Details
Brand
Brooks
Heel To Toe Drop
10 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Lightweight
Key Features
• Lightweight outlay for fast racing speeds• Propulsion pods on the outsole propel the foot forward during toe-off• Adaptable cushioning to provide needed support.• Breathable and stretchable upper• Fits true to size for the majority of runners• Flex grooves accept normal foot motions
Upper
The upper of Hyperion is made from a perforated, woven, stretch material that is very comfortable and breathable. The seamless design allows the runner to wear this shoe sockless. The inner lining against the skin is very soft and smooth and should prevent any kind of irritation, but some runners did complain of chafing along the top of one’s foot. This was often due to the upper not being laced tight enough. A thin sockliner adds a just a bit more cushioning to the shoe and is flexible enough to move with the runner’s foot. A wide and silky feeling tongue protects the foot from the lacing system. The material in the inner heel is the same silky fabric.;One downside of the very lightweight and perforated upper is that it does not repel water. Rainy runs will result in wet feet. There is also little protection from cold and wind.
Midsole
This midsole of this Hyperion uses Brooks’ incredibly light BioMoGo DNA froth that provides adequate cushioning and adapts to runner’s stride. The harder the runner hits the ground, the more the shoe cushions the foot. This unique cushioning adds very little weight to the shoe. Outsoles flex groove also adds to the flexibility of the midsole. The grooves allow the midsole to follow the motion of the foot when running, allowing for a natural stride. A midfoot transition zone eases the foot from heel to its toe throughout the running stride. The shoe’s sockliner is glued down to enhance the responsiveness. If needed, the sockliner can be pried out to make room for a custom insole.
Outsole
The Brooks Hyperion outsole is constructed with a blown rubber that ensures the shoe is durable and flexible. On the forefoot of its outsole, rows of hard rubber traction pods that are square allow for excellent grip on hard surfaces. The pods also offer some spring at every toe-off. Flexible grooves divide up the rubber squares and make the shoe very flexible. A stack height of 23mm in the heel and 13mm in the forefoot give just enough cushioning and ground feel.
Breathability
The upper material of the Hyperion is different from most racing flats. It is more like the material you would find in the Brooks clothing line. The thread count is very high which is great for durability, but not so great for breathability. To compensate for this, Brooks added an array of holes in the toe box and inner side of the shoe. The holes do allow great ventilation, but the high thread count of the material adds a crumple zone to the toe area. The holes also allow dust and fine debris to enter the shoe.
Comfort
The goal of the Hyperion is to be a lightweight racing shoe with a fit like a sock. Some runners felt this had been accomplished. Other runners complained of chaffing in the upper region if the shoe is not laced fairly tight. The heel cup is rather stiff and another spot for chafing and blisters if the shoe is not tight. Runners familiar with lightweight shoes designed for fast speeds know that chafing can be an issue and extra attention is required when lacing up. Toebox crumpling was also an issue for some due to the light and flexible upper.;Most runners reported the Hyperion ran true to size and there was no reason to size up or down. Inadequate arch support was only a problem for a few wearers.
Style
The Hyperion has a very minimalist look and proudly displays the Brooks name and logo. Although Brooks shoes usually have several color options, this is not the case with the Hyperion. The men’s model comes in a color combination of nightlife (bright yellow), black, and white. The women’s Hyperion can be purchased in imperial purple, blue jewel, and nightlife or peacoat, navy blue, and cockatoo. Unlike the Brooks Asteria, which has only one rather obnoxious color option, the color choices for the Hyperion are a bit more pleasing.
Durability
The Hyperion is a fairly durable shoe considering its light weight. The high thread count of its upper material makes it tougher than standard, mesh material. The square traction on the outsole pods is fairly thin, but runners can expect to get around 300 miles out of the shoe until there is noticeable treadwear. The flexibility of the midsole adds durability and cushioning to this shoe. Heavy runners pointed that the square pods in the area of the forefoot and toe area wore a little faster than expected, while the shoe was equally responsive and comfortable. The shoe is designed to be a racing flat which typically wears out faster than shoes with heavier outsoles.
