Brooks Hyperion Max 4 review

In our opinion, the Brooks Hyperion Max 4 is best for:

• Runners looking for a super trainer with a secure fit and a premium-quality upper.
• Those with narrow feet who want a reliable shoe for long-distance runs.
• Heavier runners seeking maximum cushioning while skipping an overly soft midsole.

Brooks needs to shave some weight off this shoe. After testing it and comparing it with rival super trainers, we found that it feels noticeably heavier than most of its competitors. If you prefer a lighter ride, we recommend the ASICS Megablast instead.

We also think that the Hyperion Max 4's premium price may put it out of reach for runners on a tighter budget. In that case, we recommend the Saucony Endorphin Azura if stability is your priority, or the adidas Adizero EVO SL if you're looking for a more versatile option.

When it comes to impact protection, the Hyperion Max 4 delivers impressive results. We recorded 148 SA in the heel and 134 SA in the forefoot, both high enough to provide ample protection for runners of all sizes across any distance.

The combination of DNA Gold (PEBA) and DNA Flash v2 (EVA) delivers respectable energy return. While it doesn't reach the 70%+ figures posted by the most energetic super trainers, our tests recorded 62.9% in the heel and 67.9% in the forefoot, making it a responsive shoe especially in the front.

In our view, the Hyperion Max 4 feels especially well suited for workouts with progressive pacing and long runs that finish at marathon target pace.

Like most super trainers, the Brooks Hyperion Max 4 surpasses the 40 mm threshold, reaching a towering 44.8 mm heel stack in our calliper measurement.

We confirmed that the Hyperion Max 4 fully embraces the super trainer category with its towering forefoot stack and highly-sculpted midsole design.

In the forefoot, we measured 35.2 mm of cushioning, making it an excellent choice for long runs.

The drop is substantially higher than the value listed on the spec sheet. Brooks states a 6 mm drop, but our lab measurements came in at 9.6 mm.

However, with such a generous amount of foam under the forefoot and a greater concentration of DNA Gold in that area, we still believe the Hyperion Max 4 works well for all footstrike patterns. That said, the higher-than-advertised drop makes it now more appealing to heel strikers.

The Brooks Hyperion Max 4 features a dual-density midsole split by the SpeedVault plate. Sitting above it is the premium DNA Gold foam, a PEBA-based compound that feels exceptionally plush and delivers most of the shoe's rebound.

Our durometer measured this layer at just 24.6 AC, confirming its remarkably-soft nature. However, the shoe doesn't feel nearly as soft on the run, so let's find out why.

The secondary foam, DNA Flash v2, is considerably firmer at 42.5 AC. We found that Brooks follows a classic dual-density approach here, pairing a plush top layer for comfort with a firmer bottom layer that enhances stability and control.

As a result, the Hyperion Max 4 feels balanced underfoot, delivering a ride that leans toward the firm side despite the soft PEBA layer sitting directly beneath the foot.

Given its towering stack height, Brooks had no choice but to incorporate a pronounced rocker geometry to offset the high stiffness that naturally comes with such a maximalist design. We found an aggressive heel design with a sharply-pointed heel flare, while the forefoot rocker begins quite late, encouraging quick toe-offs.

As usual, Brooks refers to this rocker geometry as GlideRoll.

The plate also comes with its own name: SpeedVault. Rather than using carbon fibre, Brooks opted for a nylon-based plate that's forked in both the heel and forefoot, and strikes a balance between propulsion and forgiveness, delivering a less aggressive ride that's better suited for daily training.

We weren't surprised to find a secure, race-inspired fit from the very first run. Brooks has long favoured a performance-oriented shape over an accommodating one, and the Hyperion Max 4 continues that trend.

Our first fit measurement came in at just 92.7 mm at the widest part of the upper, placing it well below the average and confirming that this shoe is unlikely to suit runners with wide feet.

Our second measurement reinforces that the Hyperion Max 4 is best suited for runners with regular or, even better, narrow feet.

At just 71.7 mm in the toebox, we found a distinctly pointy shape that prioritises a secure lockdown over extra toe room.

Our final fit measurement confirms that Brooks aimed for an exceptionally-secure fit throughout the shoe.

However, the 23.1 mm toebox height may feel restrictive for runners who prefer a higher-volume forefoot with extra room for their toes to move naturally.

The outsole design remains unchanged from the previous generation, retaining four rubber pods separated by generous exposed midsole sections. It also keeps the large medial cutout and two smaller forefoot openings, exposing the yellow SpeedVault plate while shaving off a few extra grammes.

Like most super trainers, the Brooks Hyperion Max 4 delivers a notably stiff ride. In our standardised 30-degree bend test, our machine needed 19.0N of force to flex the shoe.

