Brooks Addiction Walker vs. New Balance 928 – And The Winner is …

In today’s shoe battle, we have the Brooks Addiction Walker vs. New Balance 928.

In the quest for the perfect walking shoe, the Brooks Addiction Walker and the New Balance 928 stand out as top contenders.

In this comprehensive comparison, we break down these two popular models, examining every crucial detail that matters to walkers.

Join us as we unravel the intricacies of these walking shoes, providing you with insights to make an informed choice that aligns with your unique preferences and walking style.

Before we jump right into it, the New Balance 928v3 is one of the top New Balance shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.

Brooks Addiction Walker vs. New Balance 928 

Here’s a quick comparison if you’re in a hurry…

Both the Brooks Addiction Walker and the New Balance 928 are great shoes for walking and standing all day, but the 928 is lighter than the Addition.

The Addiction Walker offers stronger motion control properties than the 928, but the 928 offers better ankle support. While the 928 is good for walking and light running, the Addiction Walker is only good for walking.

Both shoes have built-in technologies that make them great walking shoes. They correct pronation, overpronation issues, and the gait cycle, and keep your feet, ankles, knees, and spine lined up so evenly.

Even without orthotics, these walker’s mechanics and motion control technology make sure stress, leg and back fatigue, and shock are eliminated, allowing you to stand for extended periods and walk farther and more comfortably.

Related:

• Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet and Overpronation 

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• Best Athleisure sneakers

The Brooks Addiction is great for you if:

• you overpronate (your foot rolls inward),
• you are on your feet all day (standing on tile, concrete …)
• you have flat feet, high arches, wide feet,
• you’re committed to making your 10,000 steps a day,
• you have bad knees, hips, and lower back pain,
• you had knee replacement,
• you have Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs,
• you have Achilles Tendonitis,
• you have bunions and hammertoes (the toe box gives your toes enough space to splay),
• you have Morton’s Neuroma,
• you are a heavy person,
• you don’t like hard plastic custom orthotics.

Related:

• Best Walking Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis

Key features of the Addiction Walker:

• Great cushioning found in high-end running shoes
• Superb arch support
• Works with any type of custom insoles
• Smooth and supple full-grain leather construction for added protection from the elements
• Padded tongue and collar
• Soft interior with a removable insole and a nice deep heel cup
• BioMoGo recyclable midsole
• Hydro Flow Technology (enhanced cushioning, better stability, excellent shock attenuation)
• Outsole absorbs shock and stabilizes foot on uneven terrain
• Excellent durability
• Excellent slip resistance on wet surfaces

The New Balance 928 is great for you if:

• your feet roll inward (overpronation)
• you have Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs
• you need orthopedic footwear
• you have Achilles Tendonitis or Morton’s neuroma
• you have neuropathy (comfort, protection, and added stability)
• you have wide and extra wide feet
• you have fallen arches, high arches, high instep
• you have bad knees, knee replacement
• you have bunions and hammertoes
• you have hip, ankle, and lower back pain
• you have leg length discrepancy
• you’re committed to making your 10,000 steps a day
• you work or stand on concrete floors all day
• are a heavy person (it holds up pretty well)

Features of the 928v3:

• Very comfortable out of the box
• Built on an SL-2 last (wide forefoot and narrow heel area)
• Rockered platform makes it easy to transition from heel strike to toe-off
• Surprisingly effective RollBar technology (a dual support system that contributes to shock absorption, corrects gait cycle and controls overpronation (rolling inward) and supination (rolling outward)
• ABZORB midfoot cushioning for additional comfort
• Deep and generous toe box (for bunions, hammertoes, custom orthotics)
• Full-length support across the entire foot
• Very supportive and torsionally stiff through the midfoot
• Excellent fit and a comfortable cushioned footbed
• Great built-in arch support which provides terrific stability

Related:

• Are Hoka Shoes Good For Walking?

Addiction Walker vs. 928: Design

Both the Brooks Addiction Walker and the New Balance 928 are made with everyday practicality and functionality in mind.