Protection
The outsole being rubber blown is the major component of shielding the runner’s foot from the road. The upper functions well to keep the foot securely inside the shoe but don’t offer much protection from the elements. The Hyperion is a shoe meant for the road and not meant to be taken on trails. There is no toe guard, but a small section of the outsole extends over the front of the shoe to protect the toes.
Responsiveness
The Hyperion is an extremely responsive shoe because of the adaptable outline of the outsole and various notches on the forefoot which enables the shoe to curve and move with the runner’s walk. Separation runners preferred the characteristic feel and vitality come back from the thin, yet padded outsole. The midfoot move zone ingests the stun of effect and “moves” it into vitality for the runner. The blend of blown elastic and BioMoGo DNA froth padding additionally adds to the Hyperion’s responsiveness. This firm, yet responsive plan enables the runner to move through the running cycle with insignificant exertion.
Support
The Hyperion is recorded as a neutral running shoe with insignificant help. The BioMoGo DNA material keeps the foot secure and offers some help all through the runner’s walk. The tough upper likewise offers help to the foot by empowering a protected and cozy fit when bound tight. This adds to the general adjusted sentiment the shoe. A somewhat cushioned heel neckline shields the heel of the shoe from collapsing when underweight. The shoe is intended for forefoot and midfoot strikers, however, adjusts to any running style.;Runners who require a more steady shoe might need to look at the Brooks Asteria which is a stable racer.
Terrain
The Hyperion is a racer on the road and made for smooth surfaces.The shoe is intended for hard arrivals and high vitality push-offs. Joined materials in the padded sole and outsole enable the shoe to move with the foot and give a decent grasp out and about. The square units on the outsole have aggressive footing, however, are not implied for trails. The upper material is not waterproof and wet runs will bring about wet feet. Most runners who utilize this shoe don’t wear socks. Wet socks can prompt rankles and foot disturbance.
Price
The Hyperion retails for $130, making it an average priced racer. Shoes in the lightweight category with equal flexibility and cushioning sell for about the same price. Because the shoe runs true to size, you’re probably safe shopping online where bargains can always be found.
Drop
The heel area to the toe drop of the Hyperion is 10mm which is a standard running shoe drop. Runners who prefer lower drop shoes may have some issues with the height of this shoe, although 10mm has been found to be a good height for both heel and forefoot strikers. Racing flats usually have a lower heel drop, but Brooks has designed this shoe to be fast and there were no complaints to the contrary.
Stability
Although lightweight and flexible, the Hyperion does offer some stability features. The thin, yet durable upper assists in keeping the foot in place throughout the run. The firmness of the padded area sole also contributes to the shoe’s solid stability. The traction pods on the outsole ensure the runner has good grip and a sturdy push-off. Some runners felt the shoe was a bit narrow in the heel but liked the solid feeling of the forefoot. They also liked the semi-curved shape of the shoe which follows the natural curvature of the foot.
Flexibility
The flexible channels dividing up the rubber squares on the outsole keeps the Hyperion very flexible. Runners stated there is very little resistance when toeing off. The upper is sewn to a cushioned insole board that sits just above the midsole. This board helps with the overall cushioning, flexibility, and responsiveness. A height of about13mm in the forefoot and 23mm in the heel helps make the shoe flexible.
Traction
Square units on the forefoot of its outsole are produced using solidified, sticky elastic and are intended to hold the street and drive the shoe forward. The heel range additionally has a solidified elastic area for street footing. The flex grooves in the outsole enable the shoe to twist and give a strong landing and toe-off from the street. There were a few reports of lost footing on wet streets. Like most racers, the outsole and footing territories are thin to save money on weight and will wear out after expanded mileage. After an underlying break-in and testing, numerous runners spare their dashing pads for imperative races and use other shoes for training and daily runs.
Bottom Line
The Brooks Hyperion is a fast, sleek racing flat that feels like part of your foot from the moment you put it on. The sock-like fit of the shoe moves with your foot and never slows you down. Hardened rubber traction pods on the outsole propel the runner forward and provide just enough ground feel. Brooks has delivered a new model that shines with speed and comfort for competitive racers. Runners give high praise for this well-engineered addition to Brooks’ line of racing shoes. Runners of all speeds (you don’t have to be a fast runner) should consider this shoe for attaining their next PR.
