Brooks Beast vs Addiction – Support Road Running Shoe Review

Performance Summary

Not only is Brooks one of the oldest brands in running, but they have also developed a reputation over the years for quality and innovation in the sport. One notable innovation came in the 1990s when the brand launched the “max support” running shoe with extra cushioning, known as the Brooks Beast. Shortly after, its ‘baby brother,’ the Addiction, followed suit, undergoing several iterations to become what it is today. If you’re a runner or walker seeking a max support shoe, it’s understandable why you’re considering the Brooks Beast vs Addiction. Below, I’ll break down each shoe in more detail to help you understand the subtle differences.

Brooks Beast

The Brooks Beast stands as one of running’s original cushioned max support road running shoes, renowned for its history of being a preferred option for runners dealing with overpronation and supination. Upon first impression, the Beast feels solid, with a design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics, offering only a few color options overall. Notably, they feature an inner guide rail, seamlessly blended into the sole’s outer portion—evident as the striped section along the outer sole sidewall.

Putting on the Beasts for the first time, they prove quite comfortable overall. The 38 mm stack height may feel a bit tall for some, and while the cushioning is noticeable, it remains stable. The shoes provide both inner and outer wall support, aiding in keeping the feet aligned perfectly when in motion. With good arch support—about medium—and careful iteration in their design, these shoes deliver a comfortable feel.

Taking the Beasts to the road, their tall stack height and 12 mm drop give them a faster feel than expected, though they aren’t a shoe geared for speed. Offering a soft landing without an abundance of rebound off the ground, the support rails excel once in motion, making them shine as a support shoe. They also prove exceptionally comfortable for standing and walking, making them a great choice for individuals who spend extended periods on their feet.

Brooks Addiction

The Brooks Addiction, affectionately termed the ‘baby beast’ by the brand, has matured over the years and, by all accounts, surpassed its big brother in size and support features. Unboxing the Addictions for the first time, they noticeably weigh more compared to the two models but maintain a similar overall look and feel. Examining the shoe from the outside reveals a significantly larger footbox and a slightly larger inner support along the arch, as evident in the side-by-side comparison below.

These two changes represent the most significant differences between the two once you put them on. The Brooks Addiction provides notably more arch support, beneficial for individuals dealing with supination, though it may be excessive for others. The extra room in the toe box is advantageous for those experiencing swelling and is even advertised as being spacious enough for orthopedic devices—a unique feature of this shoe. Apart from that, they feel like they sit slightly lower, and in terms of cushioning, they closely resemble the Beast.

Running in the Addiction proved to be an interesting experience. They indeed fit the description of a ‘max support’ runner. As someone who doesn’t require a support shoe, I had to place myself in the shoes of other runners. They feel somewhat heavy, considering the size and support offered, but that’s to be expected. While they may not deliver a fast sensation, they are certainly runnable, and for a specific group of runners, they could be perfect.

Image Comparison

Brooks Beast 20

Brooks Addiction GTS 15

Below you can see the noticeably bigger toe box on the Brook Addiction compared to the Beast.

Brooks Beast 20 Top View

Brooks Addiction GTS Top View

Both soles have a very similar shape foot bed.

Brooks Beast Soles

Addiction GTS 15 Sole

Conclusion – Brooks Beast vs Addiction

You’ll be hard-pressed to find two better max-support road running shoes on the market. With these models, the brand has done something remarkable for runners, offering two options very close in design yet with key differences to help you find the exact right shoe. Both provide ample support with just the right amount of cushion. But which one is right for you?

Which max support road running shoe to buy?

For me, it comes down to two questions: Do you have high arches and/or toes that tend to swell? If you answered yes to either, then the Addiction is likely the one for you, as it’s designed specifically for those needs. However, if the answer was no to both, the Beast will probably be the better starting choice.