The Hyperion Max 2 has had a growth spurt. Thicker and softer than before, how does Brooks' max cushioned up tempo shoe fare in this growing sector?
Brooks Hyperion Max 2 Introduction:
Big Gains
Andy: Brooks’ Hyperion Max 2 is a very chunky shoe. The newest version of the Hyperion Max adds more foam to the midsole to create a cushioned ride for faster training. The midsole combines Brooks’ nitrogen injected DNA Flash v2 Foam with a SPEEDVAULT plate. This ensures that propulsion is the name of the game. This iteration has gained 4mm in the heel and 6mm in the forefoot. During the transition it has lost 2mm from its drop.
A protective shoe made for speed work and faster, longer sessions, the Hyperion Max 2 is an acquired taste. In our group test, we have differing opinions on how it works. Read on to see who you agree with the most.
Specs:
Stack height: 36mm heel to 30mm toe
Drop: 6mm
Weight: 256g | 9oz
MSRP: $180 | €170
Brooks Hyperion Max 2 Upper:
Superb
Andy: I think that this is the one thing which all the testers have agreed upon in our chats about the Hyperion Max 2. The upper is excellent. A lightweight, breathable mesh and an excellent lockdown instantly noticeable. Brooks may not always float my boat when it comes to midsoles, however, they know how to make an excellent upper.
For a speed day shoe, it is rather generously padded around the ankle and heel area. Whilst perhaps not quite as plush as the Glycerin 21, it certainly isn’t a million miles away. The heel extends upwards to offer some pull tab assistance. However, it is soft enough to not offer any irritation to the achilles while on the run.
On the other hand, the tongue is a rather less padded affair. Stretchy and half gusseted; it helps to wrap the foot and keep things held firm when the pace increases. Despite its relative waif-like appearance, it does the job well. The toothed laces do not cause any discomfort when cranked down to achieve maximum lockdown.
Breathability wise, I have no complaints about the upper. Despite the abundance of padding around the heel, it has not caused me any undue sweating. This is true even when the paces have increased in Europe’s rather warm summer.
The only issue I had with the upper was on the first run, I felt a rather sharp pain on the outside of my left foot. I was about to start cursing the Hyperion Max as another shoe which wants to eat my feet. However, a quick stop and check found the plastic tag which held the label onto the shoe. Once that was gone, the comfort was absolutely excellent.
Sorry Brooks, I retract all of those mean spirited things I said about the upper in the heat of the moment by the side of the road.
The Secret of Their Success
Ivan: One of the reasons behind Brooks’ success is the exceptional fit of their shoes, which cater to a wide range of runners. Brooks shoes are known for their ample padding, secure hold around the heel and midfoot, and a bit more space up front. The Hyperion Max 2 is no exception. However, its mesh upper features a design I haven’t seen from Brooks before. The engineered mesh feels densely woven with a slight stretch. Thus providing a snug yet comfortable fit that accommodates various foot shapes.
The fit is snug with a bit of give in all the right places. It offers a sock-like quality that doesn’t require overly tight lacing for a secure lockdown. Initially, I feared it might run warm during the summer months, but that has not been the case. As Andy mentioned, the padding around the heel collar is generous, especially for an ‘uptempo’ shoe. However, this contributes to the overall heft and added weight compared to its predecessor, which featured one of the thinnest and lightest uppers on the market. The added structure in the upper is necessary to balance the increased midsole stack. It also helps to compensate for the more durable materials used throughout.
The Hyperion Max 2 runs true to size. Therefore, it makes it hard to imagine any scenario where sizing up or down would be necessary.
Top Class
Maisie: I agree with both Andy and Ivan’s views, and they have covered off the upper perfectly. It really does fit like a glove. The Hyperion Max 2 is an incredibly comfortable shoe which is nice and roomy in the toe box. I was pleasantly surprised by the tongue; I usually prefer a slightly more padded tongue. As Andy notes, there is not much to it. I approached my first run feeling slightly sceptical about the comfort of the tongue, but Brooks proved me wrong. No complaints here! Furthermore, I agree with Andy, it really does the job well. It feels snug, comfortable but by no way restrictive.
