The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 is here to revolutionize your running experience and it’s finally a bit more “Max” which we are stoked on as the original left us wanting. If you are in search of a shoe designed for long runs and uptempo workouts, this model might just be what you are looking for. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the Hyperion Max 2’s construction, technology and overall performance to see if it lives up to its =price tag.
Technical Specs
- Weight – 9.1oz or 258g for a US Men’s 9, 8.3oz or 235g for a US Women’s 7
- Cushion – 36mm of cushion and a 6mm heel/toe drop
- Pricing – $180 USD
- Colors – 2 colors
Upper
The Hyperion Max 2 boasts an engineered mesh upper, which is densely woven yet includes a touch of compressive stretch. This blend ensures a secure fit without sacrificing comfort. The stretch knit tongue is a notable feature, being more compressive and made up of the tongue and rear-angled gusset straps, all in one piece.
Additionally, the upper includes knit-in bands of support, providing extra stability without feeling too restrictive. The snug midfoot hold could be an issue for runners with broader feet, but overall, the fit is true to size and offers impeccable heel hold, thanks to the well-padded, semi-rigid heel counter. The toe box is roomy yet structured, making it conducive for runners concerned about toe discomfort or splaying.
Midsole
One of the standout features of the Hyperion Max 2 is its new DNA Flash v2 midsole foam. This nitrogen-infused foam promises to be 10% more responsive than its predecessor. Despite not being the softest foam on the market, it offers a stable and consistent rebound sensation that feels protective and dynamic underfoot.
The stack height has been increased to 36.25 mm at the heel and 30.25 mm at the forefoot, adding to the shoe’s overall cushioning. The inclusion of a redesigned Speedvault plate ensures a snappy toe-off while maintaining enough flexibility for smooth transitions during various running paces.
Outsole
The outsole of the Hyperion Max 2 features durable rubber with a conventional layout akin to what you’d expect from a super trainer or racing shoe. A large full-coverage forefoot and two rear pads ensure traction and durability.
The design focuses on a smooth laydown and toe-off, backed by broad rear “rails” of foam and a deep decoupling groove in the midsole. This setup aims to enhance stability and flexibility, offering excellent traction on both dry roads and hard-packed surfaces, which has been evident in the test runs conducted.
Performance Run
When it comes to real-world running conditions, the Hyperion Max 2 shines in long runs and uptempo workouts. The shoe’s weight might be a bit heavier than some of its competitors, but it compensates with a stable and cushioned ride that’s ideal for longer distances.
Throughout our run tests, the shoe’s cushioning felt energetic yet consistent, thanks to the DNA Flash v2 foam and the shoe’s overall geometry. The sidewalls provided notable alignment and stability, which helped in maintaining form, especially during more extended runs. The Rapid Roll technology didn’t deliver a super explosive toe-off but offered a smooth and consistent roll. They are slimmer through the waist given their uptempo design, but has a nice wide toebox.
In terms of adaptability, the Hyperion Max 2 performed well across a variety of paces. Though it’s not the best option for very slow recovery runs due to a somewhat blocky heel feel, it proves its worth as the distance and pace pick up. These things are made for speed.
Conclusion
In summary, the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 is an excellent option for runners seeking a high-performance super trainer. Its strengths lie in its energetic and consistent cushioning, stable platform, and secure upper. Though it’s slightly heavier than some might prefer, the overall construction makes it suitable for long runs and faster-paced workouts. If this sounds like you, the Hyperion Max 2 could be a valuable addition to your shoe rotation.
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.
