Brooks Addiction Review--No Quitting These

Must Have Monday

When it comes to talking myself into going for a regular run I can't have my shoes give me any reason not to and that is why I count on my Brooks Addiction running shoe. Each year Brooks offers a new “Addiction” that brings with it that combination-last, linear sole that fits my feet so perfectly. For me, fit is everything so I don't mind if Brooks feels the need to update colors or add “techy” improvements so long as they continue to stay true to the fit and stability I have come to love in my Addictions. I think my first pair of Addictions were the “5” . I just bought the Addiction 9 and Brooks has already released the “10”. Of course, I bought them at my favorite Bellingham shoe store, Hilton's where my feet still get measured and delighted. My feet had changed a bit and I had to go up a half size from my last pair. If you want a dreamboat of a running shoe...I strongly recommend that you try a pair.

Besides the fact that these Brooks fit me so well I must give a nod to a few of their whiz bang features that make me feel extra groovy about buying them.

My favorite addition to the Addiction 9 and 10 is the little “tongue-stay-put-loop” added to the lacing system to keep the tongue of the shoe from wandering around. (See close up picture) Brilliant!

Being “green” is all the buzz these days and Brooks is helping us all put our best foot forward with their BIO-MOGO midsoles. Brooks uses”... a non-toxic, natural additive to the midsole compound that encourages anaerobic microbes to munch away once it hits an active enclosed landfill. Traditional Ethylene Vinyl Acetate™ (EVA) midsoles can last up to 1,000 years in a landfill. BioMoGo’s microbial munch rate is 50 times faster providing biodegraded nutrients in about 20 years.” Also Brooks “...believes in being agents of positive change and plans to release this technology to all other footwear brands.” I also love that they use recyclable box materials, water-based inks and ditched all the extra and unnecessary tissue and stuffing.

Whether I am simply going out for a walk or busting out my morning run, I am thankful for my Brooks. Stability, cushioning and great fit are the hallmarks of this shoe and the joy in my journeys. Thank you Brooks!

Get fit for your Brooks at your local running store or comfort shoe store...otherwise you can find them at: brooksrunning.com, zappos.com, onlineshoes.com and amazon.com

Fitting Notes:

American Sizing. Traditionally, athletic shoes run short and thus it is always advisable to go up one half to a whole size up from the shoe size you normally wear. I am usually a size 8 and I bought my Brooks Addiction 9 in a size 9 2A(narrow). They fit beautifully. Their narrow widths are not truly narrow which works perfectly for my “kinda” narrow feet. If you have truly narrow feet you should consider trying on the Brooks Adrenaline instead. The Addictions are also well known as an excellent pairing with orthotics and great for folks who have had a recent foot, ankle or knee surgery as they offer premium stability and protection. The Addiction comes in narrow to extra wide widths and are really winners with especially wide feet with their generous toe box and wide platform. Brooks will also do a “split size order” for your feet if they are more than a whole size different from each other for about $25 extra which beats having to purchase two full pairs at full price and essentially wasting a pair.