Brooks running shoes have been committed to making your run the best experience possible.
The company doesn’t only care about you and your run but they care about the environment as well. Brooks likes to support communities, programs and organizations that care about getting people healthy and active.
Today we compare in detail the differences of two of the more popular pairs of Brooks running shoes - Brooks Addiction vs Beast. Two solid stability shoes.
The biggest difference between is that the Brooks Beast is only for Men and Addiction is unisex. The women's version of Beast is called Ariel. Beast also comes with 25% more cushioning than Addiction. The Addiction support is built around a medial post where the Beast uses GuideRail support.
Brooks Addiction vs Beast
Brooks Addiction vs Brooks Beast: The Similarities
Both the Addiction and Beast, as well as most Brooks sneakers, use a form of technology they call DNA.
DNA is a cushioning technology used in the midsole of the sneaker which adapts to every step you take.
It is made from a non-Newtonian fluid which stiffer with the higher force or more pressure applied to it.
It is something similar to silly putty, toothpaste or taffy.
- 3D printing maintains the structure of the shoe while still providing light weight flexibility
- 3D outsoles with a rock shield that provides ultimate traction
- “DNA” and “Super DNA” midsoles which is a cushioning technology - similar to orthotics
- Guide rails that support the natural movement of your hips, knees and joints
- Pressure zones
- Reflective material to keep you visible at night
- Extra supportive heel to protect your ankle joints
- “Crash pads” for maximum shock absorption
Brooks Addiction 14 - Review
The Brooks Addiction is made for the over pronator who prefers daily running on the road or harder surfaces. There is a lot of stability with arch support for and motion control for flat feet.
The Addiction is made with DNA cushioning technology, similar to orthotics, which protects your body from running’s high impact.
You can find this DNA in most of their shoes including the Ghost, Glycerin, Adrenaline, Ravenna and Revel.
There is also separate pad in the heel of the shoe for runners who are heavy on their heel and the toe box is wide enough to give your toes some space while still providing plenty of support.
The upper part of the shoe is made from a moisture wicking mesh material, easily keeping your feet comfortable and dry.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Runners who want trusted support and protection in every step, plus a roomy fit to accommodate feet with unique needs. A roomy toe box accommodates orthotics or provides a better fit for voluminous feet. Updated with the innovative GuideRails support technology, this shoe maximizes comfort and support. Predecessor: Addiction 14. This Brooks Addiction GTS 15 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- SUPER-SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA, our proprietary cushioning, adapts to your stride, weight, and speed. Why? So it can help protect you by reducing impact on your joints.
- MAXIMUM SUPPORT: Our innovative GuideRails support technology reduces excess joint movement on the run, adding support beyond your feet to the most injury-prone part of a runner’s body: the knees.
The outsole of the shoe is made from HDR Plus material which is thicker and heavier than rubber and helps keep the sneaker from breaking down.
The shoe also uses the MC pod design on the sole of the shoe which allows flexibility from the heel to the toe but not side to side this will also ensure that you are not twisting your foot while you run. The
Addiction comes in several different color options but they are mostly neutral colors.
The biggest difference between the Brooks Addiction 15 and the Addiction 14 is the amount of stitching on the top layer of the shoe.
This provides a little more comfort compared to the Addiction 14 but doesn’t give up the support.
Having less stitching also makes the Addiction 15 look more modern than the Addiction 14 or 13.
The outsole of the previous versions, the Addiction 15 is made up of small rubber pods that are evenly spaced out which provides more shock absorption compared to the 12 and the 13 version.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Runners who want trusted support and protection in every step, plus a roomy fit to accommodate feet with unique needs. A roomy toe box accommodates orthotics or provides a better fit for voluminous feet. Updated with the innovative GuideRails support technology, this shoe maximizes comfort and support. Predecessor: Addiction 14. This Brooks Addiction GTS 15 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- SUPER-SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA, our proprietary cushioning, adapts to your stride, weight, and speed. Why? So it can help protect you by reducing impact on your joints.
- MAXIMUM SUPPORT: Our innovative GuideRails support technology reduces excess joint movement on the run, adding support beyond your feet to the most injury-prone part of a runner’s body: the knees.
Brooks Beast 20 - Review
Brooks introduced the Brooks Beast 20 in April of 2020. This comeback was based on runner insights and feedback.
The Brooks Beast is the most stable and supportive of the Brooks running shoes and is made with the larger runner’s comfort or someone with severe pronation.
The Beast is great for running on the road or pavement, as well as gravel or well-maintained trails. The outsole is made from a highly durable rubber which offers traction and protects the body from the high impact of running.
It has also been recommended for runners coming back from an injury as it offers maximum stability and protection.
Beast is only for men. The Ariel is the comparable model and we compare the Ariel vs the Addiction in this article.
- THIS MEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Beast ’20 is perfect for runners who want to turn up the dial on support, cushioning, and comfort. Runners who prefer a little extra space in the forefoot may find these to be a perfect match. This Brooks Beast 20 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- SUPER-SOFT CUSHIONING: The DNA LOFT cushioning provides a soft, luxurious feeling underfoot without losing responsiveness or durability.
- ENHANCED FIT: Enjoy comfort front to back with a spacious yet secure fit thanks to an engineered-mesh upper and conformable embroidered saddle.
In addition to the rubber sole, the Beast uses super DNA which provides 25% more cushioning than the DNA in the Addiction – this has been highly praised by runners suffering from plantar fasciitis and/or flat feet.
However, this will make the shoe heavier.
The Beast is a good choice if you live in a rainy climate or love to run in the rain as it offers good traction as well as a breathable and moisture wicking mesh top.
The Beast comes in male and female versions to better suit the runners specific foot makeup – the female version is referred to as the Ariel and comes with a removable sock liner. (see below)
The Brooks Beast 16 and 18 are very similar but the Beast 20 offers slightly more cushion. They have a full-length crash pad from heel to toe and a diagonal roll bar.
Some reviews state that the Brooks Beast 20 runs slightly smaller than the 16 or 18 so I suggest to buy a size up if you are a half size. (something I learned when I bought a pair of the Ghost 9)
- THIS MEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Beast ’20 is perfect for runners who want to turn up the dial on support, cushioning, and comfort. Runners who prefer a little extra space in the forefoot may find these to be a perfect match. This Brooks Beast 20 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- SUPER-SOFT CUSHIONING: The DNA LOFT cushioning provides a soft, luxurious feeling underfoot without losing responsiveness or durability.
- ENHANCED FIT: Enjoy comfort front to back with a spacious yet secure fit thanks to an engineered-mesh upper and conformable embroidered saddle.
Conclusion - Brooks Addiction vs Brooks Beast
The biggest difference between the Brooks Addiction and the Brooks Beast the amount of support and the styling. Beast is for men only where Addiction is unisex.
The Brooks Beast is the better option if you are looking for the most support as it comes with 25% more cushioning. It Is good for runners coming back from an injury or for larger, heavy footed runners.
The Beast is also offers relief from plantar fasciitis. The Addiction comes in several more style and color options than the Beast.
Last update on 2023-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API