Verdict from 1 expert and 100+ user reviews
8 reasons to buy
- A majority of owners described the Brooks Addiction Walker as a very comfortable pair of walking shoes.
- Many of those who suffer from foot and leg pains claimed that this model relieved discomfort.
- The footwear was considered durable by numerous testers.
- The merchandise provided adequate foothold and arch support, as stated by plenty of wearers.
- The overall design of the product was found stylish by multiple people.
- More than a few commenters lauded the steadiness of the sole unit.
- The price of this model was reasonable given its quality build, said several consumers.
- Some individuals were pleased that the footgear accommodated custom orthotics.
4 reasons not to buy
- A minority of testers ranted that the footwear was heavy and looked clunky.
- Several reviewers were dismayed that the outsole lacked traction and squeaked.
- The tongue and the laces were short and did not secure the instep, as commented by a handful of wearers.
- Some users complained that the interior of the footgear got hot.
Bottom line
In general, those who own the Brooks Addiction Walker enjoyed how comfortable it was. People marveled at how this trainer alleviated discomfort and pain and it was also considered durable and supportive by many.
Though a lot of individuals liked the style, there were some who thought otherwise. But in the end, it was considered an effective walking shoe because of its cushiony and steady platform.
Tip: see the best walking shoes.
Good to know
The brand utilizes its extensive experience in producing running footwear to make the Brooks Addiction Walker a functional and comfortable option for long walks and all-day wear. It is made for both men and women who take walking shoes seriously.
The shoe's highlights include the durable full-grain leather upper, the stabilizing component for overpronation and other foot issues, and an anti-slip outsole.
The bottom of the Brooks Addiction Walker is lined with the ASTM F489-96-certified slip-resistant compound. This material is also hard-wearing to endure walking on concrete pavements.
The forefoot also features the MC Pod construction. It ensures that the foot has full ground contact to keep a balanced and stable position throughout the walking gait cycle.
The Brooks Addiction Walker employs the brand’s proprietary BioMoGo DNA midsole. The BioMoGo component is a type of biodegradable foam that retains its fresh-from-the-box cushioning for a long period.
Embedded into the foam is the DNA compound. It is made of a fluid whose viscosity changes depending on the pressure applied. It allows the DNA to become firm when excessive force is applied to it to keep the foot protected.
Another innovation present in the midsole is the PDRB which is a type of arch support that guides the foot during the heel-to-toe transition. Extending from the midfoot to the heel, it ensures that the foot takes the natural forward motion and keeps the foot steady throughout the ride.
Full-grain leather makes up the upper of the Brooks Addiction Walker. This material is soft yet durable and provides a comfortable vehicle for the foot. The plush walls of the inside ensure that the foot is snugly locked in place without becoming too restrictive. The interior is also lined with breathable fabric to ensure that the foot chamber won’t become uncomfortably hot.
A traditional lace-up closure allows users to customize the fit. It uses a padded tongue to prevent the laces from irritating the instep. The plush collar also keeps the foot locked down and the ankle area free from irritation.
The selection of walking shoes from Brooks is currently not very extensive due to the brand’s dedication to making running shoes. That’s why the Addiction Walker and the Dyad Walker are the brand’s most popular choices for walking and, likely, most confused ones as well. As they both stem from the same footwear line, these trainers share a host of similarities:
- Upper design. It is usually the primary thing that catches a buyer’s attention when they are looking for a shoe. In this respect, the two trainers are identical as they both feature a full-grain leather upper with the same overlay design. They have a similar lace-up closure, padded collar and tongue and both come in monochromatic color options.
- Cushioning. Both shoes feature the brand’s proprietary BioMoGo DNA technology. It is designed to adapt to the wearer’s parameters such as weight, stride, and speed to deliver efficient shock absorption and responsive cushioning.
- Wide platform. If you look at both trainers from the bottom, you will see that their midfoot is the same in width as the heel section, while the forefoot is made even wider on the inner side. Unlike most athletic shoes, where the middle section of the sole seems to be carved out, the wide platforms of the Addiction Walker and the Dyad Walker ensure that the wearer’s foot rests on a stable platform and doesn’t excessively roll inwards or outwards.
- Slip resistance. The outsoles in both trainers are lined with the ASTM F489-96-certified compound. It boasts of its slip-resistant properties even on wet smooth surfaces.
- Price. Both shoes retail at $120.
On the surface, the two walking shoes do seem identical, but upon closer examination, some significant differences can be found:
- Closure types. While both models come with a traditional lacing system, the Addiction Walker also has the V-Strap version which employs twin Velcro straps on the instep.
- Width types. Both shoes are available in Medium and Wide width profiles, but the Addiction Walker is also offered in a Narrow option.
- Arch support. In this regard, the two trainers are designed for different purposes. The Dyad Walker is created for people with normal pronation and mild overpronation. The Dual Arch Pods in the midfoot section of its outsole are meant to add stability but do not get in the way if the wearer has normal pronation. The Dyad’s construction is also able to accommodate an orthotic insert if one is needed. On the other hand, the Brooks Addiction Walker is designed as a motion control shoe in its core. It features a technology called the Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar which stabilizes the foot from the heel all the way to the forefoot to prevent it from excessive inward rolling. It also makes the platform of the trainer look somewhat bulkier.
- Drop. Because of the motion control feature, the heel-to-toe differential in the Addiction Walker (12 mm) is slightly higher than in the Dyad Walker (10 mm).
To sum it up, with the number of materials and technologies used in them, both shoes are ready to serve as durable and supportive walking companions. The Brooks Addiction Walker may be a preferable option for people with moderate to severe overpronation who like to have plenty of support in their footwear.