The Brooks Addiction has a classic and timeless appearance, characterized by its clean and straightforward design. Its sleek silhouette, coupled with thoughtful details, seamlessly integrates with a variety of styles.

Conversely, the New Balance 928 takes on a more modern approach with a slightly sportier aesthetic. With dynamic lines and contours, the 928 embraces a contemporary feel that resonates with those looking for a fresh and up-to-date design.

What ties both designs together is their commitment to striking a balance between fashion and functionality. Not only do these walking shoes deliver top-notch performance, but they also effortlessly complement everyday styles, ensuring you look good while staying comfortable during your walks.

Related:

• The Definitive Guide to the Best Walking Sandals

Addiction Walker vs. 928: Fit and Sizing

When it comes to finding the right fit, both the Brooks Addiction Walker and the New Balance 928 place a premium on comfort.

The Brooks Addiction Walker offers a wide range of sizes, ensuring you can pinpoint your perfect fit based on foot length. What sets it apart is the variety of width options available—narrow (1B), medium (1D), wide (2E), and extra-wide (4E) for men, and medium (1B), wide (1D), narrow (2A), and extra-wide (2E) for women.

Similarly, the New Balance 928 follows suit, offering an extensive size range and multiple width options—narrow (B), standard (D), wide (2E), extra-wide (4E), and xx-wide (6E) for men, and narrow (2A), standard (B), wide (D), extra-wide (2E), and xx-wide (4E) for women.

As you can see, New Balance goes a step further by introducing an additional xx-wide (6E) width option. This broader array of size and width choices makes the New Balance 928 particularly appealing for individuals who prioritize a precise and accommodating fit.

Don’t forget to check out Brooks size charts.

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• How Much Walking for Weight Loss

Addiction Walker vs. 928: Upper and Outsole

When it comes to materials, both the Brooks Addiction Walker and the New Balance 928 are crafted with durability and support in mind, making them well-suited for various walking activities.

The Brooks Addiction Walker boasts a sturdy leather upper that not only contributes to its durability but also imparts a timeless and robust aesthetic. Its outsole, made of slip-resistant rubber, ensures stability and reliable traction on a variety of surfaces.

Conversely, the New Balance 928 takes a slightly different approach by combining leather and mesh in its upper. This thoughtful blend strikes a harmonious balance between durability and breathability, catering to individuals who seek both longevity and ventilation.

In terms of outsole construction, both shoes utilize a durable rubber compound, providing excellent stability and slip prevention during walks.

While the Brooks Addiction Walker embraces a more robust classic design with its solid leather upper, the New Balance 928 opts for a fusion of leather and mesh, emphasizing a balance between durability and breathability.

In terms of traction, the outsoles of both shoes are constructed with slip-resistant rubber that offers effective traction to enhance stability during walks.

The tread patterns on the outsoles are designed to promote secure footing, whether on pavement, trails, or other surfaces. While the specific tread patterns may vary, both models prioritize a combination of durability and effective grip to ensure you can confidently navigate different terrains.

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Brooks Addiction vs. New Balance 928: Cushioning Technologies

Both shoes excel in utilizing advanced technologies within their midsoles to enhance the walking experience.

The Brooks Addiction Walker uses cushioning technologies like BioMoGo or DNA, intricately designed to provide a responsive and adaptive cushioning experience tailored to the unique nuances of your stride.

This technology creates a moderate level of cushioning, striking a harmonious balance between comfort and stability, catering to a variety of walking conditions.

Conversely, the New Balance 928 features innovations such as ABZORB. This cushioning is engineered to enhance shock absorption and ensure superior comfort during extended wear.

The cushioning in the New Balance 928 goes beyond, offering a plush and supportive feel with a moderate to high level of cushioning, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking for ample support and effective impact absorption during your walks.

Related:

• Handpicked Brooks Shoes for Morton’s Neuroma 

Brooks Addiction vs. New Balance 928: Support and stability

In short, while the Addiction Walker offers stronger motion control properties than the 928, the 928 offers better ankle support.

The Addiction Walker typically offers reliable arch support and promotes a supportive structure for the foot’s natural arch. It provides effective heel support and offers great stability during walking.

