Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 Review Analysis (2021)
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is a very good carbon-fiber plate running shoe for competition that offers comfortable and responsive cushioning.
The Consensus
Discover the latest version: Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 (2022)!
The Cushioning has softened and offers greater bounce. The sole is 37 mm thick under the heel with an offset of 8 mm. Brooks has replaced the short-lived DNA Zero foam with DNA Flash, which translates into an even more densely compressed texture to promote a more explosive energy return while running. And, of course, there’s the carbon plate to guide runners to a smoother, faster run that requires less effort. Reviewers found the result convincing. They especially appreciated the stable and wide configuration of the platform. Without providing the same bounce level as some of its competitors like the Nike Alphafly or the Saucony Endorphin Pro, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 puts on a good show. The ride is very personal, so it’s a shoe that could appeal to athletes who didn’t like these other models.
Moving on to the upper, the stretch woven mesh is comfortable and well ventilated while providing precise foot lockdown. Moreover, it is remarkably roomy to please runners with wider feet. However, despite these pros, some testers did not like specific details. For example, the heel now features a moderately thick layer that some runners found irritating to the tendon. Similarly, the thin tongue moves while running, which is not convenient.
Overall, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is a clear step up over the first model. Despite some flaws, its comfort and springy cushioning make it a great running shoe for competition.
- Stable and responsive cushioning
- Upper is well ventilated and provides good lockdown
- Versatile shoe
- Lightweight model
- The tongue and the padding layer at the back of the heel are not comfortable, according to some people
- Improved but still insufficient durability
- Not as impressive as its price tag might suggest
Technologies
Outsole
- The outsole of the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 features rubber that is long lasting against wear and tear. This setup offers safe traction on the roads.
Midsole
- The midsole uses DNA Flash : a new type of DNA foam that’s infused with nitrogen to make it more lightweight and responsive. To do so, Brooks uses a supercritical fluid process to apply heat and pressure to liquid nitrogen create millions of microscopic bubbles.
- Also, the carbon-fiber plate improves stability to guide the runner’s movement to go very fast comfortably and safely. This technology was invented by Nike with its Vaporfly series and has quickly proven its potential in competiton.
- Rapid Roll is a special platform that translates into an upwards curvature under the heel and the forefoot. It aims to activate a rocking movement for a more comfortable and snappier ride.
Upper
- The Brooks Hyperion Elite 2’s upper features a stretch woven mesh that promotes a secure and comfortable foot lockdown while providing ventilation, especially in hot seasons.
- The minimal collar reduces the weight of the upper while allowing good comfort.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel stack height | 37 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 29 mm |
| Features | Carbon plate, Lightweight, Maximal cushioning, Unisex |
| Weight (men) | 185 g/6.5 oz |
| Weight (women) | 255 g/9 oz |
| Fit | Wide feet |
| Athletes | Desi Linden |
| Release year | 2020 |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 3 – Moderate |
| Bounce (1-5) | 4 – Bouncy |
Technologies
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Midsole | DNA Flash, carbon-fiber plate, Rapid Roll |
| Upper | Stretch woven mesh, minimal collar |
Use
| Speed | Moderate, fast |
| Distance | Mid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Competition, speed |
Reference: Brooks Running
Comparisons – Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 vs.:
Brooks Hyperion Elite (first version)
The change from one model to the other is significant (especially considering the short time elapsed between their releases). The Elite 2 has a slightly thicker, sturdier sole with a different foam (DNA Flash instead of DNA Zero). The result is a softer and springier cushioning. A clear improvement, unless you like the firm cushioning of the first model.
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%
The testers who had the chance to test both shoes preferred the Alphafly overall for its softer and more responsive cushioning. The Nike model also offers greater versatility, with great comfort even at low speeds. However, not everyone appreciates the Alphafly, and for those people, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 may be a good alternative.
Saucony Endorphin Pro
Runners note that these two models have many similarities, especially in terms of stack height. The cushioning of the Saucony is firmer but also quicker and bouncier. At the same time, it’s still a matter of personal preference. However, the Endorphin Pro is cheaper and more durable, making it a much better value for the money.
Asics Metaracer
Although also equipped with a carbon plate, the Metaracer has a much thinner sole with a stack height of 24 mm under the heel compared to 37 mm for the Hyperion Elite 2. The Hyperion Elite 2 is more comfortable for long distances, while the Metaracer is more fun for short distances with its great bounce. Also, the Japanese model offers an impeccable upper that holds the foot just right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, this model fits normally. Indeed, we haven’t yet seen notes from runners suggesting that it fits big or narrow. Therefore, you can purchase your regular size for running shoes. Having said that, if this your very first pair of Brooks shoes, it could be a good idea to try them on in-store to find the most comfortable size for your feet.
Yes, this model should be suitable for everyone. Indeed, it’s a neutral running shoe. As a result, it aims to suit all athletes independently from their type of pronation. It’s not equipped with stability props to guide the stride and reduce overpronation. At any rate, let’s note that stability running shoe models are not superior to neutral shoes in preventing injury. Consequently, we recommend you to choose your shoes according to their comfort, the most important criterion. To summarize, you can run with the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 even if you overpronate, as long as it’s comfortable.
Yes, this shoe is a good fit even if you’re a heavyweight runner. Indeed, as far as we know, just one empirical study has looked at the causal relationship between injury risk, amount of padding, and athlete’s weight. The results showed that runners who weigh more than 157 lbs (71 kg) are more likely to get injured if they wear minimalist shoes. Otherwise, they were no problems with other categories of shoes. The Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 has a stack height of 37 mm under the heel, so it’s not a minimalist model, and it should be safe for all runners.
Yes, Brooks created this model especially for their marathon athletes. It has a comfortable cushioning with a stack height of 37 mm and a carbon-fiber plate to run long and fast with fewer efforts.
