I’m a recent Brooks shoes convert. I used to try them every few years, but they always felt too heavy on my feet. Then I got to test the Glycerin 17 and all was right in the Brooks shoe world with my feet. The new Brooks Hyperion Tempos are considered to be a shoe that’s BOTH cushy AND light. How is that possible? Don’t those two properties of a shoe contradict? Turns out, not so much.
These shoes will be launching to a store near you on 2/27, timed perfectly and fittingly to coincide with the US Olympic Marathon Trials. They look slick. I’ve gotten compliments on them every single time I’ve worn them so far. Secondly, if there was any doubt in my mind about them being heavy like the Brooks of past, it dissipated the second I put these on my feet. They immediately felt as light as a feather and molded in all the right places. And lastly, the woven upper wasn’t just for show.. they breath and stretch so well!
When it was time to put my feet to the pavement, I knew they would be a comfortable ride. There was significant cushion and bounce without feeling like I had mattresses attached to my feet. They were great for that first short tempo run and I didn’t feel like I needed to take them off as soon as I got home.
For my second run, I felt a bit of a rub on the outside of one foot below my pinkie toe, about where one might develop a Tailor’s Bunion. I wondered if this would be a problem if I were to ever go for a double digit mileage run in them, as my wide toebed can cause problems with certain shoes. The Hyperion Tempos aren’t narrow shoes by any means, and I absolutely know the difference after all these years of running, but it was worth noting, as I know I’m not the only runner out there with this issue.
Unfortunately, I’ve already gotten my new shoes dirty. Trails in February do that.
So what’s special about the Hyperion Tempo? The FLASH midsole infuses the adaptive DNA material with nitrogen, which is responsible for that featherlight feel, superior cushion, and the energy return that made me feel like the next Shalane on that 8 miler. Despite the fact that these mid speed shoes are light, springy, and stretchable, they feel stable on my feet while still following my natural stride. They are certainly not a part of the more minimalist style you see with other brands that have a lightweight woven or mesh material covering them. According to the spec sheet on these shoes: “For runners looking to get the most out of their workouts, the Hyperion Tempo is a light and responsive trainer that reduces deviation, allowing you to run and recover faster.” I couldn’t say any better myself and now I don’t have to.
So when June rolls around, I highly recommend you try the Brooks Hyperion Tempo running shoes. That will be about the time I need my second pair if I keep running like I have been.
Brooks Hyperion Tempo ($150)
Specs (from website):
- Midsole Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 6.7 oz (Women) 7.3 oz (Men)
- Speed: Neutral Foot
Thank you to Brooks for providing us with a sample pack. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
