ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 vs. Brooks Addiction 8 review

ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 provides exceptional stability to the severe overpronator as well as a comfortable ride. Brooks Addiction 8 is a lightweight running shoe that is suitable for people with flat feet who are looking for good support and cushioning. Learn what the differences and similarities are between these two Brooks and ASICS motion control running shoes.

In two previous articles I reviewed the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 and the Brooks Addiction 8 motion control running shoes for women.

If you’re looking to switch from wearing Brooks to wearing ASICS motion control running shoes or vice versa, you would probably like to know that the Brooks Addiction 8 is the counterpart of the ASICS Foundation 8, while the Brooks Ariel is the counterpart of the ASICS Gel Evolution 5.

So comparing the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 against the Brooks Addiction 8 will not stack up fairly, because judging from the above, the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 should be a much more superior motion control running shoe than the Brooks Addiction 8. But it all depends on what you’re looking for in a running shoe. If you want, you can read about the Brooks Ariel vs. Addiction 8 comparison.

The ASICS Gel Evolution 5 and the Brooks Addiction 8 are made by two different running shoe manufacturers, so they will naturally be different. Let's compare them and take a look at where these running shoes are similar and how they differ.

Looking at the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 and the Brooks Addiction 8 side-by-side gives a good comparison of the two motion control running shoes.

Looking at the outsoles of the running shoes, it is clearly visible that the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 is more curved than the Brooks Addiction 8, making the Brooks Addiction 8 more suitable for people with flat feet.

The rubber compartments on the heel of the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 are completely separated, unlike those on the Brooks Addiction 8, meaning that in the heel area, the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 would provide more flexibility than the Brooks Addiction 8. This is good to know if you’re a heel-striker.

The grooves in the forefoot area are similar between the two motion control running shoes, so they might provide the same amount of flexibility there.

Another thing that is visible from looking at the outsoles of the Brooks Addiction 8 and the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 is that the forefoot and the heel are completely separated in the ASICS Gel Evolution 5, while these two areas are joined under the midfoot in the Brooks Addiction 8.

Again this means that the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 would provide more flexibility, in this case, when transitioning from heel-strike to toe-off, thereby giving you a smoother ride than the Brooks Addiction 8.

Both running shoes have a plate in the midsole that is designed to keep the foot in a neutral plane during the gait cycle. This is typical of all motion control running shoes, so there are no differences there.

The difference in the midsoles of the two running shoes will most likely be in the amount of cushioning provided and the way they feel on your feet when you run.

The difference in the uppers of the two running shoes lies in the amount of space provided in the toe box. ASICS tend to make shoes that fit snugly around your foot, and which follow the natural top line of your foot. Brooks however, tend to give you more room in the toe box, so the Brooks Addiction 8 might be more suitable for people wearing orthotics and thus require that extra space.

The Brooks Addiction 8 and ASICS Gel Evolution 5 differ by 9 grams (0.3 oz) in weight with the Brooks Addiction 8 being the lightest of the two motion control running shoes.

If you have a flat arch, broad feet from heel to toe, and are looking for a shoe that provides great support and cushioning while you’re running, you could go with the Brooks Addiction 8.

If you are looking for a motion control running shoe that provides lots of flexibility and which hugs your feet, the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 might be the running shoe for you.

The Brooks Addiction 8 is not only lighter than the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 in weight, but also in price. The suggested retail price of the Brooks Addiction 8 is approximately US$20 less than that of the ASICS Gel Evolution 5. But please keep in mind that the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 was meant to be a running shoe similar to the Brooks Ariel, which would make the ASICS US$10 cheaper then.

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.