Brooks Hyperion Elite 4

This the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4. It’s a beautiful shoe that has been worn by some of America’s fastest marathoners. But I’m not sure it’s a shoe that works for most non-elites. I like it as a firm and fast road flat that works for 5k/10k racing, but it just doesn’t have the dynamics that I’m looking for when I’m considering a marathon racer.

0:00 intro
0:37 Disclosures
0:59 Specs
3:03 What’s it like
5:21 Pairing options
6:05 Buying Guide and Alternatives

Disclosures: Brooks provided these shoes to review, so I did not have to pay for them. No one is paying me to make this video or to include their shoe in this video. No one will get a chance to preview any of my footage or my thoughts before this video goes up on YouTube.

Thanks for watching! Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!

Running footage shot on:
GoPro Hero 12 (paid link)

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end card music:
Jim Yosef - Checkered

[CATinBOOTS]

You know that when Kofuzi says "Personally I don't love the $250 price point" he really means, in a very diplomatic and polite way, "It's a little too expensive compared for what it offers, compared to the competition" and then, to prove the point, he shows you an excellent alternative at $200. That's some real added value! Thanks Kofuzi, your knowledge and insights are always helpful.

[hmbs]

I’ve seen comments to this effect quite a lot recently on the channel but just to reiterate the sentiment - the production quality of these videos is exceptional in every aspect.

[bharris]

I’m a large guy (6’2”/270ish) who is just looking to run around a 50-60-minute 10K and this shoe is already maybe my favorite shoe I own after one tempo run and one long run. I think this is a great option for the big boys and those just looking to run fast for them but slow in the grand scheme of things. If you’re a 9-10 minute plus pace Clydesdale, you’ll love it. Smaller and faster? I’ll defer to others on that.

[timtrenholm]

That upper screams "CEASE AND DESIST!" Sounds like Brooks are really get close finally to entering the marathon racing conversation. More options is a win for everyone.

[davididing]

I appreciate how you differentiate between mid sole densities. I am 6'1, 200 pounds so shoes that you describe as a little bit more firm than you like tend to be right in my wheelhouse. Thank you.

[elliotendures]

I find myself struggling to purchase anything with EVA as its primary foam at this point. It may be incorrect to think this way, but the newer-age foams just feel so much better, even for daily runs in things like the Superblast.

[DJYRedbirds]

Thanks so much, Mike! I really appreciate the buying/pairing guide!

[вованчикс]

Thank Kofuzi for your job reviewing the new shoes 🙏🏻

[uhuhuhuhuhuh]

The shoe is a beauty. I personally use a rotation of Bondi8 + Triumph 20 + Hyperion Max, but this one sounds like my next marathon pick

[laalaastl]

I seem to share your taste for popping carbon plates, I'm definitely not elite, and I already have plenty of speed day shoes so thanks for warning me off this one. Love the upper. Agree that it's a gorgeous colorway befitting the father of the sun and moon.

[truthreignsforever]

Thanks Kofuzi. Very great concise delivery of the product

[therunophil]

its great to have options and this sounds like a different recipe than just another Vaporfly copy but for that kind of money I want a top tier shoe with top tier "energy return", they may have improved EVA but I doubt it can compete with Peba etc. in terms of resilience. After all, it's the foam that provides most of the efficiency gains, not the plate.

[eulogyforadream]

Nice review as always. Seeing this had me thinking about your anger about the V1. I guess this is an improvement.

[Manuel-]

I'm not a fast runner but the Like to Kofuzi. Have a great monday.

[SuperFuzzyDunlop]

Can definitely vouch for the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2, I beat my 5k, 10k, HM and Marathon pbs in the same pair of those last year

[tkwasik]

Looks like Brooks is coming out with goodies, good looking and interesting shoes for those who prefer somehow firmer ride

[duanesidney]

Shoe looks awesome but it's still way too firm. EVA - nitrogen infused or otherwise - simply cannot compete with PEBA. They're night and day in terms of responsiveness.

[hommefield]

After having heard that the DNA Flash v2 is a nitrogen infused TPEE/EVA, would really love to hear your thoughts on the Hyperion 2. I feel like it’s one of those shoes that’s being slept on in 2024.

[cgazlan]

Yo!!! 👏. We wait for the 'non-elite' branding hehe

[jameschaves]

Several years ago ASICS turned the corner with their shoes as did Saucony. Something happened. R & D or just new engineers but it worked. I remember the Speed. Incredible shoe!! I think shoe of the year 2019/20? Brooks is still sooo far away from that occurring.