Brooks snuck the Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 release under most people’s noses. One day, it was just out on their website with minimal excitement for the debut. It wasn’t until a few weeks later I realized you could actually buy the shoe. Anyway, the first version of the Hyperion Elite wasn’t received well, and the second was a huge step forward. Brooks is doing great things in the development of the Hyperion Elite. So what does the Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 bring?
Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 Quick Facts:
Weight: 8.1 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: $250
Price: $250
Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 Introduction:
It’s no secret Brooks has a huge following. They were the number one brand in running specialty. When I first saw the shoe, I didn’t quite know if I was a fan of the “look.” Does it matter? No. But it didn’t look like a shoe designed to run fast. The upper of the Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 has definitely been updated in a big way, but the ride (the midsole and outsole) remains the same.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 Fit:
The biggest change you’ll notice in the Hyperion 3 Elite is the upper. The previous version used a thin and smooth mesh while the Hyperion Elite 3 uses a “QuicKnit,” which is burlier and “rougher.” It fits well, and dare I say it fits wide?
What is QuicKnit exactly? It’s an engineered knit which changes its pattern and loop density depending on the part of the foot it’s meant to secure. It’s also heavy and a reason the Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 has gained about .7 oz since the previous version. The QuicKnit does stretch and breath well. I’ve run a few times in the hot desert and haven’t had any issues with my feet overheating. It’s definitely more breathable than previous versions.
Brooks also changed both the tongue and heel of the Hyperion Elite 3. In my opinion, it’s the world’s better. The Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 uses a “normal” or conventional heel with a higher flaired padding. The tongue is much more “normal,” and you don’t have to worry about sliding around or cutting through your ankles. I’m a big fan of padded tongues, and the Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 doesn’t irritate the ankle.
I’m a big believer the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and the Hyperion Elite 3 does just that. You don’t have to worry about the tongue irritating your foot. It fits and feels good without any issues.
I’m a fan of the Hyperion 2 upper and the Hyperion 3 upper. They are different, but they are both “fine” to me. I appreciate the tongue and breathability of the Hyperion 3, so I guess if I had to pick, the Hyperion 3 upper is “better.” But really, they are both good.
In running shoes, I typically wear a size 10-11 wide. Brooks usually fits fairly true to size, and the Hyperion Elite 3 is no different. The size 10.5 fits well. Another thing about the Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 is that it’s one of the wider carbon-plated shoes. No carbon-plated shoe is made in “wide,” but the Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 is probably the widest option right now.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 Ride:
The Hyperion 3 uses the DNA Flash compound, which is springy and provides energy like all carbon-plated shoes. The lack of forgiveness makes it different from other carbon-plated shoes. You don’t feel like your body is bouncing back, or your legs feel less fatigued as other carbon-plated shoes. Then again, not everyone wants that.
The Hyperion Elite 3 uses a “Rapid Roll” midsole with a sharp incline at the front that forces you to transition heel to toe very quickly. It keeps the shoe stiff and helps the toe-off.
While no carbon-plated shoe is stable or made for those who need a stable shoe, the Hyperion 3 is the best if you need a more stable option. Why is that? The wider platform gives the Hyperion 3 more stability and doesn’t dig into your arches like many carbon-plated options.
Durability and Traction: Another thing Brooks does well is durability and traction. There is plenty of rubber on the bottom. While the rubber adds extra weight, it significantly increases durability and traction (I believe Des won Boston in the Hyperion 2, which was the year the weather was…not great). Carbon-plated shoes aren’t designed to last like trainers, and I’ve found the Hyperion Elite 3 to last about 100-150 miles. Can you run into it after that? Sure, but are you going to get the same technology benefit? Probably not.
The long story short is the Hyperion Elite 3 midsole has been unchanged since last year. If you liked the ride of the Brooks Hyperion 2, you’ll probably like the ride of the Hyperion Elite 3.
I use the Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 strictly for workouts, and it does well. There is no point in using it for anything other than workouts or races because it will wear out faster and you need more cushion for easy runs. The upper feels fine, and I am indifferent to the change. The previous version didn’t bother me, and neither does this. The midsole and outsole feels precisely the same. If you’re someone who wants a carbon-plated shoe that you can “feel the ground more,” the Hyperion Elite 3 might be your go-to. I am someone who does like to feel the ground more, and I wish more carbon-plated footwear wouldn’t feel like you’re running 20 feet off the ground.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 Conclusion:
The Hyperion Elite 3 is not a big change (and sorry, folks, I don’t think the Hyperion 2 will go on sale). If you like the second version, you’ll probably like the 3rd too. The upper is fine, a bit heavier and rougher, but not a huge change. Brooks is known for minimal updates and for keeping what people like, so you see that in the Hyperion Elite 3. I think they are trending in the right direction as far as carbon-plated shoes go.
If you find many carbon-plated shoes “too cushy” and want to feel the ground more, the Hyperion 3 is a good option. It’s also a good option if you need some stability or have wider feet.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: New Balance 1080v12, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Saucony Triumph 19, Brooks Launch 9,
Speed Work: Brooks Hyperion Elite 3, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge,
Trail Running/Hiking: Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? My ebook talks about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths about running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Brooks Hyperion Elite 3?
What is your favorite carbon-plated shoe?