The shoe often uses features to assist with pronation control and proper foot alignment to try to reduce issues associated with overpronation.

Similarly, the New Balance 928 has robust arch support for different arch types and the heel and ankle support in is substantial.

In terms of stability, both the Addiction Walker and the 928 shine in providing a secure and reliable platform for you.

The Addiction impresses with its overall stability, assuring a steady stride that instills confidence during each step. This stability is complemented by effective ankle support, ensuring that the foot is well-supported from all angles.

Similarly, the New Balance 928 excels in overall stability, offering a solid foundation for walkers seeking a secure feel. The shoe’s design pays attention to ankle support and promotes a stable and balanced walking experience that caters to individuals with varying levels of pronation.

Brooks Addiction Walker vs. New Balance 928: Weight

Both shoes generally offer a moderate and manageable overall weight, but neither shoe falls into the category of extreme lightweight or heavyweight designs.

The Brooks Addiction Walker tips the scales at 14.5oz (411.1g) for men and 12.9oz (365.7g) for women, while the New Balance 928v3 comes in slightly heavier at 15.5oz (440.2g) for men and 10.9oz (308.8g) for women.

Clearly, the Brooks Addiction Walker carries a noticeably lighter weight than the 928, which makes it perfect if you prefer footwear on the lighter side.

Brooks Addiction Walker vs. New Balance 928: Durability

The Brooks Addiction Walker is known for its durable leather upper, which enhances the shoe’s overall longevity and resistance to wear. The materials used, including slip-resistant rubber in the outsole, are chosen for their durability.

Similarly, the New Balance 928 combines leather and mesh in its upper to strike a balance between durability and breathability. The advanced midsole and outsole technologies, such as ABZORB or ENCAP, not only enhance comfort but also contribute to the overall wear and tear resistance of the shoe.

Brooks Addiction Walker vs. New Balance 928: Breathability

In terms of breathability, the Brooks Addiction Walker and the New Balance 928 take slightly different approaches. The Brooks Addiction Walker features a classic leather upper, which, while durable, may have somewhat limited breathability compared to more ventilated materials.

However, the shoe’s design often incorporates thoughtful ventilation features to enhance airflow and maintain a comfortable environment for the foot.

On the other hand, the New Balance 928 combines leather and mesh in its upper, which gives us a balance between durability and breathability. The mesh elements contribute to improved airflow and allow for better ventilation and a cooler feel during walks.

Brooks Addiction Walker vs. New Balance 928: Comfort

The Addiction Walker typically uses ample padding and comfort features in its construction to cushion your foot. The insole quality is often carefully engineered to enhance overall comfort and support.

Similarly, the New Balance 928 places a strong emphasis on comfort and offers well-cushioned padding and advanced technologies in the insole to maximize support and shock absorption.

Brooks Addiction Walker vs. New Balance 928: Price

Both the Addiction Walker and the 928 offer competitive walking options in the walking shoe category. While factors like location and retailer can influence specific pricing, a general cost comparison indicates that these models belong to a comparable price range.

As of writing this comparison, the Addiction Walker holds a price advantage, being approximately $25 cheaper than the 928v3. This significant price difference may sway budget-conscious consumers seeking an economical yet reliable walking shoe option.

User Reviews

Common praises for the Brooks Addiction Walker often highlight its classic design, cushioning, durability, and reliable arch support.

Likewise, the New Balance 928 receives favorable reviews, with users praising its advanced cushioning, stability features, and the combination of leather and mesh for breathability.

Common complaints are typically limited and subjective, focusing on individual preferences rather than inherent design flaws.

Brand Reputation

Both Brooks and New Balance have established themselves as reputable and trusted brands. Brooks has a solid track record, known for producing high-quality athletic footwear, including walking shoes. The brand is often praised for its commitment to innovative technologies, durability, and overall performance.

New Balance, with a rich history in the athletic footwear industry, has also earned a strong reputation. Renowned for its focus on comfort and fit, New Balance has consistently delivered walking shoes that cater to a diverse range of foot types.

Both brands have dedicated followings, and their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in positive reviews and longstanding market presence.

