Brooks Hyperion Elite Review: Lightweight Carbon-Plated Racing Shoe for Speed and PRs
GEAR & SHOE REVIEWS
If you’re chasing a new personal best—or just love feeling fast underfoot—the Brooks Hyperion Elite is a racing shoe designed to make your legs feel lighter and your stride snappier. I got my hands on this shoe almost a year ago, and after months of testing, it’s finally time to share my full thoughts.
Model & Purpose
The Hyperion Elite is Brooks’ latest entry in the carbon-plated racing shoe category, built for runners aiming to chase PRs from 5K to marathon distances. Brooks markets it as a shoe to “run faster with less effort,” but like all racing shoes, how you use it makes all the difference.
This is a unisex shoe, so pay attention to sizing. The drop is 8 mm, standard for modern racing shoes, offering a good balance between responsiveness and protection. The support level is neutral, making it a strong option for runners seeking a lightweight, performance-focused ride.
From my experience, this shoe is phenomenal for speed workouts, intervals, and shorter races. However, for full marathons, I found it a bit stiff and not as forgiving over long mileage. It’s not that it can’t be used for a marathon, but for slower paces, the foam is less cushioned than I personally like when your feet start to feel fatigued past 12–13 miles.
Specs at a Glance
Weight: 7.8 oz (men’s size 9)
Drop: 8 mm
Support: Neutral
Upper: Lightweight knitted fabric with suede-like tongue
Foam: DNA Flash V2 (nitrogen-infused)
Plate: Full carbon Speed Vault with size-specific cutouts
Price: $250
Upper & Fit
The Hyperion Elite’s upper is impressively lightweight and breathable, more reminiscent of a racing spike than a traditional marathon shoe. The knitted fabric offers a touch of stretch, locking your foot in without feeling restrictive.
The heel is minimalist but supportive, with two padded zones and a subtle pull tab, keeping your foot secure without causing blisters. The nubbed laces stay tied perfectly, and the glued-in insole keeps everything streamlined. I often run barefoot in my shoes, and with the Hyperion Elite, I experienced no hotspots or rubbing, even during aggressive speed sessions.
The upper and heel combo makes this shoe feel snug yet comfortable, so your foot feels locked in for tempo runs and intervals.
Midsole & Carbon Plate
The midsole features Brooks’ DNA Flash V2 foam, nitrogen-infused for extra spring. It’s a bit stiffer than other carbon-foam hybrids, making it ideal for short, fast efforts rather than marathon-long cushioning. This stiffness translates to a super responsive ride on the flats and during acceleration.
The full-length carbon Speed Vault plate has clever cutouts and size-specific thickness, giving taller, heavier runners slightly more support. This proportional design ensures that propulsion and stability are consistent, no matter your size.
Ride & Performance
On the first step, the Hyperion Elite feels stiff but responsive. For slower runs, it can feel a little unforgiving, but the moment you pick up the pace—think tempo runs, intervals, or 5K race efforts—it really shines. The shoe encourages fast turnover and feels springy, making you want to push harder with every stride.
For me personally, I wouldn’t use this shoe for a full marathon because the foam is too firm for the prolonged impact at slower paces. My usual marathon shoes, like the Alphafly, are softer and more cushioned, helping me manage foot fatigue after 12–13 miles.
That said, for speed workouts, tempo runs, or 5K races, the Hyperion Elite has been phenomenal. Every session feels precise, fast, and responsive, making it a great addition to any runner’s speedwork rotation. I’ve logged months of workouts in these, and even after 9–10 months, the shoe still has minimal wear, which speaks to its durability.
Comparison to Other Racing Shoes
When compared to other carbon-plated shoes, like the Nike Alphafly 3, the Hyperion Elite is slightly heavier by a few grams, but the difference is barely noticeable. Both share an 8 mm drop and full carbon plate, yet the Hyperion Elite’s stiffer foam makes it feel more responsive for speed sessions, while the Alphafly is more forgiving for longer runs.
The Hyperion Elite also visually looks fast, with sleek lines and an illusion blue/orange color that’s exciting to wear. It feels motivating underfoot and gives you the confidence to push the pace.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Ultra-lightweight and breathable upper
Responsive carbon-plated propulsion for short, fast efforts
Secure heel lock with padded zones
Durable outsole, perfect for long-term speedwork use
Sleek, aesthetically fast design
Cons:
High price point ($250)
Stiffer ride not ideal for slower marathon paces
Less cushioned than marathon-focused carbon shoes
Bottom Line
The Brooks Hyperion Elite is a dedicated speed shoe designed for runners who want a responsive, lightweight, and visually sharp racing tool. It excels in intervals, tempo runs, and 5K races, but may not provide the comfort or cushioning needed for full marathon distances at slower paces.
If you’re looking to rotate shoes for speedwork or short races, the Hyperion Elite is a perfect addition. For longer distances, stick with something more forgiving, but if your goal is to feel fast and springy underfoot, this shoe delivers in spades.