By Paul Freary
The Brooks Addiction GTS 15 is essentially a rather ‘old school’ style running shoe. It’s a shoe designed to offer the highest level of support and control in a world where many other brands have moved away from more supportive shoes in favour of more natural or holistic-feeling models.
Nevertheless, there are runners around that still require a highly supportive shoe, be it for running or simply for daily use.
Here we’ll take a look at this highly supportive running shoe, explore its features and answer who it is best suited to.
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Design
BioMoGo midsole – While one of the brand’s older midsole foam cushioning technologies, in this shoe, the CM-EVA midsole is perfectly adequate. It’s important to remember that you are choosing this model for the high level of control and support it provides, and this material is a denser foam that’s very durable.
GuideRails - Go-To-Support system is used in the Addiction GTS 15. Like in the brand’s other support shoes with the GTS in their name (Adrenaline GTS, Glycerin GTS), the Addiction uses the GuideRail support system.
These ‘rails’ are an extension of the shoe’s cushioning material, which extends up the side of both the lateral and medial edges of the rearfoot. By creating a cupped shape to the cushioning, the foot sits centrally, within the shoe and is held in place should it excessively pronate.
Stats
Brooks | Addiction GTS 15 |
|---|---|
Best for | Overpronators |
Support | Maximum support |
Cushion | High, near max stack cushioning |
Stack Height | 36mm heel |
Drop | 12mm |
Weight | Men 345g (12.2oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $140 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 8.5/ 10 |
Addiction GTS 15
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Fit
The Brooks Addiction GTS 15 fits true to size in both length and width. It is a straighter last shoe, so some may feel it is a little roomier in the upper. It does have a little more volume than some shoes and can accommodate an orthotic, so consider this when trying.
The shoe is also available in multiple widths, so you should be able to find a size and width that provides you with a great fit.
Performance
While I am not the target runner for the shoe, I have covered a few miles in them for purposes of this review.
Having a specialist running store myself, I always try on shoes to give myself a better understanding of their qualities.
The Addiction GTS 15 is aimed squarely at those requiring the highest level of control, and it excels in this area. The broad midsole base, the GuideRails and the firmer BioMoGo midsole all contribute to the high level of control. The straighter last of this model also assists in keeping the foot in a neutral position throughout the gait cycle.
The Addiction also makes a great shoe for those who also wear a specialist orthotic insole. The broader base and straighter last make the shoe a little more accommodating for such devices. The nature of the GuideRails also means the shoe doesn’t interfere with the control a custom device may be providing.
The ride is incredibly stable, and while the cushioning is on the firmer side, especially when compared to a lot of the very latest midsole foams, it’s very runnable and, for the heavier runner, will provide a good, durable base.
The Addiction GTS 15 isn’t a responsive model, so don’t expect to break any records in it, but for control, it’s one of the best around.
My Verdict
The Brooks Addiction GTS does a great job as a niche running shoe for a very specific customer base, prioritising stability and durability. It provides exactly the qualities crucial for severe overpronators.
It may be a heavy shoe, but this adds to its ability to provide a durable base of cushioning and control.
For larger and heavier runners, the weight shouldn’t be an issue and will be outweighed by the support it provides.
If you support and control is the number one priority for you, then the Brooks Addiction GTS 15 makes a great shoe that you can feel confident and comfortable in.
The Addiction is also a great value model. I’m pleased that Brooks has kept the price very reasonable. It’s not packed with technology, but it does a great job and is very well made and very durable, offering excellent value.
I bought this cause I have neuropathy bad in my feet. I haven’t got it yet so I don’t know if its going to work. We’ll see.
I just ordered it and am salivating! I am confident this shoe will not let me down like all the other new squishy foams have.