The Brooks Hyperion Max is one of those shoes that we were really excited about especially after the Hyperion Tempo which we have been waiting to see a replacement for. However, what we got has been confusing for a lot of us. First of all, this is not a “max” shoe by any stretch of the imagination, and while it is kind of billed as a daily trainer, it lends itself more to being that tempo or speed shoe. It is definitely not the same as that old Hyperion Tempo that we loved, but that may not be a bad thing?
Quick Details, Specs, and Availability
- Weight – 7.8oz or 221g for a US Men’s 9, 6.7oz or 190g for a US Women’s 7
- Cushion – 34mm of cushion and a 8mm heel/toe drop
- Pricing – $170 USD
- Colors – 3 colors
Performance Review
Alright, Brooks, huge failure on the name. This is not a max shoe, yes we said it. It is a cool looking shoe and yes, it is bigger than the upcoming Hyperion and the old Hyperion Tempo, but given our landscape, we need a different name for this thing. Moving on, the shoe is super fun. It fits totally differently from any Brooks you probably tried before, and has so much more responsiveness than others in their lineup, including the Glycerin, the Ghost, and more all of which were turning some folks away. This feels new.
The DNA flash based midsole is definitely up there with other super-critical midsoles, providing a nice amount of cushion, but an even better the level of responsiveness. The upper lockdown is secure and you have plenty of room in the toebox giving you a stable platform for your forefoot. It definitely lacks cushion up top, so don’t go in expecting a super padded collar or tongue, this upper is meant to be lean and fast to keep the shoe light and nimble. And light and nimble it is, at just over 7oz these things feel great at high speeds and kind of disappear into your foot.
For us, the Hyperion Max represents where Brooks can take things. We know a new Hyperion is coming, as well as new versions of the Elite models, but the groundwork being laid here, silly name aside, is a great foundation for an alternative lineup within the Brooks repertoire. Something leaner, something faster, and something more elite in a world of shoes that were starting to feel much more commercial and typical.
Construction and Materials
Upper
The Brooks Hyperion Max features optimal structure and breathability with the stretch woven upper and 3D Fit Print technology. The stretch woven material offers a flexible and adaptive fit, while the 3D Fit Print enhances support and stability, ensuring a comfortable and well-ventilated environment for your feet during your runs.
Midsole
The Brooks Hyperion Max features a midsole equipped with nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH cushioning, offering a lightweight yet responsive experience that returns energy and adapts to your unique stride. The substantial midsole foam efficiently absorbs impact, allowing you to push through your toughest workouts with reduced strain and fatigue, enabling you to tackle another challenging training session sooner.
Outsole
The Brooks Hyperion Max incorporates environmentally conscious practices by utilizing green rubber in its construction, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly choice without compromising on traction, durability, and performance.
Overall Conclusion
If we give Brooks one big knock on the Hyperion Max, it’s going to be the naming. It should’ve just been that Tempo V2 or the Hyperion Speed or something to that effect because “Max” now implies so much more to runners. It also is where we would love to see them take the shoe because this thing with 40+mm of cushion becomes a game changer for distance training and get you closer to partnering with their plated Hyperon Elite line. But naming aside, the Hyperion Max is a super fun shoe especially for your speed and tempo workouts and definitely for your lower mileage race days.
Learn more on the Brooks website
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Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
