Brooks Hyperion Max Shoe Review
Updated January 25, 2023
Inject Versatile Speed Into Your Training With the Brooks Hyperion Max
Likes
- Bouncy and efficient midsole compound
- Versatility for tempos or daily training
- Protective enough to handle long-distance runs
Dislikes
- Could use even more stack for a true "Max" cushioned experience
What's New
The Hyperion Max is an all-new offering from the Brooks Hyperion shoe line, utilizing technologies from both the Hyperion Elite and the Hyperion Tempo to create a lightweight performance trainer that can take on speed or just chew up mileage.
With Brook's DNA Flash foam in the midsole, the Hyperion Max promises a super foam energy return that performs well at any pace. The shoe does not feature a midsole plate like the Hyperion Elite does, but Brook's Rapid Roll technology makes it easy to pick up the pace in these trainers. Runners will be able to hit their goal pace while also enjoying a more forgiving overall ride thanks to the Max's overall less aggressive midsole configuration.
To accompany the shoe's exciting midsole, Brooks has utilized a 3D Fit Print upper that promises an enticing balance of comfort and performance, ensuring a secure hold that does not falter at high speeds and comfort that can complement a daily training run.
As for the outsole, like the rest of the shoe, the thin layer of rubber is designed to support lightweight speed with the durability to handle day-in and day-out mileage, giving the Hyperion Max all the tools it needs to be a fan favorite within the lightweight training category.
The Bottom Line
The Hyperion Max is an exciting new offering from Brooks, delivering the speed runners need to dominate tempo runs while offering the versatility to attack most training runs. Falling somewhere between the Hyperion Elite and Hyperion Tempo, the Max is stationed firmly within the lightweight training category, but it also has what it takes to make any run an exciting one.
The Hyperion Max's DNA Flash foam midsole is the main attraction and the source of this shoe's exciting energy return and surprising versatility. We have seen this supercritical compound utilized in a few different Brooks models with varying results to this point, and the combination in the Hyperion Max is excellent, delivering a delightful balance of responsiveness and protection. Brooks has also built the midsole with their Rapid Roll technology, which helps make transitions at faster paces feel effortless while also helping produce a smooth roll at slower speeds. Tempo runs and speed intervals are the Hyperion Max's specialty, but it can also serve as a daily trainer, long-run companion, or race-day hero thanks to its less aggressive midsole.
The midsole is not the only highlight of the Hyperion Max, as the woven upper and 3D Fit Print is lightweight with a snug performance fit that is very comfortable on foot. Finished with a durable rubber outsole that is dependably grippy, Hyperion Max will be perfect for training runs, especially ones that require a poppy midsole.
Despite the shoe's "Max" name, it is not a true max stack shoe by more modern standards, and our tester noted his desire for a higher stack height to deliver heightened protection underfoot. That said, do not judge this book by its cover, as this shoe could be precisely what you need to max out your training runs. Likened to the Saucony Endorphin Speed and ASICS Novablast, the Hyperion Max is quickly making a name for itself.
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Connor: "The upper is snug, secure, and lightweight, making it the perfect option for some faster efforts while still having enough structure to remain comfortable over long distances. The design is a little more structured compared to a true racer, but it is by no means overbuilt.
The Hyperion Max's upper offers a performance fit but provides a little more volume compared to the competition, which makes it a suitable option for wider-footed runners who cannot quite squeeze into some of the more aggressively designed super shoes."
Midsole
Connor: "The Hyperion Max features an ample amount of DNA Flash foam, and while there are plenty of other super shoes with higher stack heights, the Max has plenty of cushioning underfoot to take runners the distance. The Hyperion Max also has the bouncy pop that's necessary when you want to pick up the pace.
The shoe's underfoot sensation is similar to its Brooks racing relative, the Brooks Hyperion Elite, but I found that the Max is even more versatile thanks to the absence of the embedded plate. This allows runners to feel the DNA Flash foam underfoot and makes the midsole less aggressive, which in my opinion, makes the Hyperion Max even better suited for a wider variety of training runs."
Outsole
Connor: "For uptempo workouts and distance races on the roads and track, the Hyperion Max has an excellent outsole layout. The rubber is relatively thin, which helps keep weight down while also being thick enough to handle a high amount of mileage.
Brooks placed rubber in the high-wear areas, giving runners that little extra bite needed to confidently take on corners without sacrificing any speed. I have no complaints about the Hyperion Max's outsole, as it held up well after being put through a mix of faster runs and steady efforts."
Comparable Shoes
Connor: "The Brooks Hyperion Max falls in that middle area where it is not a pure marathon racer but still offers the super foam benefits and stack height to be a highly efficient speed machine over distance.
I would put the Hyperion Max in a similar category as the Altra Vanish Tempo and the Skechers Razor Excess. All three shoes have a responsive midsole foam, plenty of protective foam underfoot, and very lightweight designs. They are all fast and efficient shoes with a midsole pop that makes the ride fun at any pace. I should note that the Vanish Tempo does not have an embedded midsole plate, and the Skechers Razor Excess has a carbon-infused forefoot plate.
Another shoe I consider comparable is the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3. Though the Speed has a full-length plate embedded in its PWRRUN PB super foam midsole, I feel as though runners who enjoy the versatility of the Speed 3 will also be drawn to the Hyperion Max."
Brooks Men's Hyperion Max
The Brooks Hyperion Max is a lightweight yet highly cushioned up-tempo running shoe that is ideal for faster training efforts.
Brooks Women's Hyperion Max
The Brooks Hyperion Max is a lightweight yet highly cushioned up-tempo running shoe that is ideal for faster training efforts.
Individual Thoughts
ConnorOverall Score: 7.5/10
The Hyperion Max is an interesting amalgamation of the Brooks Hyperion Elite and Hyperion Tempo, combining the responsiveness of the Elite with the versatility of the Tempo. Though the Hyperion Max is outfitted with a solid chunk of DNA Flash foam, these days, when I think of max cushioned shoes, I think of shoes with stacks closer to the max World Athletics limit of 40 mm, like the New Balance More v4 or the Nike Alphafly super-racer. While I typically have the mindset that the more stack, the better, I found myself enjoying the Hyperion Max, despite not having the stack height of more modern max stack performance shoes.
I have completed many different races and workouts while wearing the more aggressive Hyperion Elite and found that the Hyperion Max offered a very similar feel. The main difference was the Max's lack of an embedded carbon plate, which ultimately contributed to its more versatile ride and feel. It maintains enough stiffness to feel stable even with the low-durometer DNA Flash foam, and it felt great underfoot at nearly every pace I put it through.
The DNA Flash foam is pretty lively, which made it easy to pick up the pace during tempo sessions. Also, the high midsole stack height combined with the midsole's rockered geometry delivered a smooth and protective feel that gave me the confidence to sprinkle in some daily training runs while testing the Hyperion Max. The Hyperion Max is a tempo shoe, as well as a capable racing option, especially for those who need a slightly more forgiving underfoot experience.
From a fit standpoint, the Hyperion Max is slightly snug with a more adaptive overall feel to accommodate more foot shapes, and I had no issues with hot spots or rubbing. Overall, the Brooks Hyperion Max was a fun shoe to test. It was a versatile training companion that was excellent for my faster workouts, and I highly recommend giving it a try if you are looking for a less aggressive uptempo shoe for beginner to intermediate-level racing and speed days.
