Brooks Hyperion 2 Review
By David Salas and Andrea Myers
Brooks Hyperion 2Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 7.1oz, 201g (men's size 9), 6.1oz, 173g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 34mm/26mm
Drop: 8mm
Shoe Purpose: Lightweight Trainer, Performance Trainer
Pros: Lightweight, good traction, decent foam, accommodating upper (Andrea)
Cons: Upper will be too snug for some, lower volume throughout (David), upper holds water/sweat in high heat/humidity (Andrea)
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Brooks Hyperion 2 is a lightweight training shoe geared for versatility. The shoe has a very competitive weight and a geometry that leans towards running fast. The shoe works alright for daily mileage, though really shines when the pace picks up. The Hyperion 2 changes things up with DNA Flash v2 which greatly lightens the ride and adds a bit more responsiveness to the package. At $140, it is a great deal for a lightweight, flexible forefoot workout trainer - something that's become more and more rare in today's running shoe market.
SIMILAR SHOES: Topo Cyclone 2, Adidas Adios 8, Brooks Hyperion Max 1
PAST MODEL: Hyperion 1
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
David: The Brooks Hyperion 2 fits true to size in my Men's 9.5. The shoe does fit snug throughout and has a classic performance fit to it. The upper is pretty streamlined and does not have any wasted material. The mesh upper has good breathability and decent comfort to it. The tongue is thin and padded enough to lock the laces down without irritation. The tongue does come off a little wide to me though, and I do get a creasing point on the lateral side on the dorsum of my foot. It does not create any irritation, though it is noticeable and can be a little annoying. The width is normal through the heel and midfoot, with a slightly wide forefoot. The low volume may make it feel a little more narrow than it is. There is a semi rigid heel counter that has mild padding. I did not have any excessive rubbing or translation in that region. The low volume and dimensions are locked in and I had no issues with any translation or slippage anywhere. The volume might be a tad low for me to want to use for longer efforts, though for workouts and as a training companion I do like the option.
David's Typical Size: Men's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit David well: Nike Vomero 17, Saucony Ride 16, Puma Velocity Nitro 3
Shoes that have fit snug: HOKA Arahi 7
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon Aero Glide
Andrea: The Brooks Hyperion 2 fits true to size in my usual women's 9.5. I liked the upper of Hyperion 1, but the new mesh upper of v2 is a significant upgrade over v1. There is ample volume in the toe box and enough width that I did not experience any discomfort at my 1st or 5th MTP. The soft mesh material contributes to the comfort of the toe box by eliminating any potential irritation points. I did not notice the large Brooks overlay over the medial aspect of the shoe or the small Brooks logo over the lateral toes. The midfoot fit slightly wide and I did find myself tightening the laces over the midfoot before starting my intervals to ensure a secure fit. The thin, gusseted tongue integrates nicely with the upper and stays securely in place. The mild padding of the tongue is sufficient to protect the dorsum of the foot from the laces. I like the new serrated laces, which stayed securely tied every run. The rearfoot is normal width and has a small rigid heel counter in the lower 1/3 of the heel and a flexible counter in the upper 2/3. There is a small amount of padding internally and I like the comfortable and secure hold of the rearfoot. Like the upper of the Hyperion Max 2, I found the upper of the Hyperion 2 to be one of the best I've tested this year. I have no complaints about the fit or feel of the shoe.
