Brooks Hyperion: Keep the Flat AliveThis is Part Two of our Hyperion series review. To read part one on the Hyperion GTS, visit Page One here.
By Andrea Myers and Bach Pham
Not long ago, shoes were exactly like the Hyperion. A racing/training flat that kept you grounded, felt extra light on foot, and aimed to help you turn over as fast and smooth as possible. The 2020s have all but made these kind of shoes extinct. However, a handful of companies and shoes like the Hyperion are keeping the tradition alive. A follow-up to the Hyperion Tempo, the Brooks Hyperion embraces more of its faster roots, shedding some of the Tempo's versatility in favor of speed.
Brooks HyperionPrice: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 7.6oz, 215.5g (men's size 9), 6.8oz, 192.8g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 28mm/20mm
Drop: 8mm
Classification: Neutral Performance Trainer/Racer
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
Bach: Brooks has become unique in being one of the few
companies that continue to provide a wealth of low-to-moderate stack
options in today's high stacked market. The Hyperion is the performance
training offering for the brand, providing a lightweight, nimble shoe that can do a little bit of everything. It's also non-plated, keeping the racing flat tradition alive for those who prefer a non-super shoe, neutral option.
Andrea: The Brooks Hyperion replaces the Hyperion Tempo as Brooks' speed day and non-plated racing shoe. I am a big fan of the Hyperion Tempo for intervals from mile pace to marathon pace, so I was quite happy when the new Hyperion arrived at my doorstep. Interestingly, the new Hyperion is 0.3 oz heavier than the Hyperion Tempo, but this difference was not at all noticeable on foot. The new Hyperion feels like a slightly more structured racing flat, with more longitudinal bending stiffness and a more structured upper as compared to a traditional sub 6 oz racing shoe. It is definitely for shorter, faster runs, but I have been able to use it comfortably for multiple 10 mile workouts, including warmup and cooldown. I would not choose to use it for a purely easy run, but those who like to use lower stack, neutral shoes for easy miles may enjoy it for that purpose.
SIMILAR SHOES: Altra Escalante Racer (feels similar in stack height and ground feel), Adidas Boston 8
PAST MODEL: Brooks Hyperion Tempo
FIT
Bach: The Hyperion is true to size for my men's 9.5. The shoe has a decent amount of volume around the toe box and a snug mid-to-rearfoot fit for me, and feels best for standard sized feet. Due to the narrow midfoot, I'm not sure I would recommend the shoe for wider feet, especially if stability is an issue for the runner. The upper initially is a bit stiff over the midfoot, but breaks in after a run or two. I did feel the need to lace lock the shoe for maximizing stability, as the platform doesn't quite keep you very centered on the platform underfoot. There is a very thin tongue which I had no issues with and laces that are simple and efficient. There is a rigid heel counter that goes halfway up the heel with a flexible top-half. I would say the fit was fairly secure, comfortable and breathable with the narrow platform being the only concern for my particular mechanics.
Andrea: The Brooks Hyperion fits true to size in my usual women's 9.5. While I normally wear a men's 8 in the Hyperion Tempo and Hyperion Max for the additional toe box width, I found the women's Hyperion to be wider in the toe box as compared to the men's Hyperion Tempo, and similar in width to the men's Hyperion Max. The fit in the midfoot and rearfoot is normal, and I found the overall fit to be very similar to the Hyperion Max. The tongue and laces are nearly identical to the Hyperion Max, with the tongue being thin, minimally padded, and gusseted; with a lace loop to additionally help hold the tongue in place. I did not experience any tongue slippage in the Hyperion. Thankfully, Brooks got rid of the stretchy laces they used in the Hyperion Tempo and replaced them with the flat laces of the Hyperion Max. I was able to lace up and go, without stopping multiple times to adjust the lace tension, as I often had to do in the Tempo. The heel counter is semi-rigid in the lower half and flexible in the upper half, with a mildly padded heel collar. The overall fit is secure and I experienced no heel slippage, even at faster paces.
