Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 Review: The Most Stable Super Shoe?
By Chief Editor/Founder Matthew Klein
The original Brooks Hyperion Elite was a conundrum. Billed as a super responsive, carbon plated, distance racing shoe with poor durability, it was actually a firm, stable, short to middle distance shoe (due to being so firm) that had fairly high durability. A shoe that I enjoyed for shorter efforts but was not a super shoe due to only possessing a plate, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 attempted to correct this with a DNA Flash midsole. While still not featuring a super foam, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 maintains its more naturally stable profile, meaning it will work well for those who cannot handle the more unstable super shoes out there.
Price: $250 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 7.4 oz, 210 g (men's size 9, Unisex Sizing),
Stack Height: 35 mm / 27 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Classification: Carbon Fiber Plated Distance Racing Shoes
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is a long-distance carbon plated racing shoe and workout shoe for those who want an efficient, rockered, firmer, more naturally stable ride. A complete redo of the midsole with full-length mildly responsive DNA flash and a new heel design makes for a better transition if you land farther back. A slightly firmer and rolling ride make this shoe best for long-distance efforts, while a naturally stable design may keep you a little more centered than other plated shoes. Best for those looking for a workout/longer distance shoe with a solid rocker and firmer ride that is less aggressive than other racing options out there.
FIT
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 fits me true to size in my normal US men's size 10. It feels slightly short due to a loose upper and a lack of security, which means lace locking this upper is almost non-negotiable. I had plenty of blisters on my toes after longer efforts in this sho due to my feet sliding forward. This was mostly eliminated with lace locking. There is a thin toe guard upfront for structure which is not irritating, but the sliding is. The fit overall is slightly wider for a racing shoe. The heel in particular is slightly wider and a bit loose. There is a small and thin heel counter in the rearfoot that I did not notice at all. The counter provides mild structure to the most rear portion of the heel, but the remainder is slightly loose. The midfoot narrows a bit more but the laces are a little difficult to lock down well (again lace locking is important). The tongue is free-floating and requires extra time to center while putting the shoe on. I have not had too much trouble with it moving. The forefoot opens up a little then tapers quickly at the toes. I do get pressure from the toe guard on my 4th toe as the taper is a bit quick. Those with issues here should be a bit careful. This is a shoe you should use socks for as the one sockless run resulted in blisters on my achilles from the extra padding around the heel collar. Overall this upper fits slightly wider for a racing shoe, with additional room in the heel. However, make sure you lace-lock the laces as the upper is not the most secure.
PERFORMANCE
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is significantly rockered and features a slightly firmer but cushioned midsole feel. This shoe does not have a bouncy ride as the DNA Flash is only mildly responsive and instead features more of an efficient rolling transition. The first run was slightly uncomfortable as the full-length carbon plate is inflexible at first and for some reason, there is a flex point at the anterior midfoot. This cause some forefoot pain initially, which did go away once I figured out that this shoe works far better when landing at the rearfoot than the forefoot. There is an 8mm drop that I did not notice at all due to the aggressive heel bevel and toe spring. The toe spring helps the forefoot transition well once you get there, but the heel bevel is so aggressive that the rearfoot is clunky until you break the shoe in. Once the foam starts to compress more this improves.
The Hyperion Elite 2 feels best during tempo and longer uptempo runs. Once broken in, it may be suitable for some easy running, but the rocker works best when going at moderate speeds. The shoe is too bulky and not responsive enough for faster efforts, making this a half marathon to potentially a marathon shoe for those who want a more stable, firm, and rockered ride for that distance. The forefoot feels stiff and less comfortable when landing upfront, making really fast efforts difficult. The traction is also not great due to sparse outsole coverage and should be used primarily on dry roads. The durability is great as I have 30 miles in my pair with almost no wear on the outsole. I expect this shoe to last far longer than other racing shoes given the stack height, outsole durability, and firmness of the sole. So those who want a firmer, rockered, stiff ride that works better for rearfoot strikers on longer efforts, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 may be worth a look.
STABILITY
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is a neutral racing shoe but has some stable elements. It is not as stable initially given how stiff the ride is, but improves as the sole breaks in. The last of the Hyperion Elite 2 is fairly wide particularly at the midfoot. There is no arch support, but the aggressive rocker does keep the foot moving forward once you are at speed. There is a large amount of outsole flare at the heel and forefoot. This makes for a stable rearfoot and forefoot transition when combined with the aggressive rocker. The firmer DNA Flash also creates an inherently stable midsole. While it is not responsive, the firmer ride compared to other racing shoe foams prevents excessive compression. The Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is not a stability shoe, but the wider base, rockered ride, outsole flare, and slightly firmer ride add naturally stable elements once it breaks in.
