| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| + Responsive at faster paces + Improved upper | – Another weight gain – Pricey – Clunky at slower paces |
One of only two plated shoes in the Brooks lineup, the Hyperion Max is a neutral super trainer that’s evolved significantly since the launch of the original in 2023. Back then, its paltry 34/26 mm stack height certainly didn’t fit its “Max” moniker. The first edition didn’t even have a plate! Fast forward to version 4, and there’s a gigantic 45/39 mm stack along with a nylon plate and second foam made of Peba. While the shoe has evolved a lot over the years, there are just minimal updates from last year’s v3. Is v4 the best version yet? I detail my experience through 40 miles, in this Brooks Hyperion Max 4 review.
Brooks Hyperion Max 4
| STACK | WEIGHT | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| 45/39 mm (6 mm drop) | M9: 10.1 oz/286 g W8: 8.8 oz/249 g | $200 |
Ride
So, what’s new in the fourth edition? Not much! An improved upper and minuscule 1 millimeter reduction in both the heel and forefoot make the ride feel quite similar to the third iteration.
For a plated trainer meant to go fast, this sure is a tall shoe. In fact, it’s somehow the exact same stack height as the gigantic Brooks Glycerin Max 2! There is a whopping 45 mm in the heel, and it’s noticeable.
Brooks should consider reducing the stack height which would go a long way toward making the ride smoother. That doesn’t mean lowering it to the non-max 36/30 mm stack of the Hyperion Max 2, but somewhere in between would be preferable.
As marketed, the Hyperion Max 4 performs much better at “faster” paces. I found myself fighting against the pair a bit at slower efforts. In fact, similar to version 3, it’s actually harder to run slow because there’s less energy return. It made me want to pick up the pace, if only because I hated the clunky feel during easier miles. The shoe’s wild geometry doesn’t help. Although it has a Rapidroll rocker, I didn’t feel smooth transitions. When I wasn’t running at least a minute faster than my easy pace, it would feel like “too much shoe” underfoot.
What makes the shoe excel on speedier runs? The fourth edition carries over the same dual-layer midsole from the previous edition. A top layer of DNA Gold, the nitrogen-infused PEBA foam, works well with the SpeedVault nylon plate for a decently bouncy ride. There’s a bottom layer of DNA Flash v2 foam, a supercritical TPEE/EVA blend that adds some stability and rigidity. Overall, the ride is on the firmer and stiff side, so if you’re looking for a softer option, look elsewhere. It’s noticeably more firm than the other nylon-plated trainer, Saucony’s Endorphin Speed.
Uses
The Hyperion Max 4 is a solid long run shoe, if you’re not taking it too easy. I laced up the pair for a 13-mile run out of the box and it mostly excelled at 6:50-7:50/mile pace. The few warmup miles at my slower pace in the 8:00-9:00/mile range weren’t as enjoyable. I had a similar experience with my second run of 15 miles.
Again, this shoe wants to go faster, but there’s just one problem: it’s not light or nimble enough to race in nor tackle tougher speed workouts. The Hyperion Max only continues to gain weight in each edition, with the latest tacking on 0.2 ounces. While that doesn’t sound like a dealbreaker, a men’s size 9 now exceeds 10 ounces (10.1 oz/ 286 g) and a women’s size 8 comes in at 8.8oz/249.5 g. Not great! That’s essentially the same weight as the Ghost 18. Scary! The Hyperion Max 2 was a whole ounce lighter.
It can handle marathon pace efforts well, but I found it much harder to try and tackle anything faster than that, like a lactate threshold or other tempo workout. It’s just too much shoe for a daily trainer and not nearly stable nor forgiving enough for recovery efforts. It’s not designed for that, anyway.
Price
The high price tag ($200) puts the Hyperion Max 4 in a tough spot: it’s pricier than similar plated shoes in its category, like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 ($175) and Nike Zoom Fly 6 and underrated ASICS Sonicblast, both $180. To make matters worse, those three alternatives are all at least an ounce lighter.
While you’re getting a lot of foam and a nylon plate, $200 feels too steep for this shoe, a criticism I made about last year’s Max 3. It’d be a more competitive option at the $180 mark.
Upper and Outsole
There’s a new triple jacquard mesh upper that’s both comfier and more breathable than v3, if heavy. Similar to v3, it’s still a plush upper for a shoe of its nature and could be dialed back a bit to save some weight.
Brooks added some additional padding to the heel collar, and scrapped the sock-like interior of the previous edition. The gusseted tongue and snug fit ensures a secure foot lockdown. In terms of fit, it’s very similar to the Max 3 (true to size).
On the bottom is a RoadTack outsole with a high amount of rubber coverage that should provide good durability for hundreds of miles. It’s designed to be much more durable than a racing super shoe.
Conclusion
As marketed, the Hyperion Max 4 excels most when you turn on the accelerator, thanks to its Peba foam and nylon plate. But an overly high stack, heavier weight, and steep price hold the shoe back from reaching its full potential.
The Hyperion Max 4 is available now on Brooks’ website.
Brooks graciously provided this shoe to me for wear testing. I was not compensated for this Brooks Hyperion Max 4 review and they didn’t get an opportunity to see this Brooks Hyperion Max 4 review before I published.
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