The Brooks Hyperion Tempo is the lightweight, but cushioned trainer partner to the Brooks Hyperion Elite (the carbon plated shoe). In my opinion, the Brooks Hyperion Tempo is a better shoe for a lower price. If you are familiar with the original Hyperion, it was a lightweight, responsive ride, racing shoe. It was designed as a true racing flat with a performance fit.
The new Brooks Hyperion Tempo is similar but has more cushion and is also more durable. It’s still light weight and responsive. Now, the Brooks Hyperion Tempo is more of a training shoe versus racing shoe.
Brooks Running Hyperion Tempo Quick Stats:
Weight: 6.7 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 8mm
Brooks Hyperion Tempo Introduction:
Except for the Brooks Launch 7, Brooks hasn’t had many good lightweight trainers recently. Even the Brooks Launch 7 is slightly heavier than what we think of as “lightweight shoe.”
While Brooks Running has been missing that lightweight trainer, many people are venturing towards either the full-length carbon plate shoe or the trainer. In my opinion, any brand can still use having a lightweight trainer for longer speed work or tempos. All of that being said, I think Brooks hit the mark well with the Brooks Hyperion Tempo.
Brooks Hyperion Tempo Fit:
The Brooks Hyperion Tempo is fits slightly long. Not long enough to go up a half size, but the toe box is roomy (which is unusual in the running industry these days).
Unlike the Brooks Hyperion Elite, the Brooks Hyperion Tempo has more padding in the heel. It’s more comfortable. The seamless mesh and woven upper provides some structure but nothing constricting.
The woven upper is fairly basic with just a single layer of thin fabric with perforations. Nothing fancy, but nothing missing either. The Brooks Hyperion Tempo is one of the better fitting Brooks Shoes.
One thing to note is how stretchy the laces are. The ridges in the laces are to stay put and they do, but I feel like they are bungee cords.
Typically I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. The Brooks Hyperion Tempo doesn’t come in wide the 10.5 fits perfectly. I think this is one of Brooks’s best fitting shoes in a while (and competing with the Brooks Ghost, that says a lot).
Finally, the look of the Brooks Hyperion Tempo is awesome. I strongly believe it’s one of Brooks “better-looking shoes.”
Brooks Hyperion Tempo Ride:
Brooks uses DNA Flash midsole. What does that mean? It’s Brooks BioGoDNA infused with nitrogen, which creates resilient bubbles within. Nitrogen Infusion just sounds fancy.
The DNA Flash Midsole is light and with more bounce than the usual Brooks BioMoGo DNA. You won’t find it as responsive as some other brands, but it’s one of Brooks’s most responsive shoes.
On the outsole, there is more rubber in the forefoot and heel. This allows the Brooks Hyperion Tempo to stay durable. (I was slightly worried about the durability when looking at the bottom). They aren’t my first choice when running in inclement weather, just because you are more likely to slide around.
The Brooks Hyperion Tempo is one of the more flexible lightweight trainers I’ve found. It makes moderate tempos and longer efforts feel easier.
I find I do run faster due to how lightweight and responsive it is. It will stay in my long, fast run category and I enjoy the energy return while running. I prefer something with more cushion for easier or daily runs. For me, I know I need to be running fast that day to grab the Brooks Hyperion Tempo. On easier days, it just feels flat and like I’m running on the ground.
Brooks Hyperion Tempo Conclusion:
I think the Brooks Hyperion Tempo is one of Brooks’s best shoes this year. It might even be my favorite Brooks Running shoe right now. The Hyperion Tempo is responsive yet cushioned. I also can’t get over how lightweight it is, plus it feels as though you’ll get a decent amount of mileage in it. Between the Brooks Hyperion Tempo and the Brooks Hyperion Elite, I find the Hyperion Tempo to be a better shoe.
It’s $100 cheaper than the Brooks Hyperion Elite and it’s more durable. I think Brooks needed this shoe in its line up to balance out heavier trainers such as the Brooks Launch 7, Brooks Ghost 12, or Brooks Glycerin 18. I’ll be using it more for long runs and faster runs.
Current Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Saloman Sonic 3 Balance, Brooks Glycerin 18, Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, Nike Pegasus 37, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Asics Cumulus 21
Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2
Long Runs: Brooks Hyperion Tempo, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Hoka Cavu 2
Trail Running/Hiking: Saucony Peregrine 10, New Balance Hierro v5
Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, Brooks Hyperion Elite, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
More carbon plated shoe reviews: Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the Brooks Hyperion Tempo?
What is your favorite running shoe right now?
Currently running in Brooks GTS 19 and 20, and Saucony Peregrine for trails. Might have a look at the Hyperion.