The Brooks Hyperion Max 4 Has a Rapid Rocker and Snappy Nylon Plate That Make for an Invigorating Ride
- Brooks released the Hyperion Max 4, a maxed-out super trainer packed with DNA Gold foam, nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2, and a flexible nylon Speedvault plate.
- The shoe weighs more than typical super shoes but feels lighter thanks to its rocker technology.
- Its forgiving design works well for overpronators and wide-footed runners.
The “Max” rendition of Brooks’s shoes comes with expectations: how far will the brand go to create a maxed version of its shoe? Examples include the Ghost Max: a more cushioned model of the Ghost; the Glycerin Max: an...uh...even more cushioned iteration than the Ghost and Glycerin combined. And the Hyperion Max? Throw a plate in that pumped-out kick and we’re in super trainer territory, baby.
Brooks Hyperion Max 4
Pros
- Flexible nylon plate
- Dual midsole with a PEBA layer
- Wide fit
- Secure fit with knit flat tongue
Cons
- Slightly narrow toebox
- Feels slightly denser than Hyperion Max 3
| Best for | Fast workouts, Training runs, Long runs |
| Cushioning | Max |
| Weight | 10.1 oz (M), 8.8 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Stack Height | 45 mm |
This is why I’m loving Brooks’s latest release, the Hyperion Max 4. The plated, high-stack, balls-to-the-wall fun shoe is basically “let’s inject everything we can into a trainer and see what happens.” And it runs great.
A Stacked—But Forgiving—Trainer
This maxed-out version of the Hyperion—a personal favorite Brooks shoe of mine—has a layer of PEBA DNA Gold and nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2 foams with a nylon Speedvault plate, which you can see exposed on the bottom of the shoe. The more flexible nylon plate benefits smaller runners who may not have enough power running on a rigid carbon plate.
Weighs More, Feels Light
At 10.1 ounces, men’s size 9, and 8.8 ounces, women’s 8, the Hyperion Max 4 is heavier than a super shoe. However, you don’t drag your feet because of the high-energy return delivered by running on super foams. RapidRoll tech, Brooks’s rocker geometry, also encourages faster turnover by promoting smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
Another check in the plus column is that Brooks doesn’t skimp on outsole rubber. Brands sparingly add patches of outsole to high-abrasion areas on super shoes because it adds extra weight. The Hyperion Max 4 has grip and, despite its tall stack height, rides stable. The broader platform makes it a good pick for overpronators and wide-footed runners. Supinators too, because of that beefy stack. The updated, more breathable knit upper has a flat tongue and padded heel area. The result is a locked-in fit without lace bite.
Go Ahead, Race in It
Don’t come for me if you have a breakout 2:30 marathon racing in this illegal shoe and get DQ’d (World Athletics guidelines cap racing shoe stack height at 40 mm; the Hyperion Max 4 is a total stack of 45 mm). But, unless you’re an elite athlete, you have my full support.
A marathon is Hard (yes, capital H). A colleague of mine over at Men’s Health (a sibling publication of RW) had said that he’d recommend the Glycerin Max to all first-time marathoners because of its supportive cushioning. I stand with that and will throw in the Hyperion Max 4 for good measure.
The super trainer contains all the ingredients for a pleasant first 26.2. Adding fire to the flame: Cynthia Erivo raced this year’s London Marathon in the Hyperion Max 3. So go ahead, race in the Hyperion Max 4, lean into that rocker, and get that blast from DNA Gold.
Shop Men’s at brooksrunning.com | Shop Women’s at brooksrunning.com
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.