I’ve always believed you can’t truly understand a pair of walking shoes until you take them out of the lab and into the real world. And so, I decided to test the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 not on a treadmill, not in a park, but on the chaotic, colorful, and challenging streets of Dombivli, a suburban town just outside Mumbai. With its potholed roads, uneven footpaths, bustling markets, and monsoon-drenched alleys, Dombivli is a testbed like no other.
The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is often praised for its stability, podiatrist-approved design, and suitability for people with conditions like plantar fasciitis, overpronation, or diabetes. But could it withstand the real-world stress of walking 15,000+ steps a day in a place where sidewalks are more of a suggestion than a guarantee? I laced up and hit the streets to find out.
First Impressions and Design Language
The first thing that hits you about the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is the aesthetic, it’s not flashy. In fact, it’s very utilitarian. The pair I tested came in a simple black leather finish, which, while not turning any heads, did blend seamlessly with both casual and slightly formal outfits. It’s not a shoe you wear to make a statement, it’s a shoe you wear because you mean business.
It feels substantial in your hands, with a weight of 13.7 oz (388g). That’s heavier than most walking shoes on the market. Upon slipping them on, I noticed the thick tongue and padded collar, which immediately gave a sense of comfort. The tongue, at 10.4 mm thick, felt plush and secure, even though it’s not gusseted.
Walking the Dombivli Terrain
I started my walk from Dombivli East, near the railway station. This area is notorious for its foot traffic, noise, and unpredictable terrain. Within the first few hundred meters, I had to navigate cracked pavements, loose gravel, and the occasional open drain. The Addiction Walker 2 provided a firm, stable base throughout. The dual-density foam and Extended Progressive Diagonal Roll Bar (PDRB) worked exactly as intended, keeping my gait in check and minimizing inward rolling.
On the longer stretches, such as the road toward Phadke Road and Tilak Nagar, I appreciated the 12.2 mm heel-to-toe drop. It helped reduce strain on my Achilles and felt particularly supportive as I walked uphill. The midsole softness, measured at 25.9 HA, hit the sweet spot, firm enough for stability but cushioned enough for comfort.
Grip and Traction: Wet Tiles, Muddy Paths, and Squeaky Turns
One of the critical features of the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is its slip-resistant outsole. While the streets of Dombivli aren’t sanitized test labs, they offer real insight into how a shoe performs on slick surfaces. I walked through tiled shop entrances, muddy alleyways behind DNC College, and even went into a temple where wet marble floors are the norm.
The shoe’s grip was decent but not exceptional. In the SATRA TM144:2011 slip rating, it scores a 0.41, good, but not great. On slightly wet tiles, I felt a little slippage, though it never became dangerous. The outsole is made of full-coverage rubber with 5.5 mm thickness, and despite being noise-generating (yes, it squeaks), it held up well to abrasion.
Heat and Breathability: Mumbai Weather is Unforgiving
Let’s talk sweat. Dombivli in late February is a mix of humid and dry heat, and the all-leather upper of the Addiction Walker 2 is not its greatest strength in this weather. The breathability score is a measly 1 out of 5. My socks were damp by the end of a 2-hour walk, and I imagine wearing these on a full summer day would be borderline unbearable.
However, the same closed design makes it a great option for rainy or winter months. Sturdy leather uppers kept my feet dry when I encountered puddles or light rain drizzles near Shastri Nagar.
Durability: Built Like a Tank
This is where the Addiction Walker 2 truly shines. After a week of walking 10-12 km daily through everything from concrete sidewalks to rough dirt roads in areas like MIDC and Pendse Nagar, the shoes looked almost new. The full-grain leather on the toebox took minor scuffs without damage, and the outsole showed negligible wear.
The heel collar and insole padding, often the first to wear out in cheaper shoes, held their own. The insole is 5.5 mm thick and removable, giving you the option to replace it with orthotics if needed.
Stability and Support: Safety First
If you’re someone who needs stability in their stride, this shoe is for you. I never once felt off-balance, even while dodging traffic near Dombivli West’s fish market or hopping over broken drainage slabs. The midsole width at the forefoot is 113.7 mm, while the heel measures 95.8 mm, both wider than average, which enhances stability.
The torsional rigidity was rated 5 out of 5, it’s stiff, yes, but that’s the point. The structured heel counter (3 out of 5 in stiffness) ensures your heel doesn’t wobble, and the BioMoGo DNA midsole doesn’t compress unevenly even after hours of walking.
Technical specifications:
For accuracy and reliability, all technical info is sourced instantly from the official websites of Brooks.
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Weight | 13.7 oz (388g) |
| Heel Stack Height | 35.7 mm |
| Forefoot Stack Height | 23.5 mm |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 12.2 mm |
| Midsole Softness | 25.9 HA |
| Outsole Thickness | 5.5 mm |
| Outsole Slip Rating | 0.41 (SATRA) |
| Torsional Rigidity | 5/5 |
| Breathability | 1/5 |
| Toebox Width | 68.3 mm |
| Midsole Width (Forefoot) | 113.7 mm |
| Midsole Width (Heel) | 95.8 mm |
| Insole Thickness | 5.5 mm |
Fit and Sizing: True to Size with Generous Options
I usually wear a UK size 9, and the Addiction Walker 2 fit true to size. The width was snug but not tight. For those with wider feet or conditions like bunions, Brooks offers wide and extra-wide variants, which is a massive plus.
The toebox width of 68.3 mm could be restrictive for some, especially if you have foot issues, but the toebox height of 28.2 mm adds some vertical space. Overall, the shoe feels like it was designed by someone who understands foot anatomy.
The Verdict: Worth the Investment?
Spending ₹15,630 on a walking shoe may feel steep, especially when cheaper options are available. But the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is not just a shoe, it’s a tool. For people who spend all day on their feet, deal with chronic foot pain, or need maximum stability, the value is undeniable.
On Dombivli’s unpredictable streets, it proved its worth. From the crowded station platforms to muddy side lanes, this shoe provided support, protection, and peace of mind. While it may not be a summer-friendly, feather-light, or stylish shoe, it excels in all the ways that matter most for long-term wearers.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if you’re walking 10,000+ steps a day, have stability issues, or just want a shoe that will last you years.
Just maybe don’t wear it to a summer wedding in Mumbai.
Final Thoughts
Testing the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 in Dombivli gave me a unique perspective on what this shoe is capable of. It’s built for the long haul, both in durability and support. While there are flashier, more breathable, or lighter options out there, very few offer the all-around foot support and real-world toughness this one does.
So if your daily path involves chaos, unpredictability, and long hours on your feet, whether in Dombivli or anywhere else, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 should be on your shortlist.
