While I wouldn’t call myself a runner, I am a certified personal trainer (CPT), longtime rugby player, and dedicated fitness enthusiast who has utilized many types of footwear for my athletic endeavors. Having recently tested the Reebok Nano Gym Shoes using our proprietary fitness equipment testing methodology, I was excited to get my hands on an entirely different type of shoe: the Brooks Hyperion Max.
While the Nanos can be used for running, I found they worked best for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cross-training. On the other hand, with many features we look for in the best running shoes, the Hyperion Max can serve as your daily trainers for tempo runs, speed work, or other types of running workouts.
But, does this lightweight training shoe hold its own in a crowded field of competitors that includes the highly rated Hoka Clifton 9 or similarly designed Puma Deviate Nitro or Saucony Endorphin Speed 4? In our Brooks Hyperion Max review, I’ll give a thorough breakdown of everything from the appearance and design to the stability and performance so you can decide if this well-cushioned shoe is right for you.
We’ve Put Over 20 Pairs of Running Shoes Through the Paces
The Garage Gym Reviews team includes certified personal trainers, CrossFit Level 1 trainers, certified nutrition coaches, and even an Olympian who competes in weightlifting. Although some of us enjoy resistance training more than cardiovascular exercise, we’re committed to finding the best home gym equipment and apparel. That means even casual “runners” like myself take great care in giving honest feedback about how a shoe looks, feels, and performs.
Our product testers have tied the laces on more than 20 pairs of running shoes for shoe reviews, putting each of them through our rigorous evaluation process. We score them on a scale of 1 to 5 across the following categories:
- Appearance and design
- Construction and durability
- Stability and performance
- Adjustments and comfort
- Price and value
- Customer experience
- Ordering process
- Customer reviews
Brooks Hyperion Max
Brooks Hyperion Max
Product Highlights
- Brooks neutral road running shoe designed for speed and race training
- Features DNA FLASH midsole foam to absorb impact and Rapid Roll technology for fast transitions
- 8 mostly neon colorways in men’s and women’s sizing
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Excellent cushioning
- Comfortable for walking or standing for prolonged periods
- Brooks Run Happy Guarantee: Try for 90 days and return for no cost if you are not satisfied
- Selected as one of the best running shoes of 2023 by Runner’s World
Cons
- More expensive than other running shoes
- Only available in one width
- Limited colorways compared to other Brooks shoes
- Some customers found them uncomfortably tight
Bottom Line
The Brooks Hyperion Max is a lightweight, neutral running shoe designed for daily training. The cushioning and curvature give a comfortable feel and encourage smooth, fast transitions. Unlike most Brooks shoes, however, it only comes in one width, which may make it a poor choice if you have wide feet.
A Quick Look at the Brooks Hyperion Max
A daily trainer that can also double as a racing shoe, the Hyperion Max are just one model in a deep lineup that includes the Brooks Hyperion Tempo and Hyperion Elite (a carbon-plated shoe), the Brooks Ghost line, and the Brooks Glycerin collection. The standout feature on the Hyperion Max is undoubtedly the nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH foam cushioning used in the EVA midsole, which gives great support and makes easy runs seem even easier.
In addition, these Brooks running shoes feature Rapid Roll technology—a unique curving of the heel and toe that helps make transitions ultra-smooth even at faster paces. The stack height for the men’s shoe measures 32 millimeters in the heel and 24 millimeters in the toe, resulting in a heel-to-toe drop of 8 millimeters. While the heel and midfoot should accommodate most runners, the forefoot doesn’t exactly cater to wide-footed runners, as I found the toe box to be a little cramped.
Luckily, the Hyperion Max are incredibly lightweight, with the men’s shoe weighing just 7.8 ounces and the women’s shoe tipping the scales at a mere 6.7 ounces. With a breathable upper, DNA FLASH midsole, and solid heel stack height, these Brooks shoes offer a supportive, comfortable home for your feet.
Before You Buy
- With the Hyperion Max 2 released in June 2024, the original is on sale.
- These lightweight running shoes also function well for walking or standing on your feet for long periods. However, I wouldn’t recommend them for weightlifting, as the stack height and lack of stability aren’t suited for squats, deadlifts, and similar strength training exercises.