I was equally apprehensive about the firm high heel tab, as I am prone to discomfort around the achilles and ankle. Again my concerns were redundant, the generous padding around the heel and ankle meant that it was a comfortable and secure ride.
Overall, a top class upper and fit from Brooks. True to size, snug yet comfortable and no rogue bits of plastic tag in mine! I am sure Andy will be thoroughly checking for this in the future!
Midsole:
Firm But Fair
Andy: Here is where opinions will start to diverge slightly. When I think of a max cushion shoe, my mind flicks to the Invincible, Skyward X or Balos from New Balance. Deep, super soft cushion and plenty of squish. However, when I put my feet in the Hyperion Max 2, the feel is greatly different. The platform is rather firmer than expected. Even after about 70km, it hasn’t shown much sign of softening up.
This is where personal taste really comes into play. Perhaps it was my expectations of the shoe. Maybe it is my preferences. But on hard, concrete, Belgian roads, I was not a huge fan of the feel of the DNA Flash v2. Whilst it offered a good level of cushion, I didn’t feel that it gave me a great deal of energy return. Whilst I appreciate that some will like the firmer bed to push off and enjoy the inherent stability, it is not my preference for a fast road shoe.
On track, where the surface is softer and adds more bounce, the roll, toe off and platform are much more enjoyable. I have found that, much like the Hyperion Elite 4, it makes an excellent shoe for short, sharp reps at top end speeds.
That said, it is not only a fast shoe. Whilst I may not be picking it for every workout, it is a very comfortable and easy rolling shoe for longer runs. Here, the protective element of the cushioning really comes into play. The RapidRoll rocker really helps move the foot through its transitions and the miles flow by easily. I find it far more of an effective companion for these longer runs than my speedy sessions.
Overall, if you are looking for a very protective shoe with a firmer cushion base which can take you through your miles and can turn it up when needed, this is a good place to start.
The Hyperion Max 2 Is A Different Beast
Ivan: I likely have a different perspective and set of expectations than Andy. Having run a fit bit in the first iteration, I never considered it a max-cushion shoe despite the ‘Max’ in its name. That shoe was light, nimble, and flexible, and while the standard Hyperion was even lighter, I always thought of it as a more traditional uptempo daily trainer catering to runners who are light on their feet.
The Brooks Hyperion Max 2, while still in the uptempo category, is a completely different shoe. It’s significantly heavier, with a thick midsole and added plastic plate that create a much stiffer experience. While I sometimes experienced foot fatigue in its predecessor, the increased stack height and stiffness now provide a more protective ride. It’s not soft and squishy, but it has enough cushioning for long runs without feeling any bottoming out, at least for lighter runners like myself. Heavier runners might have a different experience, but the dense compound offers a reassuringly protective yet efficient feel, almost like a rubber ball, providing a direct and springy ride.
Another advantage of the denser midsole compound, along with the structured heel counter and raised sidewalls, is the inherent stability. It might be among the most stable uptempo trainers, which is especially appreciated on longer runs.
I believe the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 offers different benefits for different runners and isn’t solely suited as a tempo shoe. For some, it could be a great race day option, especially for recreational runners who don’t mind the tradeoff between added weight and a more structured fit and stable ride. For others, it might be a fine choice for typical daily training if they prefer a firmer option over many of the softer ones available nowadays. It’s probably a bit too stiff for recovery runs for most runners, but apart from that, it offers great versatility depending on individual needs and preferences.
Fun Firmness
Maisie: I think I sit somewhere between Andy and Ivan’s preferences therefore I can relate to both their views and experiences. Being transparent, I have limited experience running in Brooks. Unlike Ivan, I haven’t run in its predecessor. Therefore, I am unable to make such comparisons. But overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this shoe.
To the naked eye I thought the midsole looked soft and squishy, but as Ivan describes this is certainly not the case. As someone who generally prefers a more stable shoe, I enjoyed feel of the DNA Flash v2. Overall, I think this makes it a more versatile shoe and the cushioning means that the shoe fairs well over longer runs with speed pickups.
