Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB Introduction
If you can’t beat them, join them. For years, Brooks resisted incorporating PEBA (polyether block amide) foam into their running shoe midsoles. While most competitors were quick to adopt PEBA technology, Brooks remained committed to their traditional, supercritical EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) midsoles.
This stubbornness resulted in Brooks lagging behind its competitors in the rapidly evolving market of high-performance racers, both in terms of technological performance and overall sales.
When I reviewed the Hyperion Elite 4 last year, it felt like more of a training shoe than a racer. It had a flat ride without much energy return. It didn’t provide a high level of speed assistance like the other flagship racers and I never used it for any races. This was especially disappointing because its upper was incredible: light, breathable and comfortable.
The Hyperion Elite 4 PB is the first Brooks running shoe to get a PEBA-based midsole. DNA Gold is advertised to be 100% PEBA. According to their stats, it’s 11% lighter and has 14% more energy return than DNA Flash v2.
The Brooks elite athletes have been using the Hyperion Elite 4 PB since the Olympic Trials last year. We all thought they were still using the EVA version of the Hyperion Elite 4. This is because without having it on your feet or in your hands, it’s impossible to tell the difference. It has exactly the same design as the Hyperion Elite 4.
The Hyperion Elite 4 PB weighs 7.2 oz (205 g) for a men’s US9. This is a substantial weight reduction of 0.6 oz (17 g) compared to the EVA version, the Hyperion Elite 4. It still has the same 40 mm/32 mm stack height and $250 price.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB First Impressions
My first run was a 33 kilometre steady-paced run. I was relieved that the Hyperion Elite 4 PB delivered the performance I expected from a high-performance racing shoe.
While the upper maintained the comfort and fit of its predecessor, the ride felt completely transformed. The midsole exhibited a lively responsiveness that made it effortless to increase my speed.
However, I didn’t perceive a pronounced forefoot rocker to promote a smoother transition and faster toe-off. Despite this, the overall feel of the shoe instilled confidence that it was suitable for racing.
The racer that it reminded me of most was the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris. Both have relatively firm rides compared to the competition but the Elite 4 PB has a slightly softer ride than the Sky Paris. Both of them don’t have prominent rockers.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB Upper
The knit upper of the Elite PB is the most breathable and well-ventilated of any running shoe on the market. The holes in the knit are phenomenally large and they extend all the way to the rear of the upper.
The tongue is semi-gusseted on one side, and it has a lace loop in the middle of the tongue, so it stays in place during runs. It has notched laces (first seen on the Nike Alphafly) that grip fantastically well.
There’s a strip of padding on the inside of the collar and heel tab to provide comfort and to ensure that your heel is locked in. It’s a remarkably comfortable upper design and I experienced no irritation during runs.
The Elite 4 PB has a true to size, snug, racing fit however, it’s designed for runners with narrow feet as it has a narrow forefoot and toe-box. Runners with wide feet might be able to get away with going up a half size.
The Elite 4 PB lacks reflective elements, a design choice that underscores its intended use for competitive racing rather than everyday training runs in low-light conditions.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB Sole Unit
The previous version didn’t feel like a $250 super shoe but the Hyperion Elite 4 PB definitely does and it feels just as fast as other flagship, long-distance racers. It no longer has a flat ride thanks to its new DNA Gold midsole foam which feels a lot more springy.
I raced a 10K in it and although it wasn’t my absolute fastest time, the shoe’s design and technology undeniably contributed to a speed boost. The Elite 4 PB’s lightweight construction, stiff carbon plate, and energy return properties all worked together to provide a good level of speed assistance. Based on this 10K race, I wouldn’t hesitate to use it again for future races.
Coming in at 7.2 oz (205 g), the Elite 4 PB is now a competitive weight. It’s more or less in the same range as the Alphafly 3, Adios Pro 4 and Endorphin Elite 2. I can definitely feel the weight difference on foot and the Elite 4 PB feels more nimble than its predecessor.
The Elite 4 PB also has a lot more long-distance comfort. The longest run I did in it was a 40 km steady effort run. It felt comfortable throughout the entire run and and I was pleasantly surprised by the minimal impact on my legs- they felt great the next day.
The Elite 4 PB is a versatile running shoe that excels at marathon pace but comfortably accommodates a range of slower speeds as well. This adaptability is due to several key features, including a stable ride, a midsole with ample cushioning, and a geometry that’s designed for comfort, without an aggressive rocker. These elements work together to provide a smooth and supportive experience for a variety of runners, from elites to mid packers.
The one thing that’s missing in the Elite 4 PB is a prominent forefoot rocker. This means that you won’t experience an intense forward-tipping sensation as you transition from midfoot to forefoot. This design noticeably affects the shoe’s performance during toe-off.
Compared to shoes like the Hoka Rocket X 2 or the Saucony Endorphin Elite, which incorporate a more pronounced forefoot rocker, the Elite 4 PB doesn’t deliver the same level of “punch”.
I was amazed with how durable the outsole and midsole of last year’s Elite 4 were. The exposed EVA foam was highly resilient and resistant to scratches or chips. This made it excellent for rigorous training as well as racing.
I can confirm that the Elite 4 PB’s outsole is not quite as tough as the Elite 4 but is still more durable than other racers like the Vaporfly 3, Cloudboom Strike, and Metaspeed Paris series. Traction is good in wet conditions as I didn’t experience any slipping issues.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB Conclusions
Brooks has finally jumped on the PEBA bandwagon and the result is a long-distance racer that can now compete with the other brands. We should be seeing a lot more Brooks racers on the starting line of marathons.
While the Hyperion Elite 4 PB is undoubtedly a competitive racing shoe, its design feels somewhat outdated. It should have been released last year instead of the Hyperion Elite 4.
Brooks has already provided a preview of the Hyperion Elite 5, and most runners will prefer to wait for this newer version, which boasts a fresh and innovative design.
If you want a complete Brooks only rotation, you can now use Brooks shoes for all your training and racing needs. Previously, Brooks had good trainers but lacked a strong presence in the racing department.
The Hyperion Elite 4 PB fills that gap and is the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle.
