heel striker so the mid section of my foot was in pain for a few days. After this happened I decided to seek for a zero drop running shoe that had a little more cushion for the long runs. Thank God for Zappos because they let me buy, try, and keep or return if I want. With most of the shoes I have tried I did the latter. I laboriously searched websites and reviews of the top brand running shoes on the market. Merrill had a pair called the Mix Master 2. I also tried New Balance MR1, Merrill Bare access 2, Altra 3sum, Newton Distance, and Brooks Pure connect2. All of these shoes ran about 1/2 size larger than what I usually wear. All of these shoe companies say they have the latest and greatest technology and are on the cutting edge of footwear. A rep at Altra told me that once I tried on his shoe I would never go back to another running shoe. (wrong) Running with the Newton Distance was like running with a stone in my shoe. The Mix Master 2 was a little to heavy for me . The New Balance MR1 was nice but not for long distance. It was like wearing a slipper. The Altra has this slip on tap on the back of the shoe that constantly rubbed the back of my ankle. When I got the Brooks I tried them on and I initially thought they were tot tight, but after setting out on my maiden voyage with the Pure Connect 2 they felt great. The pure Connect 2 is great for the distance i am doing right now (10-14 miles) they are lightweight and I am in a natural running stance. After all is said and done I found the Pure Connect 2 better suited my needs. I spent a little money, I got most of it back, I had some fun doing research, and I am now passing this on to you. Happy running.

These shoes are amazing they encourage you to run more on your mid to forefoot and mold well to your feet. I've found with heavy padded shoes that I get back problems. with these shoes my back is no longer tight. I would strongly recommend these shoes as an excellent alternative to normal running shoes, there is enough support in these shoes to still take the impact of long runs. If your a mid to forefoot runner and considering even going barefoot, get these shoes they still provided the support you need firstly when you make the switch. Brooks shoes are fantastic.

I bought these without even trying them on or seeing any reviews. I knew they were a step above minimalist shoes, which was using. I am heavier guy (6'2", 220) so minimalist shoes were starting to wear on my knees and lower back. Plus, the running terrain in Afghanistan is kind of rough. Anyways, I received these in the mail and right out of the box they fit like a "glove." I saw glove because that is literally how they wrap around your feet. First run with them was 4 miles. No hotspots and no aches. My only issue was it rubbed my right heel raw the first couple of runs. I was also using super low cut socks; therefore, that may have been the issue. The toe sort of points up and makes you feel as if you are "rolling" or leaning into your run. I like this. It feels more natural to me and if I am in constant motion with lesser effort. Air passes right through the shoe and the shoe is only a few ounces more than my NB minimus shoes. They are neutral and you can fold them in half showing their true flex. I have put quite a few miles on these puppies already. Back and knee pain are gone and I barely notice the difference in shoe type from my NB. So... if you like minimalist shoes but get aches from overusing them, get these. They are the next step up and are a great daily runner. Awesome color too. A lot of people compliment them for that reason. No crazy lines or graphics like some of the Asics or other brands. I promise, you won't have a seizure looking at these shoes. I am going to buy a couple more when I return stateside. I forgot, the toe box is very narrow. Would not recommend for wide feet. Final note, you can't go wrong with these shoes. Give them a try.

Wife finally convinced me to try a pair. Best shoe ever! I wear these for Crossfit, running, and casual everyday walking. I've owned Nike & New Balance minimalist shoes over the years and these Brooks blow them away. I even bought a second pair because my feet love them so much. I hope Brooks keep this line of pure connect going. If they do, I'll keep buying them. I followed the advice of other reviews, went 1/2 size up, and they fit perfectly.

Great shoe. This was my first foray into the zero drop shoe world and I have not been disappointed. The shoes fit snugly and they feel light and comfortable. I'd definitely recommend this shoe.

These are very comfortable shoes. They are light and nice looking. I am 6'2" and 215 pounds and I have been running with Brooks Trance shoes which are very cushioned. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the transition was to the PureConnect 2. The PureConnect is easier on my feet and body than more cushioned shoes. These are great shoes that do just what the description says. I have, however, experienced a little rub on my right foot on my two smallest toes. But this friction is likely from me having crooked toes and running with no socks. When I put on light socks I had no problems.

Awesome shoes! As advertised, they fit like a glove. Recommend you order a 1/2 size larger then your typical size. If you're not a forefoot striker, you may want to ease into these shoes but if you already have that running style you'll love them.

I've never had a minimalist shoe so I wasn't sure what to expect. My first impression was the shoes were very light. The shoes were comfortable to wear. Like all Brooks shoes, the sizes run a little small so I went up 1/2 a size. I've been on a few runs including a couple 10ks. My only complaint is the arch support isn't great but fro what I understand, that's normal in a minimalist shoe.