Last year, we criticised the Hyperion Max 3 for being heavier than most of its rivals. Unfortunately, Brooks has gone in the same direction with version 4.

At 10.3 oz (292g), the Hyperion Max 4 is 3% heavier than its predecessor, making it a poor choice for runners who prioritise a lightweight ride. In our opinion, trimming 10-15% of its weight would dramatically improve the overall experience and make it a much more competitive super trainer against peers like the ASICS Superblast 3.

Brooks equipped the Hyperion Max 4 with a warp knit upper that prioritises comfort and a secure lockdown. However, the snug fit and thick fabric leaves little room for air to circulate inside the toebox, which inevitably impacts ventilation.

Our 3-hour breathability test returned a score of 61 BR, placing the shoe below the category average. As a result, we think runners who regularly train in hot climates may find it warmer than other options.

On the other hand, we found a satisfactory result in the drying potential test. After our 3-hour evaluation, the Hyperion Max 4 managed to release 53% of the moisture it had absorbed, a solid outcome for a knit upper.

At first glance, it's easy to assume that the Hyperion Max 4 would feel unstable underfoot. However, Brooks has incorporated multiple design elements that create a remarkably confident ride.

High sidewalls, a broad forefoot platform, strong torsional rigidity, and guidance-focused features like the SpeedVault plate and the large central cutout all work together to keep transitions centred and limit excessive side-to-side movement.

To quantify torsional rigidity, we secured the Hyperion Max 4 in our machine, which twists the shoe in both directions. It registered 19.1 Nm, much higher than the category average and making a clear statement about the rigidity of the shoe.

The heel counter further enhances the shoe's stable ride. In our manual assessment, it earned a solid 4 out of 5, as it takes considerable force to deform.

Because of its rigidity, Brooks paid close attention to comfort. The generously-padded heel creates a plush, secure environment that keeps the foot comfortably locked in without feeling harsh.

At 119.0 mm, the forefoot is considerably wider than that of the average running shoe.

However, when compared to today's super trainers, this measurement is right in line with the category, as brands increasingly favour broad forefoot platforms to enhance stability.

Because the Hyperion Max 4 retains the same midsole geometry as its predecessor, the heel remains relatively narrow at 86.8 mm. As a result, heel strikers may not find it quite as stable as runners who land on the midfoot or forefoot.

On the other hand, this streamlined heel helps offset the shoe's hefty weight, giving it a more agile feel underfoot than what is naturally expected from our previous result.

The knit upper delivers excellent comfort and a secure lockdown, but durability isn't one of its strengths. After assessing the damage from our Dremel test, it earned a modest 2 out of 5.

The heel padding delivered a much stronger result, which came as a pleasant surprise given how delicate it appeared at first glance. Its solid 4 out of 5 score is another reminder that proper testing always beats first impressions.

The outsole also performed well in our final durability test for the Hyperion Max 4. With just 0.9 mm of rubber worn away, it delivered a strong result.

Brooks equipped the Hyperion Max 4 with 2.8 mm of outsole rubber.

Combined with the excellent result from our durability test, we believe this shoe is built to withstand hundreds of miles, making it a dependable option for marathoners logging high mileage.

Interestingly, the Hyperion Max 4 takes the opposite approach with its insole, using an unusually-thin 2.5 mm design that's well below the average thickness we measure in running shoes.

You can swap the insole for a different one, but we don't think it's a good idea. The toebox offers very limited vertical space, and installing a thicker insole can make the fit feel overly cramped.

We placed the Hyperion Max 4 in the freezer for 20 minutes and found that its midsole became exactly 20% firmer. That's a respectable result, especially considering that half of the midsole is made from DNA Flash v2, an EVA-based foam.

Brooks had the opportunity to include reflective elements, but ultimately chose not to.

One of the Hyperion Max 4's biggest strengths is its outstanding fit. The lacing system and knit tongue work together seamlessly to create a secure lockdown, and we also appreciated the tongue's shape and length, a detail that brands don't always get right.

To keep weight under control, Brooks used just 3.3 mm of tongue padding. We found it sufficient as long as you don't overtighten the laces, and given the shoe's already hefty weight, we don't think adding more padding would have been the right choice.

The knit tongue is partially gusseted, adding an extra layer of security by preventing unwanted movement and creating a true set-and-forget fit.

The heel is cleanly finished, with the stitching covered, an expected but not always guaranteed detail in a premium-priced shoe. However, Brooks chose not to include a heel tab.

Super trainers are expected to retail around the £180 mark, so we don't think the Hyperion Max 4 is overpriced looking at its rivals.

However, whether it's worth the investment depends largely on what you value in a running shoe, as it combines clear strengths, such as exceptional comfort, with notable trade-offs, like its high weight, making it best suited for a specific type of runner.