Brooks’ flagship carbon-plated racer, built on full DNA Gold (PEBA) foam with an Arris SpeedVault+ lattice plate and a thin SpeedTac outsole. It’s notably lighter than past Brooks supershoes and aims for a fast-but-stable, more “natural” super-shoe feel.
Technical Specs
Intended Uses
Hyperion Elite 5
Critics' Concensus
Overview
The Ride
Smooth, quick, and efficient with a lively but controlled rebound; more “balanced” than wildly bouncy. It turns over best from marathon pace down to 5–10K efforts, feeling snappy without being twitchy. Compared to the punchiest race shoes, it’s a touch less explosive, but the roll is consistent and confidence-building—especially when the pace is steady. Heel-strike stability is improved over some rivals but still not class-leading; forefoot feels lower-profile and fast.
Fit & Feel
Breathable, minimal race upper with a solid midfoot/forefoot hold and a true-to-size “race snug” fit. Toebox has adequate length without excess volume; lockdown is strong, though some testers note the heel padding sits a bit low and the midfoot runs on the narrow side for wide feet. Overall comfort and security are excellent for a carbon racer.
✓ Pros
- Balanced, efficient ride that feels fast and relatively stable
- Very breathable upper with excellent lockdown
- Outsole grips well and shows promising durability
- Competive weight with most other marathon racers
✗ Cons
- While this is Brooks' most competitive marathon racer to date, there are still faster options out there
- Less aggressive “pop” than the top super shoes
- Minimal tongue/heel setup may bug sensitive runners
Bottom Line
Best for: Runners who want a reliable, stable carbon racer for half marathon to marathon (and faster days) that prioritizes smooth efficiency over extreme bounce. Great first supershoe option for those new to carbon-plated racers.
Consider alternatives if: You want maximum propulsion and speed on race day.