- In addition to free shipping, Brooks offers free returns within 90 days so customers can give their shoes a thorough test run.
Are the Brooks Hyperion Max Shoes Worth It?
Although they’re listed for $170, the Hyperion Max are 35% off on Brooks’ website at the time of this writing, lowering the price to a far more palatable figure of $109.95. You can also purchase them for about $100 on Amazon. That discount makes these running shoes an attractive option if you’re looking for a lightweight daily trainer that you can use for everything from uptempo workouts to speed intervals to long-distance runs and races.
As someone with wide, flat feet, these aren’t the ideal fit. Yet despite the slightly cramped toe box, I still enjoyed a positive training experience and would recommend these running shoes for athletes and fitness enthusiasts with narrow- to medium-width feet.
Great for:
- Runners who prefer a lightweight training shoe
- Individuals who want a running shoe they can also wear for walks or one of the best shoes for standing all day
- Neutral runners who don’t overpronate
- Folks with narrow- to medium-width feet
Not recommended for:
- Individuals with wide feet, as the forefront doesn’t have much wriggle room
- Athletes who don’t want maximum cushioning
- Anyone looking for a versatile shoe for cross-training or weightlifting
Brooks Hyperion Max Specs
| Price | $170 MSRP ($109.95 on sale on website; $99.96 on sale on Amazon) |
| Size Range | Men’s 7-15, Women’s 5-12 |
| Upper | Stretch-woven knit |
| Midsole | Nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH foam |
| Outsole | Brooks Green rubber |
| Available colors | Men’s – 8, Women’s – 8 |
Workout Experience With the Brooks Hyperion Max
Make no mistake about it: I’m much more of a lifter than a runner. Yet as a certified personal trainer (CPT) who tries to lead by example, I entered the testing process with an open mind about hitting the open road. I usually work out in Nike Metcon 8’s, Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars, or more recently, the Reebok Nano Gym Shoes, so putting on a pair of cushioned running shoes definitely felt different.
Luckily, though, it didn’t take long for my feet and I to appreciate Brooks’ clever design of the Hyperion Max.
Appearance and Design
Seeking a pop of color, I contemplated several options before deciding on Black/Blazing Yellow/White. The bright yellow caught my attention on the screen and didn’t disappoint in person.
Would I wear these for a night out? Unlike the Reebok Nano Gym Shoes, these aren’t exactly meant for that “casual athletic” look. But from a training shoe standpoint, I definitely appreciate how the boldness of Blazing Yellow contrasts with the various black design elements.
Putting them on already made me feel faster simply because of the sleek look. And with seven other colorway options from which to choose—including the eye-popping red-white-and-blue combo of Cherry Tomato/Arctic Ice/Titan—there should be something for everyone. The only reason I give the Hyperion Max 4.5 out of 5 is because there aren’t as many colorway options as running shoes from other brands.
Durability and Construction
Featuring a breathable, stretch-woven knit upper and the company’s signature DNA FLASH cushioning, the Hyperion Max are quite comfortable. Considering I spend most of my time in fairly unforgiving Metcons, these Brooks shoes provided a cloud-like experience.
From a durability standpoint, it’s tough to gauge exactly how well these will hold up since I’ve only had them for less than two months. However, they seem to be made with high-quality materials that shouldn’t fray or fall apart with repeated use. How long running shoes last ranges between 300 to 500 miles—and I can guarantee it’ll take me quite a while to rack up that type of mileage.
That said, I couldn’t give the Hyperion Max a perfect score for construction since this shoe doesn’t cater to individuals with wide feet. Although the cushioning is quite responsive, the toe box is a little too narrow for someone like me, which may mean you’ll need to order a half-size up. Overall, I give this shoe a 4-out-of-5 rating for durability and construction.
Stability and Performance
As a larger athlete with flat feet, I was admittedly nervous about how I’d feel and perform in a new pair of running shoes. While it took a few training sessions to get accommodated, I ultimately enjoyed a fairly stable experience.
