| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| + Versatile + Propulsive + PEBA foam + Nylon plate + Improved upper | – Pricey – Gained weight |
Don’t be misled by the headline of this review — while the third version is undoubtedly the best yet, the first two editions of the Hyperion Max were not dogshit. They weren’t even dogpiss. Far from it. I raved about both the first and second models to anyone that would listen — or, rather, read my poor excuse for writing. But after just one run, it became clear this shoe is on another level than its two predecessors; and it’s not close. Find out why the third iteration is the gold standard, in this Brooks Hyperion Max 3 review.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3 Review
| STACK HEIGHT | WEIGHT | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| M: 46/40 mm (6 mm drop) W: 45/37 mm (8 mm drop) | M9: 9.9 oz/281g W8: 8.8 oz/249g | $200 |
To be fair, the third edition of a running shoe should be the best of a trio. Duh, it’s the latest version. But, more specifically, just like in any product, the first version usually has big flaws and the second version typically offers just minor updates. The third version of a shoe, however, usually has updates you can really sink your teeth—er, feet into.
Midsole
The Hyperion Max 3 is also literally on another level than its earlier editions. Brooks increased the stack height a drastic 10 mm from the second edition, now standing among the tallest shoes at 46/40 mm—a far cry from the original Hyperion Max which was undeserving of the “max” moniker, at a “paltry” 33/25 mm stack height. The Hyperion Max 2 came in at 36/30 mm. For reference, Brooks’ other $200 pair, the Glycerin Max, has the same 46/40 mm stack height.
But the stack increase isn’t even the most notable update: Brooks adds its new PEBA-based DNA GOLD foam on top of the nitrogen-infused, firmer DNA FLASH v2. If you thought DNA Tuned in the Glycerin 22 and Glycerin Max offered great energy return, just wait until you try this foam. All that glitters may not be gold, but DNA GOLD certainly shines on the run. DNA GOLD is also found in Brooks’ Hyperion Elite 5 supershoe—a pair that’s dead to me because it’s not made in my size.
But wait, there’s more! The firm pebax plate from v2 is replaced with a much softer, but still responsive SpeedVault nylon plate. That’s right: Brooks told Saucony “Hold my beer,” and proceeded to stick a couple cold bottles of brew inside a pair of the Endorphin Speed — the other super trainer with a nylon plate. It’s the first time you could genuinely make the argument the Hyperion Max is better than the Endorphin Speed 4.
Ride
The combo of the new DNA GOLD midsole and nylon plate work tremendously well together for an extremely propulsive ride. V2 of the Max was a solid tempo shoe, but v3 is even better. I found it’s considerably easier to accelerate in the third version and the ride is much softer, bouncier, and overall more comfortable. I wasn’t a fan of the previous Hyperion Max for long runs but don’t hesitate to use the Hyperion Max 3 for double-digit-mile runs of any length. Despite the ginormous stack height, it offers a pretty stable ride.
Even with the uptick in weight, this pair can easily tackle speed workouts. In fact, it’s the only non-carbon-plated shoe I consider using regularly for tempo runs. I completed a couple of them with ease.
The curved geometry of the RapidRoll Rocker feels more pronounced in this version, leading to easier heel-to-toe transitions along with the help of the heel bevel. Even if you won’t admit you’re a heel striker, the 6 mm drop (men) will suit midfoot strikers well, too. As for forefoot strikers…well…no one cares about forefoot strikers — they look annoying. And they smell weird.
Upper
The new mesh upper offers great breathability and is easily the most comfortable of the three editions. The knit gusseted tongue has extra padding and works well in tandem with the padded knit heel collar for a secure lockdown. There was a bit of a tight fit, especially in the heel area, but I had no chafing issues whatsoever.
Outsole
There’s a revamped outsole with less rubber coverage. I still expect good durability from this shoe; after all, it is a Brooks shoe. Thankfully, those with trust issues can breathe a huge sigh of relief, as the SpeedVault plate is still visible through the bottom of the shoe, leaving no doubt there is, in fact, a plate in this shoe, as advertised.
Weight
Unfortunately, the scale only continues to tip in the wrong direction since v1, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise given the monumental increase in stack height. The Hyperion Max 3 gained almost a full ounce from v2. At nearly 10 ounces (9.9) for a men’s size 9, (8.8 oz for women) this isn’t a light shoe, but it’s certainly not heavy, either. Still, its weight likely will discourage use on race day, but it’s still a solid option for speed workouts.
Price
Ugh. Ouch. Yuck. Pick whatever unfavorable word you want to describe the cost of this shoe because $200 is certainly an unfavorable price, and quite the price hike from the $180 v2. Brooks shamelessly breaks Running Rule #827.5936 and 7/8 by increasing the price more than $10 from the previous version. And that’s not even mentioning Brooks already broke Running Rule #593.229 and ¾ by increasing the price at all!
Look, I get it. Brooks added a boatload of new PEBA foam and a nylon plate. But do these updates translate to a price tag of $200? Let’s put it this way, I didn’t think v2 was worth its hefty $180, but v3 is drastically improved and should be priced higher. Brooks should meet consumers in the middle at $190 and call it even. Come to think of it, I don’t recall ever seeing a shoe with that price point—except for the HOKA Mach X 2, but that shoe also isn’t made in size 15 so it’s also dead to me.
Although they’re different shoes that serve different purposes I prefer the ride of the Hyperion Max 3 over the Glycerin Max. It’s lighter, softer, livelier, and more fun to run in.
Aesthetics
The one thing that’s remained constant through the Hyperion Max’s three editions? Its eye-catching appearance. V2 was undoubtedly a smoke show, one of the finer-looking shoes that had the pleasure of gracing my ugly tootsies in recent memory. So I knew there was no way this year’s update would also be a “10.” Sure enough, while it’s still an attractive, modern-looking pair, it doesn’t look as sleek due to its weight gain and stack height increase. Then again, this is a totally subjective category and beauty is in the eye of the shoe holder, so what do I know?
Conclusion
One of the most significant updates from Brooks in some time propels the Hyperion Max 3 on the roads and into the conversation for best shoes of the year. An extremely versatile and fun option for a variety of runs and paces, this is a can’t-miss shoe from Brooks — if you can stomach the high price tag.
The Hyperion Max 3 is available on Brooks’ website.
Brooks graciously provided the Hyperion Max 3 to me for wear testing. I was not compensated for this Brooks Hyperion Max 3 review and Brooks did not get an opportunity to see this Brooks Hyperion Max 3 review before I published.