Love these shoes. This is my third pair of Pure Connect. Now, I can't run in anything else. Though, they do seem to feel smaller than before--so I upsized to a men's 10.5 from women's 12. I usually wear a women's 11, but like to go a full size up with my runners to allow my feet to swell during long runs. The 12 is just slightly too narrow in the toe for my feet.

I bought a pair on a whim: I was wearing Nike Free's for my short runs, time in the weight room, etc. I loved the Brooks Adrenalines, so I figured I'd try these. These are like running in a pair of slippers. They are easily the most comfortable running shoe I have ever worn. I just completed a 15K in them, and I'm running a half marathon next week.

I bought these shoes for my 15-year old son who proclaims them awesome! He uses them as daily-wear shoes, not for running. But the features built in for runners are exactly the things that get rave reviews from my teen. He loves that they are ultra light weight and have just enough of a barrier between his feet and the ground to feel protected but in contact with Mother Earth. He also like the fit - more close to the foot than other heavier shoes. The look is a perfect match for his personal style too. I wish I could pick an option between no arch support and moderate arch support. My son's feet are much flatter than my own. Where I need moderate or better support, he does not. These shoes wouldn't be enough for me for all day wear, but they are supportive enough for him.

Bought these shoes as a bit of a change from my high stability standard running shoes. Absolutely loved these shoes. Incredibly light and nimble. My only issue is that after a few months of marathon training and during one run in particular, one of my feet went completely numb. Turns out that these shoes were a tad too narrow and inflamed a neroma. These shoes are great for narrow footed long distance runners, but those with average width feet need to look elsewhere when training long distances. Still love the shoe though for shorter runs.

Novice runner that thought that my Nike 5.0 Free were great. I friend of mine suggested these shoes (I have flat feet) and I have never run better and more comfortable. I have always ran striking the center of the ball of my foot, and this shoe really hits the mark. Highly recommended. I now run about 20-25 miles/week.

This shoe compelled me to write my first review. A fairly serious shin injury compelled me to revamp my form altogether using the Post method. Additionally, I went to the extreme and started running in very minimalist shoes. 800 miles later, I've moved to the center and found these Brooks shoes to be the most comfortable running/trainers I've had. This is now my second pair. I'm one of those runners striving to regain what I lost after a decade of sedentary fatherhood and atrophy. I'm 160 lbs. and run 35-45 a week managing a 8:30-45 pace when training. I also have high arches. This is a very light shoe that will still give the benefits of a minimal feel and stride due to the rocker design. It does wear faster than the bulkier counterparts. Worth the price!

Love the feel. I was looking for something with a minimalist feel but with enough support for longer runs. These fit the bill perfectly. They felt a little small at first with a more than snug feel across the mid foot. I'm glad I kept the size I had. They performed perfectly on the first run. Soles seem to wear quickly but love them otherwise. Highly recommend if you run the trails and shorter runs with minimalist shoes.

I love these shoes. If you have wide feet, they are not for you. I bought my wife a pair also, but, she has wide feet and they were tight. They do not make wide sizes because they fit snugly.

Very light weight and comfortable. Great shoe for marathons and halfs. I usually run races in the Brooks Racer ST 5 which are also great shoes. I like the Pure Connect 2 better, they are 1.0 OZ lighter and hug my foot much better. Since they are so light, they do seem like they will breakdown pretty fast, they claim to last 250 miles on their website. I doubt that though. i know the Racer ST 5 does last 250 miles. Bottom line, These are the best race shoe for pronators i have ever tried.

Every runner should at least try these shoes. This shoe is certainly light and fast. You'll experience a terrific feel for the ground beneath you. But it's the fit that is pretty unique. It's comfortably snug with notable arch support. This can spell perfection for many and help deliver an ultra-smooth ride. For others the inside arch could spell discomfort at some point. So far these are a pretty revolutionary addition to my lineup of running shoes. If they don't make sense for longer distance runs, I'll definitely keep them for my shorter distance runs (sub 10 miles). They do too good of a job on helping maintain a good mid-foot strike.

Amazingly comfortable shoe. I was previously wearing a pair of Merrell Trail Gloves and the extra cushioning in these took some getting used to. The minimal drop, though, is great. Yet to really push these past 5-mile-runs but so far am loving them.

Very comfortable shoe. The tongue design and curve of the sole make for a great fit. I don't know if they actually help with forefoot striking, but they certainly don't hurt.

Best running shoes I have so far. They fit like a glove and are quite light but with just enough padding. I've run in Brooks TS, Launch, Pure Connect (original), Pure Drift, Pure Cadence, and Nike Free. These are my favorites.

I love these shoes. I noticed they felt a bit tight with my running socks on, so I removed them and they are perfect. Light and comfortable can't wait to race in them. Be sure of your size; they seem to run a bit small.

These shoes are awesome I switched from the brooks pure flow 2 to these and I'm glad I did they feel very natural and still provide a little cushioning. They almost force you to land on the ball of your foot because of the recessed heel. I run 25/35 per week in these with no issues. I recommend that you go up a size in these from your everyday shoe.