Most notably, the shock-absorbing midsole cushioning makes a huge difference. With other footwear, long runs would usually lead to some shin splints, some lower-back or knee discomfort. The Hyperion Max, however, has a springy response that reduces the impact on your knees and ankles, making an activity that I typically detest actually enjoyable.
I also appreciate how the curvature of both the heel and toe regions helps you transition from a jog to a sprint so seamlessly. The rocker effect is quite noticeable, especially after recently putting the Reebok Nano Gym Shoes through a few runs and cardio workouts. While the Nanos have solid cushioning and were decent for running, the curvature of the Hyperion Max provided a smoother experience even as a neutral running shoe.
My one callout, however, is that my feet seemed to slide from side to side sometimes. This may not be a big deal if you’re using them strictly for training or walking, but that lack of stability made me think twice about using them for any type of weightlifting or strength training.
Still, I’ll give the Hyperion Max a rock-solid 4-out-of-5 for stability and performance.
Adjustments and Comfort
I seriously can’t get over how lightweight the Hyperion Max are. Even after lacing them up, I almost forgot I had anything on my feet. I even found myself wearing them in non-training situations, as they’re incredibly comfortable for walking or standing for prolonged periods.
My main gripe is that Brooks only offers the Hyperion Max in medium width. With no wide size options, this shoe earns a 4-out-of-5 rating for adjustments and comfort.
Price and Value
At first glance, an MSRP of $170 seems quite steep, even for a high-quality pair of running shoes. For example, two highly rated HOKA models, the Clifton 9 ($145) and Torrent 2 ($125) are more affordable. So too are the On Cloud X, which cost $140.
Luckily, the Hyperion Max won’t take such a sizable bite out of your budget because as of publication, Brooks is running a sale for 35% off, lowering the price to about $110. Meanwhile, Amazon Prime members can purchase the Hyperion Max for 41% off (about $100).
As a non-runner, I don’t have much interest in spending over $100 on running shoes. But in terms of value, I think dedicated runners get solid bang for their buck, leading to a score of 4-out-of-5 for price and value.
Brooks Hyperion Max vs ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26
Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26
Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26
Product Highlights
- Maximum cushioning through the midsole
- Additional shock-absorbing heel support
- Plenty of traction from the rubber outsole
- Available in wide and extra wide size options
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Maximum cushioning and heel support
- Specifically designed for shock-absorption
- 18 colorways
- Available in wide and extra wide sizes
Cons
- Expensive
- Foam compresses on long runs
Bottom Line
The Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26 is designed for maximum comfort, with FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam cushioning in the midsole, and additional heel support for shock absorptions. These running shoes are great for shorter runs or recovery runs.
While they’re not exactly the same, the Brooks Hyperion Max and ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 share many similarities. Both shoes are meant for neutral road running, with the latter featuring a hybrid outsole using proprietary materials. In addition, they’re priced almost exactly the same, with the Brooks shoes costing $10 more than the ASICS.
From a design standpoint, both running shoes have an 8-millimeter heel drop. However, the GEL-NIMBUS 26 is 3 ounces heavier than the Hyperion Max, which can be attributed to a substantially higher stack height of 42 millimeters in the heel and 34 millimeters in the toe compared to 32/24, respectively, for the Hyperion Max.
That said, ASICS gives you far more flexibility when it comes to aesthetics. While the Hyperion Max only comes in eight colorways for both men and women, the GEL-NIMBUS 26 is available in 18 colors for men and 19 for women. Plus, ASICS offers wide and extra-wide size options.
If you have wide feet, a wider color palette, and can live with a 3-ounce weight difference, you may want to consider the GEL-NIMBUS 26.
| Brooks Hyperion Max | ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 | |
| Price | $170 MSRP ($109.95 on sale on website; $99.96 on sale on Amazon) | $160 |
| Weight | Men’s – 7.8 oz; Women’s – 6.7 oz | Men’s – 10.8 oz; Women’s – 9.2 oz |
| Heel to Toe Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Stack height | Men’s – 32/24 mm | Men’s – 42/34 mm; Women’s 41/33 mm |
| Upper | Stretch-woven knit | Engineered knit |
| Midsole | Nitrogen-infused DNA Flash foam | FF Blast™ PLUS ECO foam and PureGEL™ technology |
| Outsole | Green rubber | ASICS®GRIP™, AHAR®PLUS™ |
| Size range | Men’s – 7-15; Women’s 5-12 | Men’s – 6-16; Women’s 5-13 |
Customer Experience
Brooks earns a perfect score of 5 out of 5 thanks to a 90–day return policy that gives you ample time to test the Hyperion Max. If you aren’t satisfied, you can return the shoes for free and get your money back—an excellent perk that should encourage potential buyers to at least give the Hyperion Max a try.
