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Head-to-head · Best Men's Wide Walking Shoes

Brooks Addiction Walker 2 vs New Balance 928v3

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Brooks Addiction Walker 2 and New Balance 928v3 score essentially the same (4.2 vs 4.2). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Ranked #4 in Best Men's Wide Walking Shoes
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
$139.95as of Jul 5

The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is the best shoe here for all-day standing and structured support. RunRepeat scored it 85/100 and says 'very few shoes offer as much support,' and Zappos buyers rate it 4.2/5 across more than 1,800 reviews. A full-grain leather upper, a slip-resistant SATRA-certified outsole, and a firm motion-control build make it a staple for nurses, service workers, and anyone with flat feet or plantar fasciitis. It comes in Wide (2E) and Extra Wide (4E). Expect weight, stiffness, and an old-school look.

Strengths
  • — Exceptional structured support — RunRepeat says very few shoes offer as much, ideal for flat feet and severe overpronation
  • — Offered in Medium (D), Wide (2E), and Extra Wide (4E), with a durable full-grain leather upper
  • — Slip-resistant outsole (SATRA TM144 certified) makes it a favorite for nurses and service workers on slick floors
Watch-outs
  • — Heavy at about 13.7 oz and stiff out of the box, with a roughly one-week break-in
  • — Full-grain leather upper is not breathable and overheats in warm climates
  • — Dated, orthopedic 'work shoe' look in basic colors
$139.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
New Balance 928v3
Ranked #3 in Best Men's Wide Walking Shoes
New Balance 928v3
$159.95as of Jul 5

The New Balance 928v3 is the pick for the widest feet and serious motion control. It is a genuine walking shoe offered in an exceptional width range — up to 6E — with ROLLBAR stability posting, a deep SL-2 last that swallows orthotics, and a reputation as one of the most podiatrist-recommended shoes for problem feet. Zappos buyers rate it 4.1/5 and it is built for long shifts on hard floors. The trade-offs are real: it is heavy, runs warm, and looks decidedly old-school.

Strengths
  • — Among the widest sizing of any walking shoe — offered in B, D, 2E, 4E, and 6E for truly wide and extra-wide feet
  • — Purpose-built walking shoe with ROLLBAR motion control for overpronation and a guided, stable stride
  • — SL-2 last gives a deeper, wider toe box and high instep that easily fits orthotics, swelling, and high arches
Watch-outs
  • — Heavy at about 15.5 oz — noticeably more than the foam-based walkers here, which can cause fatigue on brisk outings
  • — Conservative, orthopedic styling that looks dated next to modern walkers
  • — Leather upper traps heat and is only splash-resistant, so it runs warm and dries slowly
$159.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Brooks Addiction Walker 2

The most work-ready shoe here, with a slip-resistant outsole and leather upper the running-style picks lack. Its motion control is comparable to the New Balance 928v3, though the 928v3 goes wider (up to 6E). It is firmer and far less cushioned than the HOKA Bondi 9 or Brooks Ghost Max 2 — a deliberate choice for support over softness.

New Balance 928v3

The widest-fitting and most stability-focused walker here — it goes up to 6E where the HOKA Bondi 9 and Brooks Ghost Max 2 stop at 4E. It is heavier and far less plush than those foam shoes, trading modern cushioning for guided motion control. For similar structured support with a slip-resistant work outsole, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is the close alternative.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBrooks Addiction Walker 2New Balance 928v3
Weight13.7 oz (388 g)15.5 oz (439 g)
WidthD (Medium), 2E (Wide), 4E (Extra Wide)B, D, 2E, 4E, 6E
CushioningBioMoGo DNA midsoleABZORB midsole + removable PU footbed
Upper MaterialFull-grain leatherFull-grain leather
OutsoleSlip-resistant rubber (SATRA TM144)Walking Strike Path rubber
Heel-to-Toe Drop12 mm12 mm
Best UseAll-day standing, work floorsAll-day walking, work floors
SupportMotion controlROLLBAR motion control
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