Sizing guide Updated

Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Sizing Guide: Does It Run Small or True to Size?

Short answer

The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is a specialized shoe positioned at the intersection of orthopedic support and occupational utility, engineered for maximum motion control and long-term joint protection. Although standard sizing charts often classify it as True to Size (TTS), its thick, non-elastic full-grain leather upper functions as a highly structured containment chamber that amplifies minor volumetric discrepancies.

Runs true to size

Cross-sizing: what size to buy

Find a shoe you already own and read across to the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 size to buy.

  • New Balance 928v3

    Your usual Buy
    US 10 10.5 (D) or 10 (2E)
    EU 44 44.5 (D) or 44 (2E)
  • Hoka Bondi SR

    Your usual Buy
    US 10 10.5 (D) or 10 (2E)
    EU 44 44.5 (D) or 44 (2E)
  • New Balance 847v4

    Your usual Buy
    US 10 10.5 (D)
    EU 44 44.5 (D)
  • Brooks Ghost / Adrenaline GTS

    Your usual Buy
    US 10 10 (2E) or 10.5 (D)
    EU 44 44 (2E) or 44.5 (D)

Fit Notes

New Balance 928v3
The New Balance 928v3 is built on a straighter, highly voluminous orthopedic last featuring a wider, rounded toe box. In contrast, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 tapers sharply at the toes to 68.3 mm. To manage this structural difference, you can increase by a half-size in length to US 10.5. However, pay attention to the compensation factor: if you do not want an excessively long shoe that alters the sole's natural flex point and causes heel slippage, maintain your true length size (US 10) and select the Wide (2E) option to achieve the necessary lateral forefoot volume.
Hoka Bondi SR
The Hoka Bondi SR features a plush, maximalist cushion stack and a significantly wider, more accommodating toe box measuring 100.3 mm at its widest point. Transitioning to the rigid, flat-soled Brooks model results in a much tighter, unyielding wrap. To compensate for the stiff leather and tapered forefoot, you can size up a half size to US 10.5. Alternatively, to keep your foot properly aligned with the arch support without introducing excess length, choose your true length size (US 10) but upgrade to the Wide (2E) configuration.
New Balance 847v4
The New Balance 847v4 utilizes a flexible mesh-and-leather upper that dynamically stretches to accommodate natural foot expansion during long walks. Because the full-grain leather upper of the Addiction Walker 2 is entirely non-stretch and unyielding, it cannot expand as your foot swells. Buying a half-size larger (US 10.5) is recommended to preserve adequate internal room and prevent toe pinching during long shifts or afternoon swelling.
Brooks Ghost / Adrenaline GTS
Standard Brooks running models like the Ghost or Adrenaline GTS utilize a highly pliable engineered mesh upper that flexes easily. The rigid full-grain leather and dense PDRB medial post of the Addiction Walker 2 reduce the available interior volume significantly. If you normally wear a standard US 10 (D) in Brooks running shoes, you should return to your true length but adapt to a Wide (2E) width to handle the stiffer material. Sizing up to US 10.5 in a standard width is an alternative for toe clearance, but may introduce heel slippage if your heel is relatively narrow.

Sizing FAQ

Does the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 run true to size?

Length-wise, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 fits true to size for approximately 48% to 83% of wearers with a standard, narrow-to-medium foot shape. However, a notable cohort of 12% to 25% reports that it feels short or excessively snug. This tighter fit profile is caused by the physical stiffness of the non-elastic full-grain leather upper and the high 12.2mm heel-to-toe drop, which forces the foot forward into a tapered toe box during movement. Combined with afternoon foot swelling common among workers, Brooks officially recommends considering a half-size larger than your casual or dress shoes to preserve forefoot space.

Is the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 good for wide feet?

The Addiction Walker 2 is excellent for wide feet, provided you bypass the standard Medium (1D) width and opt for the Wide (2E) or Extra Wide (4E) versions. In its standard width, the toe box features an aggressive taper, narrowing from 92.8 mm at the metatarsal heads down to 68.3 mm at the big toe, which can cause painful lateral compression on bunions or hammertoes. Utilizing the dedicated 2E and 4E options widens the base platform, providing crucial space for natural toe splay and the structural bulk of custom orthotics without requiring you to buy a shoe that is too long.

How is the arch support on the Brooks Addiction Walker 2?

The arch support on the Addiction Walker 2 is firm, highly structured, and exceptionally stable, making it ideal for flat feet, severe overpronation, and plantar fasciitis. Stability is driven by the Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB), which is a tri-density BioMoGo DNA medial post designed to systematically stop the arch from collapsing under heavy loads. Because of this posting and a thick slip-resistant outsole, the shoe has high torsional stiffness and requires a dedicated break-in period of several days. The factory insole provides a flat-to-medium profile, but the deep heel counter easily accepts thick custom medical orthotics once the stock sockliner is removed.

Specs & Sizing

Weight 411 g
Retail price $180
Price on Amazon $125–$170
Release year 2020
Upper Full-grain leather or suede with breathable mesh liner
Midsole BioMoGo DNA cushioning with Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB®)
Outsole HPR Plus Green rubber with ASTM F489-96 and SATRA TM144:2011 slip resistance
Technologies Extended PDRB®, HydroFlow® fluid cushioning, Engineered MC Pod Configuration, Cushsole (S-257) compound
Fit & sizing True to size; order half size up if wearing thick orthotics