I ran 40 miles in the Brooks Hyperion Max 4 — here’s why I think it misses the mark

Brooks has packed a lot of features into the Hyperion Max 4, but unfortunately, the shoe ends up being too heavy to be an effective speed shoe. While some runs in the shoe were enjoyable, offering a bouncy midsole and good performance as a long-run cruiser, there are many faster training shoes available at a lower cost. The Hyperion Max 4 shares similarities with its predecessor, so purchasing the older model outright might be a better option.

The shoe's springy DNA Gold foam is a positive aspect, but overall, the Hyperion Max 4 needs a significant overhaul to compete with top-performing running shoes in its category, such as the New Balance SC Rebel v1 or Hoka Mach X3. Priced at $200 in the U.S. and £170 in the U.K., the Hyperion Max 4 is an expensive shoe for its weight and performance.

Available in four colors, the shoe fits well in its normal running shoe size, but the high stack design (45mm at the heel and 39mm at the forefoot) makes it heavier than most cushioned shoes. The upper features a mesh material with padding around the collar and a stiff internal heel counter, providing a comfortable but not overly padded fit.

The midsole uses a combination of DNA Gold foam and DNA Flash v2 foam, supported by a nylon plate that adds pop to the stride but also results in a stiff feel. The thick rubber outsole at the heel and forefoot ensures durability but contributes to the shoe's overall weight. Although the shoe has a rocker profile to facilitate a smooth heel-to-toe transition, the heavy weight and lack of nimbleness hinder its performance at faster paces.

Despite being comfortable for long runs, the Hyperion Max 4 doesn't offer the agility and speed required for training at higher intensities. With several other fast training shoes available at a lower price, the Brooks Hyperion Max 4 falls short of being a standout choice.