Andrea's Typical Size: Women's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit Andrea well: New Balance Beacon v3, Brooks Hyperion Max, Topo Cyclone 2, Nike Vaporfly 3, Altra Via Olympus 2
Shoes that have fit snug: Saucony Kinvara 14 (length and toe box width), Altra FWD Experience (length and width), Hoka Cielo Road (toe box width), Saucony Endorphin Speed and Pro 1-3 (length)
Shoes that have fit large: Adidas Boston 12 (length), Adidas Adios 8 (length)
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Average
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Average
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Yes
How Flexible is the Shoe: Moderate
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Average, Above Average for Light Steppers
PERFORMANCE
David: The Brooks Hyperion 2 was a pleasant surprise for me. The shoe seemed to improve upon the previous model in a few ways. I felt the geometry was faster through the rearfoot, thanks to the larger heel bevel. The forefoot was rounded just enough to give you a rolling sensation forward, but still allow you to push into the platform and have a natural feeling toe off. The stack height, though unpublished, does feel lower than some other shoes. The nitrogen infused DNA Flash foam does have a structured bounce to it that feels pretty nice when the pace picks up. Being at 7.1 ounces, this shoe has a very competitive weight as a training companion. I felt that turning over in this shoe was easy and I could attack faster efforts in it. The shoe does okay with daily mileage, though I think I prefer it best as a workout shoe. There is no plate though, just enough cushioning and flexibility to give appeal for track work and tempo runs. The outsole traction is also good, and I had no issues with grip on any surfaces I have run in yet. The upper locks down really well (maybe too well for some), and I had no issues with connectivity to the platform. For those looking to have a short distance racing budget shoe, this could have some appeal as well. The Brooks Hyperion 2 works really for me as a workout shoe.
Andrea: As many readers of this website know, the Brooks Hyperion Max 1 is my favorite do-it-all shoe, from mile pace intervals to long runs. 2024 has brought the Hyperion 2 and Hyperion Max 2, and I feel that Brooks has taken all of the things that Hyperion Max 1 was good at and split them across the two shoes. Hyperion Max 2 is now an ideal easy run/long run/marathon pace shoe and Hyperion 2 has taken over the role of a lightweight performance trainer. I have done many workouts in Hyperion 2, both on the track and pavement, at paces ranging from 800m race pace to half marathon pace. It has performed equally well at all paces and has become a truly dependable workout shoe that I know will be comfortable and perform at whatever pace I throw at it. Like the Hyperion Max 1, it is also comfortable for easy paces and I had no issues using it for warmups and cooldown. Due to its relatively muted rocker geometry, it is a shoe that allows me to use my mechanics, rather than the many aggressively rolling and rockered shoes that are on the market today.
Due to the relatively small heel bevel and 8mm drop, I was somewhat aware of the heel, but only at slower paces (half marathon pace and slower). The DNA Flash v2 foam does feel a little more responsive as compared to v1, which is in Hyperion Max 1 and Hyperion 1. Brooks claims DNA Flash v2 is 10% more responsive and I would agree with that based on my test runs. The forefoot is moderately flexible and I felt like the forefoot flexed where I wanted it to, depending on the pace I was running. The outsole rubber in the forefoot has multiple cutouts, which may provide better forefoot flexibility based on individual mechanics. The mesh upper provides excellent lockdown, even on the track and when cornering. The rubber outsole provides good traction and I had no issues on wet roads. I have 30 miles on my pair and there is almost no visible wear on the outsole, even on the sections of exposed midsole.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
David: The Brooks Hyperion 2 is a neutral shoe, but has decent stability for one. The shoe has a lower stack height to it, and a foam that is not overly compliant. This gives you a grounded sensation from the get go. The outsole traction is good and increases the ground connectivity. The upper locks down really well and does give good security with use. I had no issues with translation or turning in this model. The shoe has some gentle sole flaring, though nothing major there. The width of the platform is normal. The shoe is definitely neutral, but has some elements that make this feel decently stable on foot.
Andrea: The Brooks Hyperion 2 is a neutral performance trainer with milder rocker geometry. The well fitting upper provides the most stability in the shoe by providing exceptional lockdown, even on the track or on tight turns. While the relatively low stack height provides increased ground feel, the well done rubber outsole provides some structure to an otherwise low profile shoe. This will be a great shoe for those who do not do well with significant forefoot rockers or heel bevels, or anyone looking for a shoe without significant guidance features.
Thoughts as a DPT: Flexible Designs
By David Salas
The Brooks Hyperion 2 falls into a category that does not have that many shoes anymore. Some may call it more of a minimalist shoe, though I don't think that would be fair categorization. The shoe has moderate stack height by today's standards, but does share some minimalist elements. The shoe has a flatter geometry and a more flexible forefoot than many of the rockered shoes we are seeing on the market. This gives a very natural transitioniong feel to the shoe. With these kinds of shoes, there are some considerations the runners must have.
