The Hyperion Max has always felt like it was caught between being a fast daily trainer and a pure tempo shoe, and in version 2, it didn’t fully deliver on either front for me.
Now, with the Hyperion Max 3, Brooks has taken a big swing at creating something genuinely fun, soft, and fast enough to feel like a race day option for training, while still cushioning you for longer efforts.
But with all that added stack height and a softer midsole, there’s also a trade-off in weight and nimbleness. Here’s how it’s been working out on my runs so far.
Key Specifications
- Price: $200 at brooksrunning.com / Sportsshoes.com (For UK readers)
- Weight: 10.4 oz (295g) for men’s US 9 (up from 9.1 oz in v2)
- Drop: 8mm
- Stack Height: Approx. 45mm heel / 37mm forefoot
- Upper: Lightweight, breathable engineered mesh with 76% recycled content, sock-like fit
- Midsole: Combination of DNA FLASH v2 and 100% PEBA-based DNA GOLD cushioning with a nylon SpeedVault propulsion plate
- Outsole: Durable rubber compound
- Extra Attributes: RapidRoll rocker geometry, heel finger loop for easy on-off
Sizing and Fit
The fit is true to size in length, has a medium width, and feels familiar if you’ve run in past Hyperion models.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3 sizing and fit advice
The sock-like upper hugs the foot securely and offers way better breathability than the Hyperion Max 2.
There's plenty of cushioning around the collars and heel counter, and the mesh is so airy that temperature regulation on the run is on point.
The upper is a big win for me
The downside is the new asymmetrical tongue. It looks cool, and it does keep your foot secure in the shoe but it also comes with a little added pressure at first—this does seem to fade away while actually running however. See the photo below as reference to what I mean.
Performance Review
Right away, the DNA GOLD midsole foam stands out as the biggest shift from the prior version.
Alastair Dixon
Compared to the firmer DNA FLASH v2 in the HM 2, this new midsole feels much softer and bouncier underfoot, with a much smoother foot roll.
You can feel the high-stack cushion the moment you land because it responds so well, bouncing back and translating to 'pop' as you run; it’s a night-and-day difference in the ride.
On longer runs, that softness helps take the edge off pounding the pavement, something I felt was missing before.
Even though it’s softer, the ride still feels fast and propulsive. The SpeedVault plate pairs nicely with the foam to give you a satisfying response when you pick up the pace.
During tempo segments, there’s that snappy sensation you’d expect in a carbon-plated racer, even though this is just a nylon plate. The combination really makes it feel like a super trainer that can double up for uptempo workouts and steady long runs.
The midsole geometry is a big improvement as well. The exaggerated heel bevel and the RapidRoll rocker smooth out transitions and make it easy to stay in rhythm.
Alastair Dixon
Unlike the previous version’s sharper, late rocker that felt a bit flat-footed, this one feels much more natural when you’re rolling through each stride.
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All that said, the extra cushion comes at a cost. The shoe is heavier now, at 10.4 oz compared to 9.1 oz for the previous version. You do feel that extra weight if you’re cornering or trying to accelerate quickly.
When I’m turning tight corners, like doubling back on myself, for example, the combination of the tall stack and the medial cutout in the midfoot can feel slightly unstable.
Having said that, the wide footprint of the outsole does regain some of that stability which is much needed on a high stack shoe like this.
The outsole traction however, has not faltered for me, and performs admirably.
Overall, the Hyperion Max 3 finally feels like the super trainer Brooks has been teasing us about for so long. It's soft enough for recovery days, responsive enough for fast miles, and protective enough for long runs. It's my favorite super trainer right now, that's for sure.
My Verdict
The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 is a clear step forward over version 2 in most respects, and despite its hefty price tag of $200, it is an incredibly versatile super trainer that can easily replace 2-3 running shoes in your rotation.
If you want a versatile trainer that feels genuinely cushioned without giving up too much speed, this shoe delivers. The PEBA DNA GOLD foam makes it feel fun and modern, with a smooth rocker that helps you tick off miles easily in total comfort.
So, if you’re looking for a daily trainer that edges into that fun, bouncy, fast race day feel without being too firm or minimal, the Hyperion Max 3 is 100% worth a look.