So if you’re interested in the New Balance 928, I’ve reviewed the latest version, the 928V3, and it’s awesome. Here we go …

New Balance 928v3 Review

The 928v2 was short-lived because there was a bit of a chokepoint right at the throat of the shoe. But New Balanced has addressed that issue with the 928v3.

Other than that, there are no major changes to the shoe. So they’ve opened up that throat a few more millimeters just to give that extra depth and width to the vamp right at the throat.

Now, as we move through the v3, I want to just run down a couple of features about this shoe.

Insole

New Balance has made a notable upgrade by transitioning to a polyurethane insole. Previously, they relied on their standard EVA under the foot, but now they’ve incorporated polyurethane.

This upgrade provides increased compression resistance. As you spend time in this shoe over the long term, it won’t break down as quickly. Additionally, it gives a slightly squishier feel, enhancing the overall comfort and longevity of the shoe.

Lining

The 928v3 still uses the Phantom Lining on the inside of the shoe. Essentially, you have a bootie underneath the leather, seamlessly covering all the seams and bridging between the various panels in the upper.

This design ensures a remarkably smooth transition, actively minimizing the risk of shearing, blistering, or friction pressure caused by seams. While several New Balance shoes feature this technology, the 928 stands out as the flagship model, showcasing the pinnacle of this innovative approach.

Upper

Throughout the entire shoe, premium full-grain leather is consistently present, which provides a luxurious feel, excellent breathability, and a snug fit that conforms well to your foot once broken in.

SL-2 Last

New Balance has maintained the SL-2 fit for years. For those unfamiliar, SL signifies a “straight last,” and the “2” denotes extra depth.

When we mention a “straight last,” we refer to a well-defined straight form at the base of the shoe, featuring New Balance’s Walking Strike Path. The other really tangible benefit is that you can fit foot orthotics or braces into this shoe with ease as the shoe has 90-degree walls on the side where they meet the board of the shoe.

In contrast to other shoes that taper in and cause fit issues when accommodating devices, the SL-2 maintains a consistent form. It ensures a roomier fit, particularly suitable for wider or fleshier feet thanks to the deeper toe box and a medium fit in the midfoot, gradually tapering back to the heel.

This design caters to individuals requiring additional width and depth in the front, accommodating conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or bulkier devices such as custom orthotics. However, the SL-2 recognizes that not everyone needs the same width in the heel, an aspect where the 928 shines with its solid design.

Heel Counter

The heel counter on the 928V3 is extended medially and laterally and it’s nice and stiff. So, when that heel and ankle sit in there, you have a lot of stability and control for the heel and ankle.

Midsole

As we come down the shoe, we get into the midsole which is still a compression-molded EVA foam (CMEVA).

The CMEVA is awesome because it provides a lot of compression resistance, gives a really good ground reaction, and also has decent shock absorption quality to that.

New Balance added ABZORB from the midfoot to the toe of the shoe to take the cushioning to the next level.

So if you’re absorbing high levels of impact from aggressive walking or even just standing on your feet for long periods of time, ABZORB can just help to decrease rattling and vibration coming up from the ground from impact.

Rocker Forefoot

New Balance’s rocker forefoot is still alive and well with the v3. It really helps to reduce how much dorsiflexion is required to pick that foot up off the ground for that next ride.

So if you have mobility issues in that first toe, mobility Plantar dorsiflexion issues, ankle joint, and even metatarsal issues, the 928v3 can help to offset some of the lack of dorsiflexion.

RollBar

As we move to the hindfoot of the shoe, New Balance’s Rollbar and medial and lateral posting are all still alive and well.

One tasteful update they did from the graphite Rollbar frame in the first version is the fiberglass system.

Basically, what the Rollbar is going to do is provide really stable ground contact for the lateral and the medial aspect of the shoe.

If your foot wants to overpronate or even underpronate, the 928v3 is just going to help to resist that by having that firmer reinforced lateral wall.

It also does the same medially and it will control pronation when your foot is in motion.

