The Hyperion Max 3 continues Brooks move to the future with their latest max stack super trainer. DNA Gold takes its place in a dual foam midsole set up. Meanwhile, the midsole rises even higher into the sky on a shoe which promises to be your long run companion. The previous version was comfortable and pleasant but lacked any real pop due to the more dated foam. Has the move towards modernity made the Hyperion Max 3 a must have or is it still failing to reach the heights?
Upper and Fit of the Brooks Hyperion Max 3
What works for me
One of the standout aspects of the Brooks Hyperion Max 3 for me is definitely the fit and lockdown. The knit upper provides a snug, secure hold that locks the foot in place without feeling too restrictive or tight. The thick, stretchy, semi-gusseted tongue wraps the midfoot, providing structure during quick runs and sharp turns. There’s no slippage or unwanted movement, and the toe box offers just enough space to stay comfortable without losing lockdown. The shoe strikes a smart balance between comfort and structure, making it one of the best-fitting shoes I’ve worn this year.
What doesn’t work for me
While the fit is great, there are simply too many materials used in the upper, making the shoe feel warm and clunky at times. The upper includes some thinner mesh panels. They do help a bit with breathability, but the overall bulk is noticeable during longer runs. Especially some generous padding in the heel cup and that super thick, stretchy tongue that tends to bunch up. This gives the shoe an overbuilt feel that doesn’t quite match the otherwise efficient ride. For a performance-oriented trainer, I would have preferred a more minimal and breathable design to reduce weight and improve ventilation. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it definitely holds the shoe back from reaching its full potential. To be honest, the last iteration had almost everything I wanted. However, its more minimal upper probably wouldn’t support this more built-up midsole platform.
Midsole and Ride of the Brooks Hyperion Max 3
What works for me
On paper, the Hyperion Max 3 seems too bulky for my high-cadence, midfoot stride due to increased stack height, weight, and width. Surprisingly, it performs really well despite these factors. It excels for me on short to medium daily runs at varied paces. The inclusion of DNA Gold on top of the DNA Flash v2 foam adds welcome responsiveness. Making each step feel snappy and efficient.
The ride balances softness and firmness perfectly, providing plenty of protection thanks to the stack height and midsole stiffness. Enhanced by the Speedvault plate, sandwiched between the dual-foam setup, along with the smoothing effect of so-called RapidRoll Technology. Despite its weight, the shoe responds surprisingly well during short tempo bursts. This version is also much more stable than its predecessor, which I really appreciate.
What doesn’t work for me
It’s not my top choice for long runs because the overall heft becomes noticeable and tires me over time. I don’t find the rocker ideal for my relatively flat midfoot stride and wish it were more pronounced. Aside from that, it’s hard to find anything I dislike about how the shoe rides.
Outsole of the Brooks Hyperion Max 3
Grip and Traction
The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 features a thick, grippy rubber outsole that should hold up well over time. However, I noticed early wear on some exposed foam areas after just a few runs. Only time will tell if this becomes a long-term issue.
Durability
Apart from the early wear on exposed outsole areas, I expect durability to be good, as with most Brooks shoes. The materials seem fairly stout overall.
Conclusion
Value for Money
The price feels fair for a shoe offering this level of comfort, cushioning, and versatile performance.
Fitting it into a shoe rotation
I believe the Brooks Hyperion Max 3 is designed as an uptempo daily trainer for various paces, including long runs. On my longest runs, it feels slightly cumbersome but excels as a versatile daily trainer. The ride is smooth and protective, making easy to moderate runs more enjoyable and less monotonous. It’s a great tool to keep motivation high and prepare well for key weekly sessions.
Final Verdict
The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 is comfortable, protective, and efficient. Although its heft limits its full potential, it remains a joy to wear. In fact, it’s one of this year’s standout shoes and a strong contender for my daily trainer of the year.
Comparisons Against Similar Shoes
Brooks Hyperion Max 3 vs Brooks Hyperion Max 2 by Ivan
While I enjoyed the fit and ride of the previous version, this new model is a great upgrade. It’s less agile and light on foot but offers much more cushioning, stability, and energy return. This makes it a more versatile option overall.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3 vs Brooks Glycerin Max by Ivan
I know the use cases differ, but the Hyperion Max 3 offers plenty of protection without feeling as bulky as the Glycerin Max. Its fit is more streamlined, and the ride feels snappy and responsive in comparison, without sacrificing stability or cushioning. However, if you prefer a very soft ride, the Glycerin Max is probably a better fit for you.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3 vs Brooks Ghost Max 2 by Ivan
The Ghost Max 2 is a reliable workhorse but not very inspiring, to be honest. It doesn’t offer the same fun and versatility as the Hyperion Max 3. Cushioning in the Ghost Max feels more dampening, while the Hyperion Max 3 delivers a more energetic and responsive ride.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3 vs Mizuno Neo Vista by Ivan
Both target similar use cases and share some upper and midsole design features. Choose the Hyperion Max 3 for a more stable, springy ride, and the Neo Vista if you prefer a very soft, squishy feel.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3 vs ASICS Magic Speed 4 by Ivan
Again, same target but different feel. The Magic Speed 4 has a more traditional upper but offers less lockdown. Both perform well for their purpose, though I find the Magic Speed 4 slightly less forgiving and its ride somewhat duller in comparison.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3 vs adidas Boston 13 by Ivan
The Boston feels more agile and aggressive underfoot but lacks the cushioning and stack height of the much higher-profile Hyperion Max 3. While the Boston works well as an uptempo daily trainer, it doesn’t match the versatility of the Hyperion Max 3, which excels at handling easy and moderate paces more comfortably.
Other Opinions
Andy’s Take on the Hyperion Max 3
Overall, I agree with most of Ivan’s takes on the Hyperion Elite 3. That said, my initial runs in it were a real learning curve. Despite the overall size of the shoe, I genuinely felt that it had lost a lot of volume in the upper. My feet felt crushed inside and it took a few runs of fiddling with lacing to really get the fit dialled in for me. This was not helped by the absurdly short laces which Brooks seems to have decided to put on the Hyperion Max 3. I usually run with a double knot to avoid any untying. There is barely enough lace to achieve this. If you need to tie a runner’s loop, good luck!
Initial battles aside, I have really come to enjoy the Hyperion Max 3. Like Ivan, I have found it a really enjoyable ride with a couple of quirks. For my very forefoot strike, I find that the midsole really rolls me towards my big toe on each foot. This has not caused me any pain or discomfort, just an odd feeling at first. Unlike Ivan, I quite enjoy this for longer runs. Whilst I haven’t pushed the pace on any kind of marathon workout long runs, I have found that the foam and midsole geometry make the longer runs drift by. These have also allowed the protective nature of the shoes to shine. My legs have felt fresh and good to go after a longer effort in these.
The more I run in the Hyperion Max, the more I enjoy it. It has become a staple in my rotation over the past few weeks. The comfort has increased in both midsole and upper as they have broken in more. The ride is still a little more unconventional than the previous iteration but it is very enjoyable!
