Brooks Addiction 9 vs. ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 review
Learn about the difference between Brooks Addiction 9 and ASICS GEL Foundation 9 in this review, and compare prices to find the best deal.
In two previous articles I reviewed the Brooks Addiction 9 and the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 motion control running shoes for women.
The Brooks Addiction 9 and the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 (the newest model of which is the ASICS GEL-Foundation 10) are said to be comparable running shoes so they should stack up well against each other.
Let's compare these two motion control running shoes and take a look at where they are similar and how they are different.
Looking at the Brooks Addiction 9 and the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 side-by-side gives a good comparison of the two motion control running shoes.
Both the Brooks Addiction 9 and the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 have a plate or dual density EVA in the midsole to control overpronation and are placed similarly, so there aren't many huge differences there, other than in the technology used for the pronation control in the midsoles.
Having said that, what is unique about the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 is its GEL cushioning both in the forefoot and heel. This GEL helps absorb shock at heel-strike and toe-off.
But the Brooks Addiction 9 also has something unique about its midsole in that it consists of a biodegradable material called BioMoGo. This material is unique to the midsoles of the newer models of Brooks running shoes, and this is what makes Brooks running shoes environmentally friendly.
The uppers of the Brooks Addiction 9 and the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 both consist of breathable mesh and similarly placed synthetic overlays, so again there won't be much difference between the running shoes. Both provide an equal amount of wrap around the midfoot for a secure fit.
What does differ in the uppers however is the shape of the shoe. ASICS tends to make running shoes that closely follow the upper line of your feet, and the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 is no exception. If you look at the forefoot, the top line of the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 is more "caved in" than that of the Brooks Addiction 9. So if you're someone who needs room above your forefeet, the Brooks Addiction 9 might give you more space.
The biggest difference between the Brooks Addiction 9 and the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 lies in their outsoles. From the get-go you can see that the shape of the outsole of the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 follows the natural contour of a foot, meaning that it will be more suitable as a running shoe than the Brooks Addiction 9.
In addition, the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 has a completely separate crash pad at the back of the heel. This will keep most of the shock in that area and absorb it along with the GEL cushioning, and not have it transition to the forefoot to affect your ride. Such a crash pad is absent on the Brooks Addiction 9.
The forefoot area differs less between the two running shoes with both having an equal number of flex grooves to provide flexibility. And durable rubber is located on the outsoles of both running shoes, although the Brooks Addiction 9 has more of it, so might also give you more mileage.
The Brooks Addiction 9 weighs approximately 10.6 oz (301 grams), while the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 weighs approximately 10.7 oz (303 grams), so is 0.1 oz (2 grams) heavier than the Brooks Addiction 9 when you compare motion control running shoes by weight.
If you are a heel striker and are looking for a running shoe that provides good shock absorption in the heel and forefoot in addition to pronation control, then the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 might be worth considering.
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly shoe that is lightweight, roomy, provides good pronation control, cushioning, and isn't only made to run in, then the Brooks Addiction 9 might be right for you.
The suggested retail motion control running shoe price of the Brooks Addiction 9 is US $100, which is the same price as the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9.
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Disclaimer: This running shoe review on www.motioncontrolrunningshoe.org is based on personal research and analysis, and is not claimed to be accurate and/or complete. While the information presented in this review is intended to help you better understand the differences between running shoes, we shall not be held liable for any purchasing decisions you make based on this information. Please use your own good judgment before making a purchase. The owner of this website receives a small compensation whenever you buy a product after clicking a product link on this website; that's how we keep this site online. Read our full disclaimer.