The Brooks Hyperion Max is a cheaper, more durable training version of the Hyperion Elite super racer. It’s designed for any uptempo run or workout. There are some significant updates in the latest version of the Hyperion Max. This comparison will tell you which version is better for you.
Verdict
The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 is a good speed trainer best suited to uptempo runs. It doesn’t have a bouncy ride due to its EVA midsole but it has a durable outsole and upper comfort which is second to none.
Version 2 has a new Pebax plate in its midsole as well as a more polished upper. It also has a thicker midsole but weighs significantly more.
The Brooks Hyperion Max is a lightweight trainer that can handle many different types of up-tempo runs. While the shoe felt great during many tempo and long runs, it never felt fast enough for those speed workouts. This shoe is a great option if you’re wanting a shoe that has a little more stack height for those faster days but it doesn’t necessarily make you feel like you’re flying.
Recommended for
Speedwork
Racing, speedwork, daily training, long distance racing
Cushioning type
Balanced
Responsive/balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Medium cushioning
Stability
very stable
some stability
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$180
US$169.95
The Hyperion Max has a midsole made from DNA Flash which is a nitrogen infused EVA foam. It has a medium-firm ride best suited to fast-paced runs. The Hyperion Max 2 has the newer DNA Flash v2 midsole which is also made from nitrogen infused EVA but it has more energy return than the first version. It also has a medium-firm ride which is best suited to fast-paced runs.
The biggest difference between these two versions is that the Hyperion Max 2 has a Pebax plate in its midsole.
This makes its forefoot stiffer and makes it feel snappier. The result is a faster ride and one that is more similar to the Hyperion Elite than the original Hyperion Max.
The Hyperion Max has no plate in its midsole and this translates to a more natural ride because its forefoot flexes. It has a fast ride but is easier on the calves and Achilles due to the more flexible midsole.
The Hyperion Max 2 has a thicker midsole with more cushioning. It has more long-distance comfort and it is better suited to long runs than the Hyperion Max.
The other big difference is the weights: the Hyperion Max 2 weighs a lot more than the Hyperion Max. This is due to the extra stack height, the Pebax plate and the extra padding in the upper.
When it comes to stability, the Hyperion Max 2 is the more stable of the two versions. It has side rails which guide the foot and help keep it centred. It also has the plate which adds structure and stability to the midsole.
The Hyperion Max 2 has a really comfortable upper which is soft and fits well. It has a gusseted tongue so there’s no tongue slide and it feels very premium. Breathability is average but it has excellent foot lockdown.
The Hyperion Max also has a comfortable upper but it doesn’t feel as premium as v2. The mesh feels thinner and there’s also less padding around the collar so it feels cooler than v2.
Both trainers fit true to size and have roomy, accommodating fits. Version 2 has a more spacious upper than version 1. They are both suitable for wide feet.
If you want a faster shoe which feels more similar to the Hyperion Elite, the Hyperion Max 2 is the shoe you should buy. It has a plate which makes it feel more snappy and helps you to pick up the pace. The Hyperion Max 2 also has a thicker midsole for more cushioning so it’s a better long run shoe. It has a more stable ride and a more comfortable upper but it costs more and it weighs more than the Hyperion Max.
If you want a plateless shoe which has a more natural ride, the Hyperion Max is the shoe you should buy. It has a flexible forefoot which puts less stress on your calves and Achilles so it has a relaxed ride. It weighs a lot less than the Hyperion Max 2 and it has more ground feel due to its thinner midsole.