PERFORMANCE
Bach: I love a lightweight, lower-to-the-ground non-plated trainer. The Hyperion does a good job of picking up the pace and holding you rhythm. The transition is decently fast and turns over really nicely. I was able to run hills, plow through streets, and do what I wanted relatively well. The shoe feels best when your on your toes and pushing the shoe through a workout. The shoe is a bit stiffer than you might expect for a non-plated trainer, reminding me of the Brooks Revel model. This will come down to preference for some if you prefer a stiffer option vs. a more flexible shoe. Because of my stability needs, I do prefer a stiffer platform for uptempo running as flexibility can be hard for my flat arch, so in that respect the Hyperion fits the bill for me. There is a limit to the speed for me though. I felt a steady uptempo pace was fine - somewhere around my 10k pace at most - but I didn't feel comfortable pushing the shoe as fast as I could due to the instability of the midfoot. At slower paces, the Hyperion is okay and can do it, but there are certainly better shoes for easy days.
I will say the shaping of the shoe reminds me greatly of the Adidas Boston 8, both in ground feel and general design. It's not quite as versatile as the Boston 8 - the Hyperion feels best for short to moderate (30-60 min) workouts for me and some daily training - but I could see those who enjoyed the Boston 8 find some elements of the Hyperion they'll enjoy greatly.
The outsole is mildly tacky and does a fine job of gripping the road. I took it on wet surfaces during testing and had no issues. It is a bit of a smoother rubber though and I wouldn't want to take it on wet grass or anything too crazy if I can help it. I expect an average amount of miles out of the shoe just being a bit more minimal than most trainers now.
Andrea: I really enjoyed testing the Brooks Hyperion in several workouts, which included intervals at lactate threshold and 10k pace. Like the Hyperion Tempo and Max, the Hyperion does not feel like its stated 8mm drop for me as a midfoot striker, which is likely due to the small heel bevel in all three of the shoes. I never noticed the heel getting in the way at initial contact and for me, the shoe feels more like a 4-6mm drop shoe. The stack height of the Hyperion, at 28mm/20mm, is slightly lower than the Tempo (31mm/23mm), and provides ground feel similar to a road racing flat. We have had a lot of rain over the past few weeks here in CT, which has washed a lot of rocks into the road. I could definitely feel every little rock I landed on in the Hyperion, while I have been able to run on dirt/gravel roads in the Tempo without any issues. The increased ground feel and perceived decreased protection from the road would keep me from using the shoe on longer marathon pace runs, while I have used the Hyperion Tempo for multiple 40-60 minute marathon pace intervals without any issues.
The Hyperion has a somewhat stiffer forefoot as compared to the Tempo, which I found to work well with my interval paces. It is possible I might find the forefoot too stiff for faster paces, and may prefer the more flexible Hyperion Tempo or the Topo Cyclone 2 for mile pace or below. Two of my workouts were on wet roads, and I had no traction issues thanks to the extensive rubber outsole coverage. I have 30 miles on my pair and there is almost no visible wear on the shoes, including the small portion of the midfoot and rearfoot that has exposed midsole. I would expect to get better than average durability from these shoes, and am looking forward to testing them further over the coming months.
STABILITY
Bach: The Hyperion is one of the most neutral trainers I've tried in 2023. There is absolutely no stability implements in the Hyperion that would set it apart from any shoe available today. The medial side is particularly narrow at the midfoot and it was difficult for me to stay centered. I have one leg that is more neutral and one that is far less stable, and my unstable leg had a hard time spilling out medially on the run from the time to time, causing my flat arch discomfort. Some runs were better than others, depending on how well I could stay on the platform.
