Details
Brand
Brooks
Breathability
7/10
Terrain
Road
Type
Motion Control
Key Features
• Addiction 11• Durable• Comfortable• Breathable Element upper• DNA foam technology• Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar helps pronation
Upper
The Brooks Addiction 11 has a very breathable upper that potentially contributes to the higher weight measurement. It is made with the Element fabric which is basically a material that deters severe moisture from infiltrating the sneaker. There is also the Element Lining, which is an interior lining that encourages air to enter the shoe and provides comfort. There is a handful of overlays that prevent the foot from twisting and turning during a run. In the past, there have been strong materials applied to the upper, but with the Addiction 11, there is a suede material that keeps the shoe comfortable and eliminates unnecessary excess material in the upper.
Midsole
When analyzing this running shoe, especially on the inside, you can almost immediately tell that there is a lot of material underneath the foot. The midsole for the Brooks Addiction 11 has a combination of DNA foam technology and the environmentally friendly BioMoGo material. The DNA foam applied to the midsole helps provide a custom, comfortable experience. The midsole also has the Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar, which is used to help the pronation of the runner. This part of the sneaker is very thick, indicating that there is a surplus of support and cushioning.
Outsole
The outsole contains a high-quality rubber that is meant to extend the lifespan of the Addiction 11. The rubber is strategically inserted so that the runner gets the most out of the sneaker, which is an appealing feature to someone looking for the stability and motion control they offer.. There is also a heel crash pad that is used for enhanced striking. This feature takes the Addiction 11 to a new level in both protection and comfort. The outsole has a wide platform that is good for making maximum contact with the ground. There are a variety of ridges on the outsole, but nothing that is large enough to grasp onto a deep surface.
Breathability
There is a substantial amount of breathability in the Brooks Addiction 11. The Element upper keeps the feet dry and cool at all times, no matter the weather. Even if you’re sweating on a hot day, the Brooks Addiction 11 will ensure you that your feet won’t be completely soaked by the end of your run. If you step in a puddle, the upper unit won’t contain the water, so you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable while running in rainy weather conditions. The interior lining is also very breathable and is well ventilated, adding on to the airflow process.
Comfort
Another highlight of the Brooks Addiction 11 is its comfort. A lot of that comfort starts in the midsole. The DNA technology offers the wearer a custom running experience by conforming to the shape and movement of their feet. This feature There is also a padded tongue and collar that goes around the ankle. This feature keeps the runner comfortable and less likely to obtain blisters from thin material. It also prevents the runner’s feet from accidentally sliding out of the sneaker. One of the few complaints of the Addiction 11 derive from the toe box. Many reviewers claim that the toe box is very narrow, which decreases the overall amount of comfort for runners who have wider feet towards the forefoot. Also, while the Heel Crash Pad is utilized to provide a better striking experience, it lacks in cushioning, ultimately containing a firmer feeling to the runner.
Style
Despite being strikingly similar to its predecessor, the Brooks Addiction 10, the eleventh version of the Brooks Addiction series has a very unique style. The midsole and outsole are extraordinarily thick, so there is visibly a lot of mass underneath the arch area. This is most noticeable on the inside. One thing that could be improved with this sneaker is the color options. The Addiction 11 has two similar color schemes: Grey/silver, grey/blue. The biggest difference between the two versions is the blue interior and Brooks logo in the midfoot. The “Addiction” label is placed towards the heel on the outside as well.
Durability
The Addiction 11 is a reasonably durable sneaker. The outsole is laced with a rubber compound called HPR Plus. This special rubber is placed on all areas of the outsole that are considered “high-wear” so that the sneaker can last longer from the inevitable effects of frequent use and friction from the surface. The Element upper is also very durable. It can go through extended use without tearing apart easily, especially when being used in rough environments. A result of the combination of mesh and overlays, the upper will be more equipped to persevering overuse. Having such a high level of durability should encourage runners to not only use the Addiction 11 for their daily running needs, but also for everyday use.
Protection
There is a solid amount of underfoot protection in this sneaker. The Brooks Addiction 11 has a heel crash pad, which is an outsole construction that enables the sneaker to hit the ground without obtaining the shock that typically occurs when running on hard surfaces. This makes the running process much more comfortable for the runner. The heel crash pad takes on the landing force, protecting the midsole and the underfoot from casual impact shock. Having a good grasp on pronation control, this sneaker also eliminates ankle pain that usually occurs for overpronators.
