Walking is becoming a much more friendly activity amongst many people. Many specialized walking shoes are available today, but one of the top-rated brands is in the Brooks Walking shoe range.
Brooks, a renowned expert in the field, specializes in crafting walking shoes that are not only comfortable and supportive but also durable. Their high-quality walking shoes come with a plethora of desired features, making them a top choice for fitness walkers.
The Difference Between a Walking Shoe and a Running Shoe
Brooks is well known for its great running shoes, so many people assume that any pair of Brooks running shoes can double up as a pair of walking shoes.
That may well be what is happening, but the fact is that running shoes are not suitable for walking and vice versa.
When selecting a pair of walking shoes, it’s crucial to consider their flexibility and heel design. Some Brooks running shoes are designed with these factors in mind, ensuring you can walk comfortably and with the right support.
Walking Shoes vs. Running Shoes;
- Flexibility – A walking shoe tends to be stiff and less flexible than a running shoe and does not flex how a runner needs. Walking shoes are therefore not suitable for running or even fast-paced fitness walking.
- Cushioning – A runner needs more cushioning because they impact the ground with three times their body weight, whereas a walker only impacts about 1.5 times their body weight. Therefore, the heel and forefoot cushioning is particularly advantageous to a runner rather than someone walking.
- Stability – Most running shoes are designed to ensure stability using a more built-up heel, although a runner who strikes with their heels or midfoot first should opt for a less established heel. A Walker will strike with their heel and roll through the step; therefore, a much flatter shoe is necessary.
- Heel Drop – Most walkers should look for an athletic shoe with the least difference in height from the heel to the toe; this is called a heel drop.
- The heel drop of a shoe is usually indicated in millimeters on the specs of the shoe.
- For Walking: Always look for a shoe with a heel drop of less than 8mm.
- Midfoot Flexibility – Running and walking shoes need flexibility; running shoes tend to flex more at the arch or midfoot. This accommodates the differing needs of a runner that strikes either at the midfoot or with the ball of the foot.
Brooks Fitness Walking Shoes
If you plan on doing fitness walking, try to opt for a Brooks shoe that flexes at the forefoot, as walkers tend to push off with their toes.
A shoe that does not bend or flex should preferably be avoided for fitness walking.
Brooks Fitness walking shoes mainly flex at the forefoot, as walkers should push off with their toes.
A shoe that bends at the arch does not provide the platform for proper walking.
A shoe that doesn’t bend at all is unacceptable. Unfortunately, many shoes marketed as walking shoes do not flex at all, making them unsuitable for fitness walking.
Walking shoes that are Motion Control or Stability shoes are less flexible because of their medial posts and other features that aim to reduce excessive pronation. Therefore, if you require a motion control or stability shoe, you may have to sacrifice some flexibility in your walking or running shoes.
Features of a Good Brooks Walking Shoe
- Support and Cushioning – BioMOGO Midsole technology cushioning that offers excellent energy return. Hydrflow technology in the Rearfoot and Forefoot. The padded or cushioned footbed and a moisture-wicking lining. Triple Density PDRB POst on the medial sides of some models.
- Closure – Lace-up or Hooks and Loop fastening system.
- Uppers – Breathable mesh and synthetic leather uppers. Padded tongues and collars in some models.
- Outsole – High traction rubber outsole.
Video Review on Brooks Addiction Walking Shoes
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brooks Addiction Walker 2 / Addiction walker 2 (women's) | Walking | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | BioMoGo DNA |
| 2 | Brooks Addiction V-Strap | Walking | Hook-and-loop | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | BioMoGo DNA |
| 3 | Brooks Glycerin 23 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 8 mm drop / DNA TUNED |
| 4 | Brooks Revel 9 | Running | – | Medium | DNA LOFT v2 |
| 5 | Brooks Launch 12 | Running | – | Medium | – |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as listed by the seller, not tested by us.
Reviews: Best Brooks Walking Shoes
Below are some of the most popular and best-rated Brooks Walking shoes and their reviews;
We hope you love the shoes we recommend!
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1
Walking Shoes for Fitness Walking
- The uppers are soft and supple full-grain leather for a more comfortable fit.
- A MOGO midsole provides exceptional cushioning and shock absorbency.
- The rearfoot and forefoot Hydroflow technology ensures additional cushioning and shock absorbency.
- The triple-density PDRB post on the medial side ensures industry-leading stability.
- Synthetic outsole delivers superb traction.
2
Hook and Loop Fastening Walking Shoe
- This shoe is the V-strap version of the one reviewed earlier.
- Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it has a great fit while mostly being a casual shoe.
- The hook-and-loop fastening mechanism ensures suitable fastening and the energy-returning BioMoGo technology always keeps one energetic.
- Its popularity is partly based on its durability, as this shoe has been known to remain as good as new for years.
- This durability is due to the higher grain of leather they use in making these shoes.
3
Running Shoes for UnderPronators
- Upgraded nitrogen-infused DNA TUNED midsole now includes 2mm more cushioning in the forefoot, creating softer landings and more responsive toe-offs.
- A wide platform paired with strategic midsole sculpting allows the heel and forefoot to work in harmony to promote balanced movement and seamless heel-to-toe transitions.
- With its 8mm offset and premium midsole package, the Glycerin 23 is built to handle high-mileage comfort and daily versatility.
4
Walking Shoe
- Sizes and colors vary by listing, so check your size on Amazon.
5
Walking and Running Shoe
- Runners who want a no-frills, fast-feeling daily trainer that delivers lightweight performance with reliable cushioning.
- Features nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH foam combined with DNA FLASH v2 in the forefoot for responsive energy return and lightweight impact absorption so you can push off.
- The engineered mesh upper is updated for an even softer, more breathable feel that keeps your foot cool and supported.
- Midsole cushioning hugs your foot for controlled landings, while the streamlined platform supports efficient transitions.
What makes Brooks Walking Shoes Superior
Brooks walking shoes are durable and long-lasting, made from the finest quality materials for an exceptional quality product.
These walking shoes offer the right amount of cushioning as well as stability in walking shoes.
Brooks offers different types of Walking shoes with features that cater to various foot types and conditions and varying levels of pronation.
Index Table: Top Rated Brooks Walking Shoes
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brooks® - Walking Shoes for Fitness Walking |  |  |
| Brooks |
| 2 | Brooks® - Hook and Loop Fastening Walking Shoe |  |  |
| Brooks |
| 3 | Brooks® - Running Shoes for UnderPronators |  |  |
| Brooks |
| 4 | Brooks® - Walking Shoe |  |  |
| Brooks |
| 5 | Brooks® - Walking and Running Shoe |  |  |
| Brooks |
Sources
- NHS: Walking for health
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated Brooks Glycerin 19 to Glycerin 23; updated Brooks Revel 5 to Revel 9; replaced Brooks Launch 8 with Brooks Launch 12
- Oct 2026: Removed Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22, Brooks Stroke, Brooks Ghost 15, Brooks Bedlam 3, Brooks Anthem and Brooks Levitate 5 (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- Jun 2024: Published