I would absolutely advise the Hyperion GTS for anyone with even mild stability to full stability needs over the Hyperion. The GuideRails there do a good job of keeping your foot on the platform and very centered when pushing the pace, whereas the lack of any kind of sidewalls or anything here is an issue. If you have no stability needs though, the regular Hyperion is definitely the choice of what is available in the Brooks lineup. It's the lightest and most responsive of the options if you really want that traditional flat.
Andrea: The Brooks Hyperion is a neutral shoe without any traditional means of stability. Runners with stability needs may do well with the Hyperion GTS. The Hyperion is a shoe that lets you use your mechanics, so those who need even mild guidance may find the Hyperion too neutral. The Hyperion has a mild heel bevel and forefoot rocker, but I did not find either to be particularly noticeable when running. I do like that Brooks used a slightly wider platform for this Hyperion as compared to the Tempo, which made this one of the most comfortable low stack performance trainers I have tested. It certainly does not have the toe box width of the Altra Escalante Racer, but it was wide enough for me that it felt like my foot was perfectly settled in the shoe and I could transition as I wished, without the geometry forcing motion. The excellent fit of the upper and lace lockdown help stabilize the foot in the shoe, but again there are no motion controlling or guiding elements in the Hyperion.
Thoughts as a DPT: Hyperion vs Hyperion Tempo
By Andrea Myers
The Brooks Hyperion replaces the Hyperion Tempo as Brooks' lightweight performance trainer. As a big fan of the Hyperion Tempo, I have noticed some significant differences between the two shoes, including fit, performance, and stability. I am happy to have the Hyperion in my performance trainer lineup, but definitely still find myself reaching for the Hyperion Tempo for longer efforts or when my feet need a little more protection from the pavement. Here are the major differences that I found between the two shoes:
Fit: I tend to find Brooks' women's shoe too narrow in the toe box, so I bought a men's size 8 in the Hyperion Tempo, which I found to have just enough room for my MTPs without causing any irritation or blisters. Brooks sent me a women's 9.5 in the Hyperion, and I was initially concerned that it would be too narrow in the toe box. I was pleased to find that the women's Hyperion was actually wider and higher volume in the toe box as compared to my men's Hyperion Tempo. The mesh in the Hyperion also feels stiffer and more structured than the Tempo, which I felt contributed to better lockdown and foot stability. The stiff, flat laces of the Hyperion are a major improvement on the stretchy laces of the Hyperion Tempo, which tend to loosen over the course of a run. Overall, the fit of the new Hyperion is a great improvement over the fit of the Hyperion Tempo.
Performance: For me, the ideal training pace for the Hyperion is around threshold pace. This makes it less versatile for me as compared to the Hyperion Tempo, which I have comfortably used for intervals ranging from mile pace to longer marathon pace tempos. The lower stack height, particularly in the forefoot, makes the shoe less protective and forgiving for longer workouts. I also found the forefoot of the Hyperion stiffer as compared to the Hyperion Tempo. For me, this limits its performance at paces faster than 5k, as I tend to prefer a shoe with a more flexible forefoot at faster paces. I think the combination of the lower stack and the stiffer forefoot are what make the Hyperion a less forgiving shoe for me. While I enjoyed using the Hyperion for several workouts with intervals at 10k-threshold pace, I definitely prefer the versatility and greater protection of the Hyperion Tempo.
Stability: Both shoes are truly neutral shoes with no traditional stability elements. Both have a small heel bevel and forefoot rocker, but neither are particularly noticeable while running. The Hyperion has a better fitting upper as compared to the Tempo, thanks to the improved laces and stiffer and more structured upper material. Both shoes allow you to use your mechanics to run, as opposed to the shoe forcing motion in a particular direction. I would not recommend either shoe to runners with significant stability needs, but you may do well in the Hyperion GTS, which has medial and lateral guide rails (but no medial post).
RECOMMENDATIONS
Bach: Knowing that the Hyperion GTS exists, I wouldn't make any radical changes from a stability standpoint besides adding a touch of width to the midfoot. I would like to see the Hyperion get far more aggressive though and become a true racing flat option for Brooks by shaving weight in all areas and finding a way to add a bit more flexibility into the shoe as well. If this is going to be a neutral, fast trainer I think it needs to really lean in in every way possible.