Responsiveness
The caterpillar crash pad on the lateral side of the Brooks Addiction 11 provides a soft landing in the area that is most used by the runner. The BioMoGo material of the midsole is soft and takes in any excess shock that comes from the heel, although the heel pad absorbs most of it. Since the sole transitions horizontally from soft to firm, the quality of the responsiveness varies with each strike.
Support
Support is a major factor in the success of this sneaker, especially for overpronators. The overall concept of the Brooks Addiction 11 is to provide extraordinary support for those who need it. The Progressive Diagonal Rollbar located in the midsole offers unique support, as it transitions from a soft feeling on the lateral side to a firmer material placed towards the medial side. This feature slows down the frequency of pronation, keeping the foot in a neutral position while running, and assists the runner in gaining easier transitions within the gait cycle. Overall, if your arches are a weakness and you don’t have much stability, your best bet is to proceed with the Addiction 11. For those that have better arches, there is a high chance that you can find alternative options that better suit your needs.
Terrain
Based off of the rugged, heavy-duty look that the Addiction 11 tends to give off, this sneaker is best on the road. While it seems like the Addiction can handle more unstable surfaces, the lugs on the outsole suggest that it be used on a smoother ground. The Brooks Addiction 11 has potential to do well on the average street or track, but for those who intend to run in conditions such as the forest or mountainous terrain, they are better off finding a support shoe with a higher amount of traction.
Price
The retail price of the Brooks Addiction 11 is relatively low in comparison to other Brooks models, and other high end running shoes. For a running sneaker that provides a significant amount of arch support, the potential buyer would get a deal for the Addiction 11, priced slightly higher than $100. Runners that have a strong need for a support shoe won’t have a problem with the pricing of this sneaker, especially when comparing it to other shoes in the market.
Drop
The heel-to-toe drop of this sneaker is measured at 12 millimeters for both men and women. Runners with a higher heel to toe drop usually strike with their heel first, in comparison to lower measurements in which the runner would land on either their forefoot or midfoot. On average, the typical measurement for a standard drop is at roughly 10 millimeters, so it is safe to say that the Brooks Addiction 11 emphasizes heel striking more than anything.
Stability
There are certain tools in the Brooks Addiction 11 that provide quality stability to the runner’s experience. Underneath the removable sock liner, there is a stable board going from the midfoot to the heel, offering high levels of sturdiness and stability. The Element lining inside the sneaker also keeps the feet in one place. It contains elevated sides, holding onto the foot and keeping it in one place. These stability features keep the runner balanced for a more efficient run.
Flexibility
The Brooks Addiction 11 is barely average in the flexibility category. Since there are so much material and stability going from the midfoot to the heel, a large majority of the flexibility in this sneaker is within the forefoot. While the back end of the Addiction 11 is quite stiff, you will be able to bend your forefoot in its natural motion, giving you quality strides whenever you toe off. Runners who naturally have a flexible foot will benefit the most from the Addiction 11, especially if they deal with inward rolling.
Traction
Traction isn’t necessarily a strong suit of the Addiction 11. When used in the proper terrain, this sneaker will be able to grip onto any form of road. The lugs on the bottom of the Addiction 11 aren’t very long, so don’t expect to be running in thick grass or sand and expect to hold your balance. Despite the lack of lugs, the Addiction 11 was designed to prevent slippage on unbalanced surfaces. The traction of the Brooks Addiction 11 will barely hold up on a sidewalk or track, so make sure to be running on a smooth, even surface if you want to take advantage of the superior support features.
Bottom Line
This orthotic-friendly sneaker has the right combination of price, stability, comfort, and durability. Severe overpronators will embrace this sneaker, especially with extra support applied. Unlike today’s common running sneaker, the Brooks Addiction 11 isn’t made around speed and lightweight feelings but made for the runner in need of support and comfort so that they can continue to go through the motions of a quality run or other form of exercise.;While the color combinations could have been extended slightly more, the hidden characteristics of the Addiction 11 will prove to be a lot more valuable in the grand scheme of things. This sneaker is more than a support shoe for runners, it can also be used as an everyday shoe, which increases its overall value. If you want stability, control, and comfort, invest in the Brooks Addiction 11!
