The Brooks Hyperion Max launched earlier this year building on the popular Hyperion Tempo running shoe. But as you’d guess from the name, this is Brook’s ‘max cushioned’ version within the Tempo range. Is it one of the best women’s running shoes? Let’s check it out…
Brooks Hyperion Max technical details
Weight: 189g
Drop: 8mm
Sizes: UK 3-10
Price: £160
Brooks Hyperion Max pros and cons
pros
- Lightweight, responsive training shoe.
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition.
- Great grip.
cons
- Not as cushioned as the name suggests.
- Less propulsive than a plated shoe.
What and who is this shoe for?
This is a neutral running shoe designed for doing speedier session in. While it does’t have a carbon plate, it does have a rocker to put a little pep in your stride. This is more noticeable as you pick up the pace.
How does the shoe fit?
The upper is pretty stripped back making it light on the scales. But it has enough material and a little cushioning around the collar for a nice fit. I found it true to size in my UK size 6. If you’ve wide feet, you may find it a little too snug and unfortunately there’s no wide-fit option.
Is it comfortable?
While it is comfortable, it’s definitely a shoe tailored to those who like a firmer feel underfoot. There’s not the plush, squishy feel you might have expected from the word ‘max’. The upper is super comfortable and there’s a slight stretch in the fabric round the toe box whi hugs your foot.
Brooks Hyperion Max Running review
My first run in this shoe was an easy run after being off running with a cold for a week and that is not the sort of run this shoe should be doing. Needless to say we didn’t get on that well. It’s not designed to be a daily trainer – it needs to be part of a shoe rotation and for faster running. It did however, have great grip on what was a pretty frosty morning.
My second run in the shoes was the kind of run that they’re designed for. I’d gone to my running club and it turned into a progression run as I ran with quicker runners. As the pace picked up I saw the benefits of the shoe more and more. That rocker wants you to go faster and offers a lovely heel-to-toe motion. I felt like I was going a little faster than the effort that I was putting in.
It would be a really good tempo shoe for longer intervals and mid length tempo runs if you like a firmer ride and aren’t in the market for a carbon-plated running shoe.
Where can I buy these shoes?
You can buy them directly from the Brooks website.
