About a year ago in response to a stubborn case of plantar fasciitis I began consciously changing my running stride to more of a mid/forefoot strike. It did seem to help the PF a bit, so then I started wondering about going a little more minimalist. Five-fingers utterly repel me (eeeyewwww!), but certainly there are a lot of standard-shaped minimalist shoes out there, and I'm beginning to think there may be something to the idea of promoting a more "natural" running stride.
On the other hand, there are oodles of stories of folks jumping "feet first" into barefoot running, and promptly getting hurt. More injury I did not need!
So I was seeking a transition, a shoe that would promote a mid/forefoot stride, have a minimal heel-to-toe "drop" and no artificially engineered "correction", yet would still provide a reasonable amount of shock absorption/protection from road and trail hazards.
Having run in Brooks shoes for over a decade, the Brooks Pure Project line seemed a logical place to start. I first tried the Brooks PureConnect Mens, which was super light and super comfy on first blush....but alas, upon actually running in them, the arch proved to be super high. Darn. Back to the store they went. I exchanged them for my second choice, the Pure Grit, and was immediately delighted. While the Grits are a bit heavier and less flexy than the Connect, thanks to the beefier outsole geared for trail running, they are a tad wider (as others have noted) and the arch is nowhere near as high. Ahhhh! REALLY comfy, just a delight.
I've read many, many reviews noting the unfortunate issue of the Grit's slippery soles in wet conditions. I haven't yet had occasion to run in them in the wet, but I've heard that Brooks is already hard at work on the next generation to fix this. I'm not too concerned; when it's wet I'll generally be running in my Adrenaline ASRs. But in dry conditions....well, let's just say all my other running shoes have been pining away from lack of use ever since I got the Grits!
Initially I wondered what my mileage limit would be for the Grits--how long could I run comfortably in them? They're so much less structured than my trusty Adrenalines, and when I get tired and my form starts to slip, reverting back to a bit of heel-striking, will I pay for it? Well, so far my longest run in these has been 17 miles, with nary a problem. I generally run roughly 70% trail, 30% pavement; the Grits perform just fine on both.
Addressing some of the minor quibbles I've heard about this shoe: I've had no problem with the gratuitous elastic strap over the top of the foot/tongue. Getting the lacing just right so that the shoe was snug but not cutting off circulation did take a bit of doing, but that's the case with any new shoe. Overall, the strap is a non-issue for me. I think it's just a gimmick, quite frankly.
Similarly, I find the split toe of the outsole to be no more than a gimmick. Honestly, what difference does that make?? Aside from the valid complaint that, yeah, one does tend to pick up pebbles in it, there's not much more to be said about it.
Otherwise, the Grits are awesome. Light and springy, with just enough cushioning to keep them this side of barefoot. With the tiny heel/toe drop (I believe it's 4mm?), they absolutely promote a mid/forefoot stride, so they're a wonderful transition shoe if you're thinking of trying barefoot, but don't want to move too fast. Heck, the Grits are so awesome, I don't think I need to go any farther myself.
The one qualifier I think to be aware of is that I had indeed been focusing on shifting my running stride for a year before I got these. If you are a current heel-striker (or semi-heel striker, as I was), you may want to go a bit slow ramping up with the Grits. For me, a 17-miler within the first couple weeks was no problem. Those just starting to move off their heels may want to take it a bit slower.
Overall: AWESOME shoe! If they fit, you find them comfy, and you're looking to trend minimal, the Pure Grits will make you Run Happy! Looking forward to an improved, non-slippery outsole next year. I've already bought a second pair of the current model to keep at the office for lunchtime runs. Yep, I'm sold!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
I always buy Brooks shoes, but these are by far the most comfortable I have owned yet. My legs and feet never feel fatigued in them. Will another pair.
Best Deals on Brooks Women's PureGrit Lightweight Trail Running Shoes
I chose this product because I want to have a backup pair of running shoes. I have owned brooks running shoes before and I have always like how they cushion my feet. Brooks shoes generally run snug. I ordered a half size up and that took care of the fitting. I have already run a 5k in these and I plan on wearing these to a 10k in a week. I would recommend these to those who want less drop.
Honest reviews on Brooks Women's PureGrit Lightweight Trail Running Shoes
I suffer from severe pronation, so I have always had to wear huge, heavy running shoes with tons of support. But I couldn't find anything like that for trail running shoes, so I decided it was time to give minimalist shoes a try. These were recommended to me for pronation (although from what I understand, they are good for many types of feet). From the moment I put these on, I felt like I was flying! They are so lightweight. Also, it completely changed my running stride. With such a small drop, I found myself running correctly--hitting on my midfoot--for the first time. I was worried I would be a bit sore, or my knees or other joints would ache (a usual side effect of my horribly flat feet), but I actually found my very first run with these to be completely pain and ache free. Every other run since then has been the same. I couldn't be happier, finally free of the big clunky stability shoes!
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Brooks Women's PureGrit Lightweight Trail Running Shoes
I have this shoe in a man's size 8, which is a little big without my Spenco insole. I ordered the woman's size nine because I loved the color and my woman's sizing can run from 8 1/2 to 9 1/2. Unfortunately, the 9 was far too short, and because this is last year's model, there was no 9 1/2. Back they went.
On the plus side, this is the most comfortable sneaker in the history of shoes as far as the cushioning and insole--even though it's a minimalist runner. (the only downside is no arch support)