It is a fast shoe and does adapt well into the higher speeds. However, I do agree with Andy in that there does seem to be a loss of energy return somewhere. Consequently, this is where I may sound contradictory, but bear with me! As I pushed to higher speeds, I could feel the shoe lacking propulsion and could almost feel the energy loss into the ground. Could this be stiffness caused by SpeedVault plate? I am unsure. But for me the shoe lacks that final finesse in terms of propulsion for a shoe that Brooks have coined as one being designed for training ‘at top speed’.
As both Andy and Ivan allude to, the experience of the ride of the shoe is really influenced by personal preference. I feel that the Hyperion Max 2 is better suited if you prefer a firmer more stable ride. This suits me well, but of course may not for others.
Brooks Hyperion Max 2 Outsole:
No Complaints
Andy: The rubber on the Hyperion Max 2 does its job well. A horseshoe configuration around the forefoot and a pad on either side of the heel protect the DNA Flash v2 foam. During my testing I have used the Hyperion Max 2 on everything from drenched roads to sand covered paths and it has never let me down. Cornering at speed has also been no cause for concern. Durability is as you would expect from Brooks, my version are showing no wear over and the exposed foam is only suffering from discolouration from road muck.
Generous and Durable
Ivan: The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 comes with a generous amount of rubber coverage, significantly enhancing its durability, which should be among the best in this category. However, this rubber also adds considerable weight, making the shoe fairly heavy for an uptempo/race day shoe, though much more acceptable for a daily trainer. So far, traction has been excellent, but I still need to test it in more challenging conditions before giving my final verdict. While it’s definitely not a trail shoe, the thick rubber is reassuring for durability on gravel or dirt roads, where the dense midsole also helps create a pleasant and balanced ride.
Maisie: Having tested these shoes across roads and gravel paths my experience of the outsole has also been positive and I have had no issues with traction. We are having an uncharacteristically warm period in the UK currently, so I am yet to try these shoes in wet conditions (probably a sentence I won’t ever repeat again!). So in line with Ivan I will hold back my final views until I have tried these in more varied weather conditions and surfaces.
Brooks Hyperion Max 2 Conclusion:
Not For My Fast Days
Andy: I am a little torn on my conclusion for the Hyperion Max 2. It is definitely an incredibly comfortable shoe. Furthermore, it does protect the legs very well over the long run with the dampening feel of the DNA Flash v2 foam. The roll through the footstrike is smooth and clean which allows for easy distance. It is undoubtedly a very good shoe. One which many runners will find a great addition to their rotation. However, for me personally, it just lacks that little sprinkle of magic which I am looking for when I’m trying to go fast. I will continue to use it for the many long runs I have coming up in preparation for my next marathon. However, it won’t be there for my fastest runs.
Many Roads To Rome
Ivan: Many roads lead to Rome. Overall, I agree with Andy’s conclusion, even though I arrived at it differently. While most will agree that the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 looks great and fits very well, opinions will likely be divided on the midsole and ride. Some will appreciate the firmer yet still dampening, stable, and efficient qualities of this midsole setup. Others may miss the softness and bounce they are accustomed to. Personally, I enjoy it as an uptempo option on fresh legs but find it a bit too stiff for easy runs. The challenge is that when my legs are finally feeling strong and “ready”, I often opt for lighter and more explosive models to do some high quality workouts. However, for those occasional steady uptempo runs on both roads and light trails, the Hyperion Max 2 is certainly a fine option.
Firm, Stable and Comfortable
Maisie: In line with Andy and Ivan, it is hard to come to a solid conclusion with the Brooks Hyperion Max 2. I enjoy the firmness, stability, comfort and I concur with Andy, on balance it is a very good shoe. However, it lacks the final finesse for me as a speed shoe. I think it is well suited to longer runs with speed pickups. As an ‘all-rounder’ it would suit some people well. But when faced with a speedier run on my training plan, I would also be reaching for something more explosive and dynamic over the Hyperion Max 2.
Ivan
48 years old
180cm (5’9″) – 63kg (138lbs)
Midfoot striker – Cadence runner
Mild pronator
Maisie
33 years old
155cm (5”1) – 50kg (110lbs)
Midfoot striker
Mild pronator
@maisie.runs
