Runner's World Editor's Choice Mar '11

Women's Defyance 4

$100.00
$65.00
Style # 120084
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Runner’s World magazine’s Spring 2011 Running Shoe Guide named the Defyance 4 their Editor’s Choice. In the March 2011 issue, Runner’s World states, "this update is flexible yet firm underfoot and snug in the heel. The upper provides a secure, articulated wrap through the arch that testers absolutely raved about." As a Runner’s World wear-tester noted, "The upper held firm, but not so much that it kept my foot from working." Runner’s World recommended the Defyance for "beginners or any runner looking for a versatile training shoe" and for "high-mileage days or tempo runs".


For neutral runners seeking a balanced, supportive ride, the new Defyance 4 is beyond enticing. The incomparable fit and feel of the award-winning Adrenaline GTS is tempting enough. But now, a caterpillar crash pad ensures a smoother, adaptable transition from heel-to-toe while an asymmetrical arch saddle makes for a snug, secure mid-foot wrap. Resistance is futile.


The latest version of this award-winning shoe is now available. > See the Women's Defyance 5

Product Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Defyance 4
 
4.4

(based on 22 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (12)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (6)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

86%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Comfortable (18)
  • Cushions impact (18)
  • Lightweight (15)
  • Arch support (11)
  • Breathable (11)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Road running (11)
    • Distance / endurance (3)
      • Sizing:
      • Feels full size too small

         

        Feels half size too small

         

        Feels true to size

         

        86% 

        (19 reviews)

        Feels half size too big

         

        Feels full size too big

         
      • Width:
      • Feels too narrow

         

        Feels true to width

         

        91% 

        (20 reviews)

        Feels too wide

         
      • Arch Type:
      • Average arch (13), High arch (6)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Enthusiast (11), Gym rat (6), Casual/ recreational (3)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (21)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    Fantastic

    I have been running with the Ghosts which I really like, having come from the Saucony Omni 8, which were a mistake. I am an avid runner, looking to increase my speed to ...Read complete review

    I have been running with the Ghosts which I really like, having come from the Saucony Omni 8, which were a mistake. I am an avid runner, looking to increase my speed to 7:45 a mile for my 4 mile runs, which I do daily.

    When I started two years ago, my average time were 9:45-10 minute miles and about two years ago took up training fairly seriously. I am 57, 5'10" and 175 and purchased the Ghosts, which made a world of difference. In one year I have carved 1:30 off my average mile and now run on average 8:10 miles. Having way too many miles on my Ghosts I looked for a change. They Glycerins were recommended to me and my times increased by 20 seconds per mile and my capabilities of distance reduced with my average heart rates increasing from 148 to 155. After each run, my legs were killing me. Time for a refund and a change.

    I bought the Defyance and all I can say is fantastic. All the support and cushion of the Glycerins, but shed all the weight. My foot comes down much flatter, no strain and I am now approaching the 8 minute mark in a matter of a week. I have also been able to increase distance fairly easily with the incredible shoes.

    I may need to add orthotics as my right forefoot has more pressure on it with every drop than I believe is healthy.

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Some major changes

    I've been using the Defyance 3 for most of my marathon training the past year and loved them. They were a great neutral shoe, that offered less cushion than the Glycerin and Ghost.Read complete review

    I've been using the Defyance 3 for most of my marathon training the past year and loved them. They were a great neutral shoe, that offered less cushion than the Glycerin and Ghost.

    The Defyance 4 added a new cushioning system as well as a "more secure" midfoot wrap and a higher arch support. These major changes have completely derailed my running. My feet fall asleep even with loose lacing (which then makes my ankles sore). I can feel the arch support almost "in the way" and the cushioning is too much for my liking. Not every running shoe needs to be an overly cushioned pillow.

    When comparing the Defyance 3 and 4 side by side, you can see a big difference in the toebox area. While some may like the changes to the shoe, my feet do not.

    Reviewed by 22 customers

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    5.0

    LA MARATHON

    By struttin shoshi

    from Burbank, California

    About Me Gym Rat

    Pros

    • Breathable
    • Comfortable
    • Cushions Impact
    • Good Arch Support
    • Good Traction

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Road Running

      Comments about Defyance 4:

      My new Defyance 4 shoes arrived the day before the LA Marathon 2012. Knowing how pleased I had been with my old pair and having read many pros and cons about wearing new shoes at a Marathon, I decided to take the plunge. My first Marathon went well- I finished in my goal time and I swear it was largely due to the comfort I felt in my Defyance 4's! Thank you, Brooks, for making a great shoe in wide widths. I am a lifelong devotee.

      • Sizing:
      • Feels true to size
      • Width:
      • Feels true to width
      • Arch Type:
      • High Arch
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No
       
      5.0

      Excellent shoe!

      By Jesse

      from Wash., DC

      About Me Avid Athlete

      Pros

      • Breathable
      • Comfortable
      • Good Traction
      • Lightweight

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Road Running

        Comments about Defyance 4:

        I have 2 pairs of this shoe- I really like them!

        • Sizing:
        • Feels true to size
        • Width:
        • Feels true to width
        • Was this a gift?:
        • No
         
        5.0

        Second pair!

        By Coach E

        from Debary, FL

        About Me Avid Athlete

        Pros

        • Breathable
        • Durable
        • Fast
        • Good Arch Support
        • Good Traction
        • Lightweight

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Road Running

          Comments about Defyance 4:

          I just purchase my second pair of these shoes, I love them and refuse to wear any other. I struggle with foot and knee injuries and have wore orthotics for years. Once I staring wearing these shoes I took out my orthotics and havent needed them since. Goes to show the right shoe with the right fit makes a big difference. I have also run into other wearing the same shoe and we all say the same thing... We love these and will keep wearing them.