Andrea: For me, the Brooks Hyperion is a great fit update to the Hyperion Tempo, but the lower stack and increased forefoot stiffness have made it a slightly less versatile shoe for me as compared to the Tempo, limiting its use to shorter workouts. It is also a little heavy to be considered a racing shoe, especially when other shoes with similar stack heights come in under 6 oz. The Hyperion Max is actually .1 oz lighter than the Hyperion, which makes no sense based on their stated purposes, but is likely due to the more extensive rubber on the outsole of the Hyperion. Brooks is trying to clarify their Hyperion line, but for the Hyperion to truly be their lightweight, low stack trainer/racer, it actually needs to be the lightest shoe in their lineup. I would love to see version 2 have the same fit and upper design as v1, but with a lighter midsole and outsole that performs more like the Tempo.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
Bach: Brooks fans who have loved the Hyperion Tempo may be a little less excited due to the more limited zones that the new Hyperion sits, but it does offer a very traditional flat experience that runners who have grown tired of the max cushion movement will still enjoy. This is going to be a good pairing with ironically a max cushion trainer that can log those everyday and recovery miles while the Hyperion pounds out workouts. The price tag is excellent as well at $140, offering one of the faster options in the market for a low price point that will be friendly for those looking for a neutral racing shoe. For people who just want a fun 5-10k shoe and you don't care about going all out on a super shoe and just want something that will let you get a little faster than your regular everyday trainer, certainly worth a visit if you have no stability issues.
Andrea: The Brooks Hyperion is a lower stack, neutral performance trainer that replaces the Hyperion Tempo in Brooks' lineup. It is a great option for runners looking for a more traditional performance trainer that provides plenty of ground feel and minimal guidance. While I found the fit more comfortable than the Tempo, thanks to the wider toe box and improved laces, I found the versatility of the Hyperion to be reduced as compared to the Tempo. If I were choosing between the older Tempo and the new $140 Hyperion, I would go with the Tempo for value (on sale for $100) and versatility (I've used the Tempo for distances up to 16 miles and paces from hill sprints to extended marathon pace). While I will definitely continue using the Hyperion for mid paced workouts, I will definitely find myself reaching for my Tempos when my feet need a little more protection or I want a more flexible forefoot.
GRADING
Bach
Fit: B (Upper fit over foot is good, but narrow platform is limiting)
Performance: B (Lacks versatility, but good at touching on faster workouts)
Stability: C- (No stable elements)
DPT/Footwear Science: B- (Principally love that it exists, but could use a more explosive midsole and lighter weight)
Personal: C (Just doesn't work for me despite moments where I did enjoy the ride, but GTS model makes up for it)
Overall: B-
Andrea
Fit: A (Excellent improvement in toe box width, particularly for a performance shoe. Laces a big improvement on the stretchy Tempo laces.)
Performance: B+ (Performs best for me around LT pace, but would prefer a little more underfoot protection for longer workouts and a more flexible forefoot for faster workouts. Heavy for a low stack performance trainer.)
Stability (neutral): C (Does not have any motion control or true guidance features. Heel bevel and forefoot rocker are not noticeable in terms of ride.)
DPT/Footwear Science: B (While this is marketed as a lightweight performance trainer, it weighs slightly more than the Hyperion Max while having lower stack. Its weight is comparable to many other higher stack daily trainers. Weight needs to be improved for this to truly be considered a lightweight performance trainer/potential non-plated racer.)
Personal: B/B+ (I enjoyed every workout I did in this shoe, but its use is limited by its low stack and stiffer forefoot. I do appreciate the improvement in toe box width, allowing me to wear a women's Brooks instead of a men's for the width.)
Overall: B/B+
SHOP | SUPPORT DORBrooks HyperionPrice: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
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