Brooks Defyance
Every version of the Defyance we track, compared on ratings, specs and current price.
The score is the median Better Shoes Rating of the line's shoes, out of 100. The average product line scores 76, and the Defyance scores above 41% of the lines we track.
Rating by version, oldest first
Each dot is one version of the Defyance, placed by its rating and release year.
Release year
See our analysis of whether a new version is usually as good as the one it replaces.
| Version | Released | Weight | Stack | Score | Change | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Defyance 9 | 2017 | 10.4 oz | 12mm drop | 71 | -3 | 1 | $120 MSRP |
| Brooks Defyance 6 | 2014 | — | — | 74 | +4 | 1 | — |
| Brooks Defyance 8 | 2014 | 10.9 oz (men's) | 27/15mm · 12mm drop | 70 | -18 | 2 | $120 MSRP |
| Brooks Defyance 7 | 2014 | 11.0 oz (men's) | 29/20mm · 9mm drop | 88 | -4 | 7 | — |
| Brooks Defyance 5 | 2014 | — | — | 91 | — | 4 | — |
5 shoes
Prices updated daily. Last checked Sep 14.
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Brooks
Defyance 971 Decent Decent · 1 review · Confidence 13/100
v9 (2017) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 10.4 oz · 12mm drop
Its one reviewer rates comfort and cushioning 4 out of 5.
Durability 83MSRP $120
Overall71Durability83Value82Cushioning77Comfort73Appearance62Confidence13Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Its one reviewer rates comfort and cushioning 4 out of 5.
It lists at $120, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Cons
One reviewer who got 450 miles from earlier Defyance models found this one starting to fall apart around 350.
The Defyance 5 scores 91 on four reviews and the 7 88 on seven, both above this version.
Averaging 10.4 oz across the men's and women's builds, it is heavier than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale.
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Brooks
Defyance 674 Decent Decent · 1 review · Confidence 15/100
v6 (2014) · Daily trainer · Neutral
One reviewer calls it a good neutral, well-cushioned shoe for daily training, with a roomy toe box.
Durability 87Overall74Durability87Cushioning80Value78Comfort76Appearance58Confidence15Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
One reviewer calls it a good neutral, well-cushioned shoe for daily training, with a roomy toe box.
That reviewer calls the sole durable.
Cons
The one reviewer so far rates its looks 3 out of 5, their lowest mark.
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Brooks
Defyance 591 Very good Very good · 4 reviews · Confidence 73/100
v5 (2014) · Daily trainer · Neutral
All four reviewers rate durability 4 or 5 out of 5.
Durability 95Overall91Durability95Value92Comfort80Cushioning79Appearance64Confidence73Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
All four reviewers rate durability 4 or 5 out of 5.
Two reviewers who moved over from the Brooks Adrenaline have stayed with it.
It is the highest-rated version of the Defyance line we cover.
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Brooks
Defyance 788 Good Good · 7 reviews · Confidence 69/100
v7 (2014) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 11.0 oz (men's) · 9mm drop · 29mm stack
One reviewer gets up to 500 miles with their legs still feeling fine, and another says they last forever.
Durability 91Overall88Value92Durability91Cushioning80Comfort76Appearance59Confidence69Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
One reviewer gets up to 500 miles with their legs still feeling fine, and another says they last forever.
Two reviewers describe a moderately cushioned ride that stays responsive.
One reviewer uses it for daily miles, tempo runs and threshold work.
Cons
Appearance is its lowest-rated dimension, at 3.9 out of 5.
At 11.0 oz it is well above the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale.
Three of seven reviewers report an injury while running in it.
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Brooks
Defyance 870 Below average Below average · 2 reviews · Confidence 28/100
v8 (2014) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 10.9 oz (men's) · 12mm drop · 27mm stack
One reviewer with neutral feet and high arches calls the support and cushioning dependable.
Durability 89MSRP $120
Overall70Durability89Value82Cushioning79Comfort76Appearance63Confidence28Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
One reviewer with neutral feet and high arches calls the support and cushioning dependable.
It lists at $120, below the $150 median for daily trainers on sale.
Cons
The Defyance 5 scores 91 on four reviews and the 7 88 on seven, both above this version.
At 10.9 oz it is heavier than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers on sale.