The Brooks Defyance Max and On Cloudrunner 3 are both stability road running shoes with balanced cushioning. The Defyance Max costs about $40 less (from $120), has a lower heel-to-toe drop (6 mm vs 8 mm) and is rated higher by buyers (4.6 vs 3.9 out of 5).
Specs side by side
| Spec | Defyance Max | Cloudrunner 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $120 | $160 |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5 (125 reviews) | 3.9 / 5 (46 reviews) |
| Weight | 10.8 oz | 11 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6 mm | 8 mm |
| Cushioning | Balanced | Balanced |
| Support | Stability | Stability |
| Surface | Road | Road |
| Available for | Men & Women | Men & Women |
Specs and prices from Brooks and On, checked 2026-10-12. Weight is usually for a men's size 9–10.
Which should you get?
Get the Defyance Max if…
- you want to spend less
- you land on your midfoot or want a lower drop
- you want the more widely reviewed shoe
Get the Cloudrunner 3 if…
- you land on your heel and like a higher drop
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