          • Sizing:
          • Feels true to size
          • Width:
          • Feels true to width
          • Arch Type:
          • High Arch
          • Was this a gift?:
          • No
           
          5.0

          Defyance Running shoe

          By NA

          from Maryville TN

          About Me Avid Athlete

          Verified Reviewer

          Pros

          • Breathable
          • Comfortable
          • Cushions Impact
          • Durable
          • Good Arch Support
          • Good Traction
          • Lightweight

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Pavement

            Comments about Defyance 4:

            Running

            • Sizing:
            • Feels true to size
            • Width:
            • Feels true to width
            • Arch Type:
            • High Arch
            • Was this a gift?:
            • No
             
            4.0

            Great shoe for FLAT feet.

            By csrediske

            from Everett, WA

            About Me Avid Athlete

            Pros

            • Breathable
            • Comfortable
            • Cushions Impact
            • Durable
            • Fast
            • Good Traction
            • Great with Jeans
            • Lightweight

            Cons

            • Wears Out Quickly

            Best Uses

            • Road Running

            Comments about Defyance 4:

            I have pancake flat feet. I bought these shoes in March 2011 when I started training for my first 5k race. These shoes are amazing and I have now completed a 5k, 10k, 8 mile and sprint triathlon wearing them. My feet feel great and I have no lower back pain. Best shoe ever! Also, I live in rainy Seattle/Everett, these have no traction issues.

            • Sizing:
            • Feels true to size
            • Width:
            • Feels true to width
            • Arch Type:
            • Low Arch
            • Was this a gift?:
            • No
             
            3.0

            great fit, but then it was all downhill

            By NYC Runningal

            from New York, NY

            About Me Avid Athlete

            Pros

            • Breathable
            • Comes in larger sizes
            • Comfortable
            • Cushions Impact
            • Good Arch Support

            Cons

            • Wears Out Quickly

            Best Uses

            • Road Running

            Comments about Defyance 4:

            Several years ago, after marathoning and kids, my feet had gotten rather large. I had switched to men's sneakers but was restricted to two brands as I needed a roomy toe box but narrow heel. I also supinate which further limited me. Late last spring, my Shoe Guy mentioned that the some Brooks models including Defyance came in larger women's sizes and I might be able to switch back. I bought a pair of the Defyance 4s and the Ghost. Both pairs seemed to fit and ride well and were alternated with a pair from a different company. My complaint: the Defyance didn't last 6 months. The right shoe has worn through the outsole, while the left had worn the midsole. I have only been running 25 miles per week and using 3 different pairs of shoes! Alternating 3 pairs usually gets me through one full year even a marathon and several halfs, which I didn't do this year. These were [$], and despite the fit and comfort, I am really questioning whether I would get them again.

            • Sizing:
            • Feels true to size
            • Width:
            • Feels true to width
            • Arch Type:
            • High Arch
            • Was this a gift?:
            • No
             
            5.0

            Running on a cloud!

            By NicolesLovesong

            from The Sunshine State

            Verified Reviewer

            Pros

            • Breathable
            • Comfortable
            • Cushions Impact
            • Durable
            • Good Arch Support
            • Good Traction
            • Great with Jeans
            • Lightweight

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Road Running

              Comments about Defyance 4:

              These shoes are AMAZING. I have a pretty high arch and I've had a hard time finding a shoe that would support me while not breaking the bank. This has been the perfect fit. No more hurting knees, feet or shins! I am so thankful for the wonderful woman at The Track Shack in Orlando who showed these to me... I am an avid fan of these shoes now♥

              • Sizing:
              • Feels true to size
              • Width:
              • Feels true to width
              • Arch Type:
              • Average Arch
              • Was this a gift?:
              • No
               
              4.0

              Super fast

              By Nica

              from Lake Havasu, AZ

              About Me Casual/ Recreational

              Pros

              • Breathable
              • Cushions Impact
              • Lightweight

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Road Running

                Comments about Defyance 4:

                extra wide option made these shoes viable.

                • Sizing:
                • Feels true to size
                • Width:
                • Feels true to width
                • Arch Type:
                • Average Arch
                • Was this a gift?:
                • Yes
                 
                5.0

                Great!!

                By emkat01

                from Mississippi

                About Me Casual/ Recreational

                Verified Reviewer

                Pros

                • Breathable
                • Comfortable
                • Cushions Impact
                • Good Arch Support
                • Good Traction
                • Great with Jeans
                • Lightweight

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Walking

                  Comments about Defyance 4:

                  I'm new to walking/running and these shoes have been great. I was having some pain and discomfort while walking and when I bought these shoes it completly went away.

                  • Sizing:
                  • Feels true to size
                  • Width:
                  • Feels true to width
                  • Arch Type:
                  • Average Arch
                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Super fast shoe!

                  By Kristi H.

                  from Port Orchard, WA

                  About Me Avid Athlete

                  Pros

                  • Breathable
                  • Comfortable
                  • Cushions Impact
                  • Durable
                  • Fast
                  • Good Traction
                  • Lightweight

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Road Running

                    Comments about Defyance 4:

                    I am absolutely in love with these shoes! The Defyance 4 is miles ahead of its previous models! It allows for quick toe off with lots of cleverly placed flex grooves. The lightweight feel of these shoes enables them to be great for high mileage workouts.

                    • Sizing:
                    • Feels true to size
                    • Width:
                    • Feels true to width
                    • Arch Type:
                    • Average Arch
                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

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