In order to run, we do have to have decent range of motion through our legs. As we land onto the ground, most people will strike at their heel in a phase that is called initial contact and loading response. As you transition onto the main base of your foot you will be in the midstance phase, and ultimately terminal stance as your heel lifts and you transition into the forefoot to push off. Throughout those phases, your hips and knees are also moving through decently large ranges as well.
I am a big fan of these types of shoes for speedwork, because of the natural feeling of the stride pattern that it comes with. Just keep in mind the larger ranges of motion the joints are going through. This is why your calves may be a little more sore running in a shoe like this, versus a stiffer rockered platform. Flexible designs tend to place more demand through the ankle joint, while the rockered designs shift the load focus more towards the knees and hips.
RECOMMENDATIONS
David: The Brooks Hyperion 2 performed well for its purposes. I think one thing I would like to see is for the shoe to work on the tongue a tad. I did have some creasing along the lateral dorsum of my foot. I am not sure if it was the product of the lower volume of the shoe, or the tongue directly, but it did give a folding sensation that was a little annoying at first.
Andrea: I have really enjoyed testing the Brooks Hyperion 2 and it has quickly become one of my favorite performance trainers. I think the only thing that would make the shoe better for me is if the heel bevel was increase slightly (to be more like Hyperion Max 1), but otherwise this is an extremely well designed shoe that has a well fitting, comfortable upper and performs exceptionally well for a large range of workout paces.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
David: The Brooks Hyperion 2 is a lightweight training shoe for someone that is looking to have a workout shoe without a massive rocker. Those that like lower profile designs in general will also have some appeal with the Hyperion 2. The volume of the shoe is on the lower end, so you must be ok with a bit more of a snug fit throughout. For me, this works great as a track shoe and workout shoe.
Andrea: The Brooks Hyperion 2 is a great update on Hyperion 1 and is more like a less rockered version of Hyperion Max 1. It is lower stack, neutral performance trainer that is a nice speed partner to the Hyperion Max 2, which I find better at marathon pace to easy pace. The updated DNA Flash v2 midsole feels more responsive and is lighter than its predecessor and I expect to get many miles out of this shoe, as I have in my multiple pairs of Hyperion Max 1. At $140, it is a great value for a shoe that could be a do-it-all performance trainer for those who prefer a lower stack, less rockered shoe. I am really happy with the updates Brooks has made to the Hyperion line this year and I will definitely will be updating 100+ mile reviews on both shoes.
GRADES
David
Fit: B+ (Great lockdown, but volume might make too snug for some, the tongue does fold through the midfoot and creases some)
Performance: A- (Decently responsive ride, very competitive weight, good traction and usage for workouts. I do wish it was a tad more comfortable for longer mileage, but a solid training companion.)
Stability: A- (Good traction, great lockdown and foot security, mild sole flaring, normal width platform)
Value: B+/A- (Good for workouts, feels durable, if you like the lower profile design for daily training definitely worth the value.)
Personal: B+ (I enjoy the ride and usage for workouts, though since that's the main appeal for me I really only lace them up for those efforts)
Overall Design: B+/A-
Andrea
Fit: A+ (Like the Hyperion Max 2, one of the best fitting uppers of the year. No complaints.)
Performance: A (An excellent lightweight performance trainer that can handle warmup, cooldown, and any paces in between. Lower rocker profile and lower stack contribute to a more natural ride with increased ground feel.)
Stability: [neutral] B (a neutral shoe that gets most of its stability from the well fitting upper.)
Value: A ($140 in 2024 is a great value for a shoe this versatile and with such a great fit)
Personal: A (Fulfills the speedwork role that Hyperion Max 1 had for me. One of the best neutral performance trainers on the market.)
Overall Design: A
SHOP | SUPPORT DORBrooks Hyperion 2Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
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FURTHER READING
The iconic training line adds new Enerzy Next in the heel.
The stability version of the Hyperion.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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