Head-to-head · Best Mens Wide Walking Shoes

Brooks Men's Addiction Walker 2 Wide vs New Balance Men's Fresh Foam Arishi v4 Wide

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

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The short answer

Brooks Men's Addiction Walker 2 Wide comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 3.6). The gap is mostly about pronators needing stability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Mens Wide Walking Shoes

Brooks Men's Addiction Walker 2 Wide

4.4

4 sources1 derived$139.95as of Sep 1

The Brooks Men's Addiction Walker 2 Wide is praised for its exceptional stability and arch support, making it a top choice for people with flat feet, overpronation, or plantar fasciitis. Reviewed by RunRepeat, it's described as podiatrist-approved and ideal for those spending long hours on their feet. The shoe's leather upper and rubber outsole offer durability, though it's noted as heavier and stiffer than average, requiring a break-in period. It's best suited for cold weather and formal work attire, but not ideal for breathability or summer use.

Strengths

— Unmatched stability and arch support
— Broadly recommended by podiatrists
— Incredible abrasion resistance and durability

Watch-outs

— Heavier than average
— Quite stiff, needs breaking in

$139.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Mens Wide Walking Shoes

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam Arishi v4 Wide

3.6

5 sources$71.99as of Sep 1

The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 delivers exceptional comfort and versatility for daily wear, with RunRepeat calling it a 'reliable and versatile daily trainer' that excels in cushioning and flexibility. The shoe offers a plush, cloud-like feel that's ideal for easy runs, walks, and gym sessions, though reviewers noted it lacks arch support and has a stiff upper that may require time to break in. At under $100, it provides standout value for casual runners seeking a neutral daily trainer, though those needing stability support may want to consider alternatives like the ASICS GT 1000 12 or New Balance Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road.

Strengths

— Cloud-like cushioning with plush comfort for all-day wear
— Extremely flexible design that's great for easy/recovery runs
— Lightweight at 8.5 oz with a nice bounce

Watch-outs

— Lacks arch support which may not suit pronating runners
— Stiff upper construction that can feel unforgiving initially

$71.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Brooks Men's Addiction Walker 2 Wide

The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 excels in stability and arch support, which sets it apart from the New Balance Arishi v4 and Skechers Go Walk Max-Relaxed Fit, both of which lack sufficient support. While it's more durable than the Skechers Arch Fit, it's significantly heavier and less breathable than the Hoka Transport CVO, making it better suited for those needing corrective support rather than lightweight comfort.

New Balance Men's Fresh Foam Arishi v4 Wide

The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 stands out for its plush cushioning and flexibility, making it superior for easy runs and casual wear compared to the Brooks Addiction Walker 2, which is heavier and stiffer, or the Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit, which lacks breathability. However, unlike the Hoka Transport CVO, it doesn't offer the same level of traction or a bungee lacing system, and it's less supportive for pronating runners.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Brooks Men's Addiction Walker 2 Wide	New Balance Men's Fresh Foam Arishi v4 Wide
Weight	13.7 oz / 388g	8.5 oz / 242g
Upper Material	Leather	Breathable mesh, synthetic upper
Outsole	Rubber	rubber outsole
Drop	12.2 mm	7.7 mm
Width	Wide	Wide
Midsole	BioMoGo DNA cushioning	Fresh Foam
Heel Stack	12mm	28.1 mm
Forefoot Stack	12mm	20.4 mm
Dimensions	10 x 15 x 6 inches; 2.2 pounds	12.7 x 7.9 x 4.5 inches; 2.1 pounds

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