Typically, the second version of a running shoe is as mundane as completing TPS Reports. There are rarely any significant updates from the first edition. Companies feel compelled to release an update every year, because…money, whether or not they’re actually ready to update the shoe. That’s why it’s usually just a worthless modification to the outsole, or a slight change to the upper. But not with the second version of the Hyperion Max. Find out why it’s quite the opposite, in this Brooks Hyperion Max 2 review.
Intro
The introduction of the original Hyperion Max was a big leap forward for Brooks, a company that continues to step up their game in the innovation department after some years of complacency. Of course, Brooks isn’t alone; every shoe company goes through stagnation at points. When you’re around for more than 100 years, it’s bound to happen. Saucony, New Balance, and ASICS weren’t exactly considered exciting not too long ago, and now look at their shoe lineups!
There are three significant changes to the second version that greatly improve the running experience: a new foam, more stack height, and the addition of a plate. That last one may either annoy or please you, depending on your opinion of the ubiquity of plated shoes. This time, it’s a Pebax plate, not a carbon fiber plate, like in Brooks super trainer, the Hyperion Elite.
Pebax is a lightweight plastic polymer that’s the same material used in PEBA foams found in most race day super shoes. Pebax plates are lighter than carbon plates. HOKA’s Mach X also has a Pebax plate, but I refuse to acknowledge that shoe because it’s not made in my size. Damnit, I just acknowledged it, didn’t I? Ok, just forget that I acknowledged the HOKA Mach X. And forget that I acknowledged it again right there.
So, what’s it like to run in the pair? Find out, in this Brooks Hyperion Max 2 review.
Brooks Hyperion Max 2 Review
Weight: (U.S.) Men: 9.1 oz (258 g) | Women: 8.3 oz (235.3 g)
Stack Height: 36/30 mm (6 mm drop)
Price: $180
Midsole
The midsole foam upgrades to the nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH v2, which is softer, lighter and more responsive than v1. And there’s a lot more of the improved foam! Brooks increased the stack height, adding 4 more millimeters of foam in the heel and 6 millimeters in the forefoot, changing from an 8 mm to a 6 mm drop. The Hyperion Max 2 is, literally, bigger and better than its predecessor, and now the shoe more accurately fits its “Max” name. The extra stack height helps offset the firmness of the ride better than in the lower stacked first version.
Ride
Because, this is not a soft ride, by any stretch. It’s stiffer and a bit unforgiving at slower paces, but this shoe isn’t meant for easy days, or even daily training. And it’s not my go-to long run shoe. The longest run I did in the pair was 15 miles, and while it served me well, by the last several miles, I was wanting a softer, more forgiving pair that I don’t need to keep up the pace in.
Like Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights, this shoe wants to go fast, it’s meant for speed work or as a budget race day shoe, an alternative to carbon plated shoes. Although, its higher weight might hold it back from serving as a true race day shoe; more on that later.
Brooks describes the Hyperion Max 2 as “Fast and protective for training at top speed.” Picking up the pace is when this shoe really shines and when you reap the benefits of the SpeedVault Plate. Brooks claims this plate delivers a 10% more responsive ride, compared to the first version.
At slower paces, it really didn’t feel like there was a plate in this shoe. Rest easy, the SpeedVault plate is visible from the outsole, if you’re the untrusting type. The plate adds stability and a propulsive toe-off. Additionally, Brooks’ RapidRoll rocker propels you forward from landing to toe off for a quicker turnover.
I typically prefer a softer shoe, but the addition of the plate paired with the rocker, and increased foam are enough to offset it.
Upper
Up top, there’s a new engineered mesh upper that’s lightweight and very comfy. There are plenty of holes in this upper for increased breathability. A thin, knit gusseted tongue that’s stretchy and fits well, does a good job of keeping my feet secure on the run. Another quality upper from Brooks.
Weight
The Hyperion Max 2 gained a significant amount of weight from the first edition, coming in at around a whopping 1.5 ounces heavier! It’s never good when a shoe gains weight, especially before beach season. And this shoe was released at the height of the summer. Nobody ever wore a pair of shoes and thought, “Man, this is a great shoe, I just wish it was heavier. I wish the upper had more material and the outsole had even more rubber to weigh me down on the run.”
Look, I’m not judging, but actually, I kind of am. The highest weight gain you’ll typically see in an update is around an ounce, and even that is egregious. Fortunately, the first edition was feather-light at 7.5 ounces, so v2 isn’t too weighty at 9.1 ounces for a men’s size 9. The good news, the shoe still feels light and airy enough, thanks to its breathable upper and responsive ride.
Appearance
This is, objectively, one of the best-looking Brooks shoes, to date. Whoa, not to go on a date with— that’d be weird. I meant, it’s one of the best-looking Brooks shoes ever. Although, don’t get me wrong, I could totally see me taking this pair out to dinner and drinks, the movies, for an ice cream cone, mini-golfing, on sunset walks, you name it! In fact, I’d be honored to be seen out in public with this shoe—not on my arm, but rather, on my feet. It’s that attractive.
The Illusion/Coral/Black colorway stylishly pairs a combo of red, orange, and yellow, with white and grey. It’s an eye-catching colorway that’s only amplified by the sleek design of the shoe.
Price
$180 ain’t cheap. Thank you, Captain Obvious! With that kind of insight, you’ll be promoted to, let’s check Google here. Ok, you’ll be promoted to the rank of “major” in no time! Unless you’re in the Navy, then you’d be promoted to Rear Admiral because apparently there is no major rank in the Navy. Oh, and there’s also no major rank in the Coast Guard, either. As you can see, I’m not too familiar with military ranks, however I am very well versed in the dominion of the little understood maritime law. Like Michael Bluth, I studied maritime law in law school.
As Captain Obvious was saying, or, should we now call him Major Obvious? As Captain/Major Obvious was saying, $180 is a hefty sum of money. With all the updates, Brooks decided to raise the price $10 from the shoe’s first iteration. Yet, I think it should’ve stayed at $170, the same price point as Saucony’s Endorphin Speed which has a nylon plate.
If you’re looking for a similar experience to the Saucony Endorphin Speed, look elsewhere. Those who criticize the Endorphin Speed for being too soft or squishy, should love the Hyperion Max 2 as an alternative. Personally, I’d choose the Endorphin Speed because it’s a bit more versatile, especially at slower paces, but that’s not a knock on Brooks’s super trainer. The Endorphin Speed is widely agreed to be one of the top shoes ever made.
Conclusion
Oh, wait. I just realized I forgot to talk about the outsole. Does anyone care about any shoe’s outsole? No? Good. Me neither. Besides, you can always count on Brooks for durable pairs that can go the distance.
With the exception of the significant weight gain, the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 is a big upgrade from the first edition in nearly every category. The additions of the plate, RapidRoll Rocker, and shift to DNA FLASH v2 midsole foam, position the shoe firmly in the tempo shoe category, as a sold option for those faster training days. But if you’re looking for a daily trainer that can also conquer easy days and long runs, Brooks has other versatile options you may want to consider instead, like the Ghost Max, or even the new Glycerin Max.
It’s exciting to see Brooks continue to transform their lineup, and the Hyperion Max 2 is another step forward for the Hyperion line and for Brooks.
The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 is available for purchase on Brooks’ website.
Brooks graciously provided this shoe to me for wear testing. I was not compensated for this Brooks Hyperion Max 2 review and they did not get an opportunity to see this Brooks Hyperion Max 2 review before I published this Brooks Hyperion Max 2 review. Did I mention this was a Brooks Hyperion Max 2 review?
