Welcome to Flawless Shoe Reviews. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the Brooks Defyance Max—a shoe that’s caught our attention not just for its name, but for what it brings to the table in Brooks’ growing line-up of cushioned daily trainers.
I’ve been testing this model across a few short runs and longer walks, and if you’ve tried something like the Brooks Ghost Max 3 before, you might be curious where this fits in. Let’s get into it.
What’s New in the Brooks Defyance Max?
At first glance, the Defyance Max feels like a bit of a throwback. It features Brooks’ DNA Loft v2 midsole—the same midsole we saw in the Ghost 15 and the original Ghost Max. If you liked the more balanced and firmer ride from those models, this might be right up your alley.
With a 6 mm heel-to-toe drop, 39 mm of stack in the rearfoot and 33 mm in the forefoot, it’s not pushing the limits of max cushioning like something you’d see in the New Balance More v6, but it definitely sits in that high-stack comfort category.
Weighing in at 336 g (US men’s 12), this isn’t a lightweight shoe by any stretch. But it does come with several stability features that help make up for it—especially for those using it for walking, work, or casual day-to-day use.
Stability Without a Posting System
If you’re familiar with Brooks’ approach to stability, you’ll know they rely on their GuideRails system rather than traditional medial posting. In the Defyance Max, that’s achieved with:
- A broad base of support that doesn’t taper too aggressively through the midfoot
- Sidewalls both medially and laterally through the heel and midfoot
- A relatively stiff forefoot rocker that encourages smooth toe-off
These elements remind me of what we saw in the original Ghost Max, but with a slightly more grounded feel.
Looking for more options with a similar build? You might want to check out our review of the Hoka Gaviota 5, which also takes a unique guiderail approach to support.
Upper Fit and Volume
The engineered mesh upper in the Defyance Max fits like a traditional Brooks shoe—normal width through the midfoot, with a slight taper toward the toes. However, unlike the Ghost Max, this model does not currently come in wide or extra wide options, and the toe box volume is lower overall.
That could be a downside if you’re someone who uses orthotics, as the Ghost Max was known for being one of the most orthotic-friendly shoes on the market. You’ll still get a decent fit here, but it’s just not as roomy.
Padding-wise, you get a moderately padded, non-gusseted tongue, a firm heel counter, and mild cushioning around the ankle collar.
Best Use Cases: Daily Walking and Easy Runs
So who is this shoe for?
If you’re looking for something a bit firmer and more supportive for daily walking, standing all day, or casual wear, the Defyance Max is a solid pick. It’s got that classic Brooks feel underfoot—structured, balanced, and not overly squishy.
For running, it’s not as responsive or soft as the latest Ghost Max 3, but it holds its own for shorter, easy-paced runs. I’d recommend it for:
- Steady 5K to 10K runs
- Easy recovery runs
- Runners who prefer a stable ride without a heavy post
If you’re chasing something softer and more propulsive, you might want to consider the Ghost Max 3 or even something livelier like the New Balance 1080 v14.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the Brooks Defyance Max?
At $120 USD, the Defyance Max is priced to compete as an entry-level max cushion shoe, and in many ways, it delivers on that promise. It’s a dependable, supportive option for those who want structure without the bulk of traditional stability shoes.
While it might not replace the Ghost Max in everyone’s rotation, it does offer a slightly firmer, more controlled alternative—and that’s something a lot of people are looking for.
