When the Brooks Hyperion Max debuted in 2023, its name led me to imagine big, plush, max-cushioned soles. However, upon unboxing the original version, I was a bit perplexed. It performed fine, but it never quite felt like a “true” max-cushion shoe—whatever that might mean.
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Brooks Hyperion Max – A Daily Trainer where the Hype is Real
Fast forward to today, and Brooks has introduced the Hyperion Max 2. While it visually leans more into the “max” aesthetic, its stack height of 36mm/30mm still doesn’t scream sky-high. But honestly, that’s beside the point because this shoe is simply fantastic.
Looks:
The Hyperion Max 2 is available in two striking colorways:
- Crystal Seas/Diva Pink/Black
- Illusion/Coral/Black
Outside of the fact that light-colored shoes don’t typically hold up during half of PNW weather, I don’t have anything additional to comment here. Love the looks.
Even though “Max” is in the name, I’m not entirely convinced it’s the right terminology for this shoe. When I hear “Max,” I think of options like Brooks’ Caldera 7 or Ghost Max 2—big, chunky, super-cushioned models. In comparison, the Hyperion Max 2 feels far more streamlined – even though stack has been significantly added from the original version.
While it is cushioned, it delivers a lighter, more nimble experience. Unlike some max-cushion shoes that can feel super dense or heavy—which is fine depending on what you need—the Hyperion Max 2 excels when picking up the pace. It’s a shoe that balances comfort with responsiveness, making it a unique option in Brooks’ lineup.
Upper:
The upper of the Hyperion Max 2 is crafted from a breathable double jacquard mesh, offering an exceptionally comfortable fit. It feels as close to optimal as you could ask for. The flat knit tongue, while somewhat short for me, hugs the foot snugly and features integrated lace loops to help dial in a precise fit. Overall, it’s a seriously comfortable ride.
The heel collar is another highlight, providing ample cushioning without adding unnecessary weight. And doing that while still keeping the toe box with some room to it is impressive. Even the laces stand out—they’ve been described as “sawtooth” and do an excellent job of gripping and staying secure once tied.
Brooks really nailed it with this design.
Midsole:
The Hyperion 2’s midsole is a harmonious trio: nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH v2 foam, a Pebax SpeedVault plate, and an angled heel design that screams geometry in motion. Together, these elements combine – like rings in a Captain Planet episode – to create a magical being that feels like a leap forward (literally and figuratively).
Brooks claims this version is 10% more responsive than its predecessor. While I can’t run lab tests to confirm, the propulsion it delivers is undeniably noticeable. Every stride feels balanced and smooth, with a nice amount of guidance from that angled heel—no awkward wobbling or instability here – which is what I feared initially.
This version also ups the stack height from the original (4mm in the heel, 6mm in the forefoot), which nudges it toward a slightly more “max” feel. Coupled with the Pebax plate, the added stack provides a softer, more accessible platform for runners like me who are typically on the fence about plated shoes. In this case, Brooks nailed it—the plate enhances the ride without dominating the experience.
Outsole:
The outsole gets the job done, but it’s not flawless. On dry pavement, it performed beautifully, handling turns and varying surfaces without breaking a sweat. However, things got a little less dependable in wet conditions. While the grip wasn’t terrible, it did lose some of its traction in rainy runs.
To be fair, this is probably a shoe you’ll want to keep for dry days anyway—it’s hard to resist the urge to keep them looking pristine! That said, if you’re frequently running in wet or slick conditions, this might be something to keep in mind.
Overall:
If the Hyperion 2 is among Brooks’ final releases of 2024, they’ve truly saved the best for last. This shoe shines as an exceptional daily trainer that also delivers when it’s time to pick up the pace. From its responsive midsole to its smooth, balanced ride, the Hyperion 2 is a standout option for runners who value comfort and performance in equal measure.
Highly recommended—just maybe avoid the rain if you can!
Brooks Hyperion Max 2 $180
Specs & Social:
- Weight: 9.1oz. – M9
- Offset: 6mm (36mm/30mm)
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Thank you to Brooks for providing us with a sample pair. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
