Brooks Defyance
Every version of the Defyance we track, compared on ratings, specs and current price.
The line's rating is the median Better Shoes Rating of its five most recent rated versions. The median product line rates 75, and the Defyance rates above 33% 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 | Rating | Change | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Defyance 9 | 2017 | 10.4 oz | 12mm drop | 73 | +1 | 1 | $120 MSRP |
| Brooks Defyance 6 | 2014 | — | — | 72 | +2 | 1 | — |
| Brooks Defyance 8 | 2014 | 10.9 oz (men's) | 27/15mm stack · 12mm drop | 70 | -8 | 2 | $120 MSRP |
| Brooks Defyance 7 | 2014 | 11.0 oz (men's) | 29/20mm stack · 9mm drop | 78 | -2 | 7 | — |
| Brooks Defyance 5 | 2014 | — | — | 80 | — | 4 | — |
5 shoes
Prices updated daily. Last checked Oct 29.
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Brooks
Defyance 973 73 Decent Decent Decent 1 review Confidence 3 Few reviews. Our runners have rated this shoe only a few times, so its rating may change.
v9 (2017) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 10.4 oz · 12mm drop
Its one reviewer rates comfort and cushioning 4 out of 5.
Durability 78MSRP $120
Overall73Durability78Value77Cushioning70Comfort70Appearance63Confidence3Buy 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 for 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 for sale.
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Brooks
Defyance 672 72 Decent Decent Decent 1 review Confidence 0 Few reviews. Our runners have rated this shoe only a few times, so its rating may change.
v6 (2014) · Daily trainer · Neutral
One reviewer calls it a good neutral, well-cushioned shoe for daily training, with a roomy toe box.
Durability 82Overall72Durability82Value77Cushioning72Comfort72Appearance61Confidence0Buy 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 580 80 Good Good Good 4 reviews Confidence 4 Few reviews. Our runners have rated this shoe only a few times, so its rating may change.
v5 (2014) · Daily trainer · Neutral
All four reviewers rate durability 4 or 5 out of 5.
Durability 88Overall80Durability88Value86Comfort75Cushioning72Appearance65Confidence4Buy 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 778 78 Decent Decent Decent 7 reviews Confidence 6 Few reviews. Our runners have rated this shoe only a few times, so its rating may change.
v7 (2014) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 11.0 oz (men's) · 29mm stack · 9mm drop
One reviewer gets up to 500 miles with their legs still feeling fine, and another says they last forever.
Durability 85Overall78Value87Durability85Cushioning73Comfort72Appearance62Confidence6Buy 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 for sale.
Three of seven reviewers report an injury while running in it.
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Brooks
Defyance 870 70 Decent Decent Decent 2 reviews Confidence 4 Few reviews. Our runners have rated this shoe only a few times, so its rating may change.
v8 (2014) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 10.9 oz (men's) · 27mm stack · 12mm drop
One reviewer with neutral feet and high arches calls the support and cushioning dependable.
Durability 83MSRP $120
Overall70Durability83Value79Cushioning73Comfort73Appearance64Confidence4Buy 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 for 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 for sale.