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Brooks Defyance Max

Brooks

Brooks Defyance Max

$120

Cushioning

high

Support

neutral

Heel Drop

6mm

Widths

D

RunningWalkingEveryday

Clinical Score

A composite score built from condition match, construction integrity, APMA verification, and fit range for Plantar Fasciitis.

75out of 100

Strong Clinical Fit

Condition Match93/100
Construction Integrity80/100
APMA Verification45/100
Fit Range55/100

Static score, not personalized. Take the Shoe Finder quiz for a recommendation matched to your specific answers.

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Why the Brooks Defyance Max Works

39mm heel / 33mm forefoot stack of DNA Loft v2 foam, the same firmer, more balanced midsole used in the original Ghost Max

GlideRoll rocker geometry smooths the heel-to-toe transition for easy runs and all-day walking

Gentle GuideRails-style side support adds mild stability without the structured correction of Brooks' full GTS line

Priced as an entry-level max-cushion option, roughly $40-60 below Brooks' Ghost Max and Glycerin Max lines

Not currently available in wide or extra-wide widths, and has a lower-volume toe box than the Ghost Max

Conditions This Shoe Helps

Expert-matched for 3 foot conditions.

Plantar Fasciitis

moderate match

39mm heel stack of DNA Loft v2 foam provides solid heel cushioning at a lower price point, though the firmer, more balanced ride is less plush than Brooks' current-generation Ghost Max line.

Learn about Plantar Fasciitis

Heel Spurs

moderate match

High stack height reduces heel impact at an entry-level price, suitable for heel spur pain management without the cost of Brooks' premium max-cushion models.

Learn about Heel Spurs

High Arches

moderate match

Firm, balanced DNA Loft v2 cushioning compensates for reduced natural shock absorption in high-arched feet, though the narrower toe box may not suit those needing extra volume for orthotics.

Learn about High Arches

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