THOUGHTS AS A DPT / FOOTWEAR SCIENCE
The original research on these super shoes, specifically by Wooter Hoogkamer, as well as continued research, specified that super shoes require a minimum of 3 components: a super foam (often PEBA/PEBAX), a carbon plate and a rockered geometry (Hoogkamer et al., 2019). Most companies have started to figure this out and there are now several options that have all three of these. While the original was the Nike Vaporfly, the Nike Alphafly, Saucony Endorphin Pro, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Adidas Adios pro 2, Puma Deviate Nitro and several Chinese brands including the Xtep 160x have been working with this formula. How it affects each runner will vary depending on several factors, including how stable the runner is, how their mechanics line up with the plate stiffness/geometry, comfort, and several more that we continue to uncover (Herbert-Losier et al., 2020; Mcleod et al., 2020). The problem is that a few companies are still focusing too much on the carbon plates. While these do play a part in the economy of these shoes, we know it is at most 1% (Roy & Stefanyshyn, 2006). In fact, recent research came out where the investigators cut the plate in the Nike 4% and it did not affect running economy improvements (Healey & Hoogkamer, 2021). Additionally, our friend Justin Joubert did some initial testing on runners and confirmed that many of the racing shoes with just carbon plates did no better than traditional, non-plated racing shoes like the Asics Hyperspeed (Joubert & Jones, 2021).
However, just because a shoe demonstrates performance improvements on average does not mean it will benefit everyone. We know the benefits of these new super shoes vary greatly depending on individual factors (Herbert-Losier et al., 2020). Some people may actually have worse running economies in super foam shoes. Whether that is due to the instability, the plate being in the wrong place, or other factors will depend on that unique individual. That is where more stable shoes with firmer foams like the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 come in. These are not technically super shoes, but they are unique in that the geometry provides far more stability than most others racing shoes. There are no max stack height, stability racing shoes yet, so the Hyperion Elite 2 is one of the better options for runners looking for some stability in a max stack height, carbon plated racing shoe. I do challenge Brooks to create a specific stability super shoe as the Brooks Racer ST series is still one of the best long distance stability racing shoes in my mind.
References
Burns, G. T., & Tam, N. (2020). Is it the shoes? A simple proposal for regulating footwear in road running. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(8), 439-440.
Healey, L. A., & Hoogkamer, W. (2021). Longitudinal bending stiffness does not affect running economy in Nike Vaporfly Shoes. Journal of Sport and Health Science, S2095-2546(21)00073-9. Advance online publication.
Hebert-Losier, K., Finlayson, S., Driller, M., Dubois, B., Esculier J., & Beaven, C. (2020). Evidence of variable performance responses to the Nike 4% shoe: Definitely not a game-changer for all recreational runners. (Pre-Print).
Hoogkamer, W., Kipp, S. & Kram, R. (2019). The biomechanics of competitive male runners in three marathon racing shoes: a randomized crossover study. Sports Medicine, 49(1), 133-143
Joubert, D. P., & Jones, G. P. (2021). A Comparison of Running Economy Across Seven Carbon-Plated Racing Shoes. (Pre-Print).
Mcleod, A., Bruening, D., Johnson, A., Ward, J., Hunter, I. (2020). Improving running economy through altered shoe bending stiffness across speeds. Footwear Science, 1-11.
Roy, J. & Stefanyshyn, D. (2006). Shoe midsole longitudinal bending stiffness and running economy, joint energy and EMG. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: 38(3), 562-569.
RECOMMENDATIONS
While there are some mild improvements overall in version 2, the Hyperion Elite 2 is still not a super shoe. It is a firmer ride, stiff, slightly wider-fitting workout/racing shoe. This is the training option that the Hyperion Tempo should be and there should be another step above if the cost is going to be $250. The upper needs to be refined to better secure the foot. The geometry of the sole is good, but a more responsive foam is needed. The plate is too stiff and takes a while to break in, while the foam is not at all responsive by today's standards. I would encourage Brooks to overhaul the materials being used in the midsole. If not, they need to drop the price as this is similar to a "do it all" introduction carbon plated shoe like the $160 361 Flame (REVIEW).
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is for those who land farther back looking for a rockered, more stable and firmer ride for workouts and potentially longer races. The upper lacks security but can be improved with lace locking. The sole is mildly responsive and firmer but does break in to provide a well transitioning, rockered ride. The midsole foam is mildly responsive by today's standards but will provide more natural stability for those who cannot handle the soft rides of many super foams. The geometry of the sole is good once broken in and will be a good option for those who want a stable long-distance racer with a more traditional feeling midsole material.
GRADING
Matt
Fit: B- (Slightly wider fit, loose heel, quick toe box taper and risk for blisters if you do not lace lock the shoe.)
Performance: B (Firmer and rockered ride provide solid transition once the shoe breaks in. Best for longer efforts for those that land farther back)
Stability: A- (A naturally stable shoe thanks to the wide base, aggressive rocker and outsole flare once the shoe breaks in.)
DPT/Footwear Science: B (Good natural stability designed into the shoe with wider base and guidance line. Plate seems to flex in the wrong place initially, but once it breaks in greats a great transition for heel strikers)
Personal: C (This has been an okay workout workhorse, but is not something I would ever race in or choose over other options. Once they break in the ride keeps getting better, but not as responsive as I would like)
Overall: B (Best for those who want a long-distance, firmer, naturally stable and rockered ride)
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FURTHER READING
Find more super shoes at our Carbon Fiber Resource Page.
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Matthew Klein, PT DPT OCS FAAOMPT
Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients for running evaluations.
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