I was excited to try the Brooks Hyperion Max. It feels like the Hyperion Tempo has been around for years so I was excited about a new model in the Brooks lineup. There is no carbon plate in the Hyperion Max; it’s just a lot of foam.
Brooks Hyperion Max Quick Facts:
Weight: 7.3 oz
Heel Toe Drop: 8 mm
Cost: $170
Brooks Hyperion Max Intro:
The Brooks Hyperion Max is a brand new model from Brooks designed as a tempo trainer and racer. There isn’t a carbon plate, and it “only” weighs 7.5 oz. It uses the same foam as the Brooks Catamount and Hyperion Elite. I’ve been a fan of these higher stack heights but no carbon plate models, so I wondered how I would like the Brooks Hyperion Max. It was designed to come out much earlier (like summer 2021), but supply chain issues hindered that.
Brooks Hyperion Max Fit:
Brooks has always had some of the best-fitting shoes in the industry, and the Brooks Hyperion Max is no different. Best fit means they fit true to size without many seams to rub. The Brooks Hyperion Max has a stretch woven mesh with 3D print overlays,
I like the stretch upper and wonder why there aren’t more shoes that have this. Is this the way of the running shoe future? Or at least for Brooks. The tongue is thin and supportive without much additional structure.
I firmly believe the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and the Brooks Hyperion Max does just that. The only minor thing I wish they fixed was the higher Achilles collar in the back. It doesn’t bother me, but some might say it’s annoying or “too high.”
In all the Hyperion Max fits like most other Brooks shoes: true to size with a nice roomy toebox. I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide in running shoes, and the size 11 in the Brooks Hyperion Max fits the best. (Size 11 in my general size in Brooks).
Brooks Hyperion Max Ride:
As mentioned, the Hyperion Max uses the DNA Flash Nitrogen-infused EVA, just like the Hyperion Elite and trail Catamount. It seems like this is the new “fast” midsole in Brooks’s future. It’s firm and responsive, so if you want a faster shoe from Brooks, you want something with the DNA Flash Nitrogen Midsole.
The ride is similar to the Hyperion Elite, but without the carbon plate, it’s much softer. I prefer it. I have found the Hyperion Elite to feel too firm and unforgiving for my own needs. I’ve wrote about it what feels like a dozen times, some of these firmer carbon-plated shoes cause my hamstring issues to flair up.
The Brooks Hyperion Max uses “rapid roll” technology, and you will feel your body being pushed forward. It’s almost as aggressive as early models of the Adidas Ultraboost, and if you don’t run that way, you feel your body will run slightly differently. This is something to be cautious about because it can and will aggravate weaker muscles.
Durability and Traction: The traction on the Brooks Hyperion Max is excellent, and if you need to run inclement weather, it’s a great option.
However, there is a massive flaw in the Brooks Hyperion Max, and I wonder if I just got a bad pair. The durability is not excellent. In fact, it’s low quality. My Hyperion Max lasted less than 100 miles, now they feel flat, and I hate running in them. The only other shoes I’ve had similar issues with have been early models of carbon-plated shoes. Racing flats don’t generally last that long, but they are usually under $100. How disappointing.
I figured the Brooks Hyperion Max would fit into my rotation as a tempo or workout shoe, and it does just that. I enjoy doing longer intervals or long runs in the Hyperion Max. It’s not a shoe you want to waste on easy runs, especially since it doesn’t last long.
Brooks Hyperion Conclusion:
I enjoy the Hyperion Max, but for me, it’s hard to justify the cost of a shoe that doesn’t last a long time. The Saucony Speed 3 or Asics Superblast are similar shoes and last 4-5X as long. So why not spend my money on those? Hopefully, I just got dud pair. For the miles I did run in the Brooks Hyperion Max, I did enjoy it.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: New Balance 1080v12, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Saucony Triumph 19, Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, 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: Brooks Caldera 6, 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
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the Brooks Hyperion Max?
What is your favorite workout shoe?