That’s really effective for people that do a lot of standing throughout the day when they’re maybe not moving a whole ton but the physics of that body-weight just kind of sits on the outside of their feet – Rollbar does a really good job of controlling that.

Outsole

New Balance has been rocking the Ndurance outsole for a really long time, and they’ve certainly dialed it up a notch on the 928.

They’ve incorporated a robust rubber compound designed for enduring high mileage during athletic walks or extended wear on unforgiving, flat surfaces.

This battle-tested outsole has been delivering fantastic results for years. With a flat and wide midfoot and complete ground contact, it ensures a stable platform for your foot, making every step confidently secure.

Beveled Heel

The way New Balance rolls or bevels the heel serves as a subtle but impactful guide into the foot-flat phase of your gait. Unlike shoes that hit the heel at a sharp 90-degree angle, often resulting in a slap-slap reaction, the beveled heel ensures a smooth and seamless transition, enhancing the overall walking experience.

FAQs

Is New Balance 928 a stability shoe?

Yes. The New Balance 928 is designed as a stability shoe to provide support and help control overpronation. It features technologies like the Walking Strike Path, the Rollbar stability technology, and the ABZORB cushioning. It also offers a stable platform if you’re looking for reliable support when you’re walking or standing.

Do New Balance and Brooks fit the same?

Brooks suggests going up half a size from your regular street shoe, whereas most New Balance shoes are typically true to size.

Are New Balance running shoes good for walking?

Absolutely, New Balance running shoes are versatile and often make excellent choices for walking due to their comfort, cushioning, and support features.

Does New Balance have good arch support?

Certainly. New Balance is renowned for providing excellent arch support, and one of the key reasons podiatrists often recommend their shoes is due to this exceptional arch support. The brand prioritizes foot health, making their footwear a reliable choice for individuals seeking superior arch support.

Do podiatrists recommend Brooks?

Yes, podiatrists often recommend Brooks shoes, recognizing the brand for its quality and support in promoting foot health.

What type of foot are Brooks good for?

Brooks shoes are suitable for various foot types, offering models designed for neutral, stability, and motion control needs.

Are Brooks Addiction Walker good for plantar fasciitis?

Yes, the Brooks Addiction Walker is often recommended for plantar fasciitis. The shoe’s design, including the rollbar through the midsole, minimizes excessive flex, reducing stress on the plantars during walking or running, making it beneficial for individuals dealing with plantar fasciitis.

What Brooks has the most support?

The Brooks Adrenaline stands out as one of the most supportive running shoes in the Brooks lineup, catering to runners with stability needs. On the other hand, the Brooks Addiction Walker takes the spotlight for walking, providing substantial support with features like a Rollbar through the midsole.

Does Brooks Addiction Walker have a wide toe box?

Yes, the Brooks Addiction Walker is known for having a wide toe box, providing ample room and comfort for individuals who prefer or require extra width in the toe area.

What is the width of Brooks Addiction Walker?

The Brooks Addiction Walker is available in various width options. For men, it comes in narrow (1B), medium (1D), wide (2E), and extra-wide (4E). For women, the available widths are medium (1B), wide (1D), narrow (2A), and extra-wide (2E).

Are Brooks Addiction Walkers slip resistant?

Yes, the Brooks Addiction Walker is designed with a slip-resistant outsole, providing enhanced traction and stability, making it suitable for various walking conditions, including slippery surfaces.

What are Brooks Addiction Walker 2 made of?

The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 comes in two versions: the leather version and the suede version. The leather version typically features a durable leather upper, providing a classic and robust design. On the other hand, the suede version incorporates suede material into its upper, offering a softer and textured aesthetic. Both versions are designed to deliver comfort, support, and durability for walking.

In conclusion, the comparison between the Brooks Addiction Walker and the New Balance 928 reveals two formidable contenders in the world of walking shoes.

The Addiction Walker impresses with its classic design, stable platform, and reliable motion control, while the New Balance 928 stands out for its modern aesthetic, advanced cushioning technologies, and innovative features like the Phantom Lining.

Both shoes excel in delivering comfort, durability, and support, making them reliable companions for various walking conditions.