It feels like the original Elite just came out, but it missed its mark. The Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is the highly anticipated follow-up. One of the many reasons you didn’t see the original Elite out for very long.
While the original wasn’t “bad,” it missed its mark and did fail to compete with other carbon plated shoes.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 Quick Facts:
Weight: 7.5 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 8 mm
Intro:
Brooks rarely misses marks in shoes right now. There is a reason they are number one in the run specialty world. That being said, the original Brooks Hyperion Elite was not great. It felt flat, wasn’t too durable, and wasn’t up to par with the other carbon plated shoes.
Brooks realized that, and they fast-tracked the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 (or HE2) to update earlier than planned.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 Fit:
The fit and upper of the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is almost identical to the first version because the fit was never an issue. What makes the HE2 different from many carbon plated marathon racers is how wide the platform is. You look down at your feet and think: dude, this shoe is wide, and it is (LOL at me when I already wear a women’s size 11 wide in some brands). While no carbon plated shoe is made in a wide, the Hyperion Elite 2 is the widest of the bunch.
The upper of the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is thin and flexible. What I like about it is there is nothing extra, and it doesn’t stretch. The material is thin and doesn’t add unneeded weight. You shouldn’t need to “break it in” because the material isn’t going to stretch at all. (That being said, like any shoe, don’t just dive into a marathon, give it a few runs beforehand).
Sometimes with such a thin upper, the tongue will move around and slide, but that hasn’t been an issue for the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2. I wish the tongue material were thicker because I found it cutting into my foot a few times. The lack of cushion around the heel caused the top of my Achilles to bleed as well. I seem to only have this issue with Brooks shoes (like the Levitate). It wasn’t as bad as the Levitate, but there was some bleeding.
Typically I wear a women’s size 10-11 wide. Since the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is unisex, the men’s size 9 fit well.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 Ride:
I’ve been genuinely interested in how the Hyperion Elite 2 ride would change. Brooks completely redid the midsole and included an updated “nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH midsole.” What does that mean? The Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is more responsive and also more durable.
The wide midsole of the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 works together with the carbon fiber propulsion plate work to spring you forward. Together with the Brooks: “Rapid Roll technology,” you are propelled forward.
Traction: The Hyperion Elite 2 outsole is composed of rubber as well as an exposed midsole. The exposed midsole makes the shoe lighter but also makes it less durable. You either get a heavier shoe with more rubber or a lighter, less durable shoe. I ran once on a slippery road and didn’t find it a big issue and found the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 respond fine on wet roads. I would be curious how it would respond in a torrential downpour. Based on the lack of material in the upper and semi-decent traction, there wouldn’t be too many issues. Although results speak for themselves and Des Linden won Boston in this shoe.
It all sounds so fancy, but how does it respond with actual running? Carbon plated shoes are made to run fast. There is no point in wasting precious miles by running easy runs in them. I’ve taken the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 on a few different runs, including a long run, track workout, and a faster run shoe. It definitely feels a lot better and more responsive than the first version. I appreciate that compared to other carbon plated shoes, it’s extremely light. It might look like a tank, but it rides like a responsive feather.
Conclusion:
If I were to give a most improved shoe award, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 would-be contender. I believe there is still a lot to be worked on, including making the upper less sharp. BUT, I do believe it’s a lot better than the first version. If you are looking for a fast, responsive, carbon plated shoe, the Hyperion Elite 2 is a good contender. I’m not sure I would choose it over many other options, but if you need a wider carbon plated shoe, it’s definitely one of the best options.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs Saucony Freedom 3, Brooks Glycerin 18, Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, Nike Pegasus 37, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Hoka Bondi 7, Asics GlideRide.
Speed Work: Brooks Hyperion Elite 2, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 10, New Balance Hierro v5
Races: Asics MetaRacer, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2?
What is your current favorite carbon plated shoe?
Picking this shoe up against the original and you new instantly this one was one was far better. I have the original, brand new in the box and never ran in them just because I wanted to have them and they had been given to me. This model however, the outsole feels much better just squeezing it in your fingers.
This is definitely way better. Have you run in it?