According to their website, Brooks will also replace any product that does not perform to expectations under normal use and within the functional life of the product.
Ordering the Brooks Hyperion Max
You can purchase the Hyperion Max on Brooks’ website or Amazon. In addition to a lower price (about $10 less), Amazon Prime members receive free shipping and free returns. Running Warehouse also sells this model, but the size and colorway options are much more limited.
The ordering process on Brooks’ website was simple and straightforward. With no problems to report, the Hyperion Max earns a perfect 5 out of 5 in this category.
Customer Reviews
On the Brooks website, the Hyperion Max has an average rating of 4.5 stars based on 259 reviews at the time of publication. Customers consistently praise this running shoe for its lightweight design and exceptional cushioning.
“Huge fan of this shoe. It is replacing my Rincon 2s and 3s for my go to lightweight shoe. The response and low weight AND the comfort make this a new fave. Hoping Brooks keeps this particular model (the Hyperion Max as opposed to the other Hyperion models) around. Solid shoe,” wrote a verified purchaser named Joel W.
Another reviewer shared a similar sentiment, noting that the Hyperion Max fit true to size and with just the right amount of width.
“First time purchasing any Brooks running shoes and decided on the Hyperion Max. Best choice as I ran my PB 10k. Shoe is very light and feels great. First time running, felt very fast and I had to slow down. So far very happy,” wrote verified purchaser Rolando S.
However, not everyone enjoyed training in the Hyperion Max. A verified purchaser named Erik R. expressed major disappointment in his 1-star review.
“I did not like these at all. I recently bought the Hyperion Elite 4, which I believe are actually magical shoes. At $250/pair they are a “race day only” shoe for me though, so I thought the Hyperion Max seemed like a logical choice for trainers. They are completely different. They felt totally dead to run in, and I could feel it immediately. I sent them back after 30 miles or so. I’ve gone through at least 10 pairs of Adrenaline GTS, and will stick with those unless I find a better trainer to match with the HE4.”
Final Verdict of Our Brooks Hyperion Max Review
My first run with the Brooks Hyperion Max immediately opened my eyes to how enjoyable running can be—if you have the right footwear. Are these necessarily the best running shoes on the market? Based on the GGR staff’s collective experience, that title still belongs to another Brooks shoe: the Glycerin 20.
But at a sale price of $110, the Hyperion Max represents solid value. If you have a neutral gait and narrow- or average-width feet, you should enjoy slipping these on, lacing them up, and going for a walk, jog, run, or set of sprints.
Full Rating
Brooks Hyperion Max
The Brooks Hyperion Max is a lightweight, neutral running shoe designed for daily training. The cushioning and curvature give a comfortable feel and encourage smooth, fast transitions. Unlike most Brooks shoes, however, it only comes in one width, which may make it a poor choice if you have wide feet.
Product Brand: Brooks
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 170
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.36
Brooks Hyperion Max Review: FAQs
Can I run a half marathon in the Brooks Hyperion Max?
While the Hyperion Max functions best as a daily trainer, you can use it for a half-marathon or long-duration race.
Which Brooks has the best cushioning?
The Brooks Glycerin 21 has the best cushioning, as it features a 10-millimeter midsole drop and the company’s plush DNA LOFT v3 cushioning to maximize softness.
How does the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 compare to the Hyperion Max?
The Hyperion Max 2 has several distinct differences from the Hyperion Max, including a shorter midsole drop (6 millimeters) and higher price tag ($180). This version also weighs more (9.1 ounces) and offers neutral support rather than maximum.
