I was excited to try the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5. It’s been a while since I’ve worn a Brooks super shoe because, honestly, most of them haven’t been great or competitive. The last was the Brooks Hyperion Elite 3. Why would I want to spend a lot of money on a shoe that doesn’t feel fast?
For years, Brooks has been trying to step up their super shoe game. While other brands released flashy carbon-plated racers with sky-high foams, the Hyperion Elite series stayed somewhat under the radar…until now. The Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 feels like a turning point. Lighter, bouncier, and more runnable than ever, it’s the brand’s most race-ready shoe yet. And not just for the pros. Thank goodness…we’ve been waiting.
Before Trying the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5, I Had a Few Questions:
What are Brooks Hyperion shoes good for?
Brooks Hyperion shoes are great for speedwork, tempo runs, and racing. The Hyperion Elite 5 is ideal for 5Ks to marathons thanks to its carbon plate and responsive foam, while the standard Hyperion and Hyperion Max offer similar geometry without the plate for training.
Are Brooks Hyperion Elite good?
Yes. The Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 is a top-tier carbon-plated racing shoe with improvements in comfort, bounce, and fit. It’s well-suited for competitive runners and hobbyists alike looking for a race-day advantage.
What distance can you run with Brooks Hyperion?
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 is designed for distances up to the marathon. Thanks to its cushioned midsole and supportive rocker, it holds up well over long distances while still feeling fast in shorter races like the 5K or 10K.
What is the difference between Hyperion and Hoka?
Brooks Hyperion shoes tend to offer a snugger fit and firmer ride, while many Hoka models are known for wider platforms and softer cushioning. The Hyperion Elite 5 is more structured and better suited for runners who prefer a responsive, race-tuned feel compared to Hoka’s often plush design.
Now let’s get into an honest Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 review.
Quick Facts:
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Category: Carbon-plated racing shoe
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Weight: 6.9 oz (men’s size 9)
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Drop: 8 mm
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Stack Height: 40 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot
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MSRP: $250
Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 Fit
Brooks completely reworked the upper of the Elite 5, making it even lighter and more breathable than the previous version. That’s what really drew me to this update. The silicone mesh wraps your foot like a second skin, with minimal stitching and a nearly invisible feel. The heel is padded just enough to prevent hot spots but still low-profile enough to stay out of the way.
The tongue is razor-thin but includes a soft lace pad to prevent pressure across the top of your foot. Fit-wise, this version runs true to size but snug…think race fit. There’s an extra eyelet for heel-lock lacing, which I used for added security. The shoe feels like it was designed to become part of your foot, not just sit under it.
Brooks has always done really well with step-in comfort, and the Hyperion Elite 5 is no different even for a racing shoe. I immediately felt comfortable with no hot spots or pressure points. The best running shoes disappear off your feet, and the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 does just that.
In running shoes, I wear between a women’s 10–11 wide. I found the size 11 to be the best fit, and honestly, it’s one of the most comfortable racing shoes out there.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 Ride
Here’s where the Hyperion Elite 5 really shines. The full-length DNA Gold foam is light, soft, and responsive. Unlike the firmer midsoles of older models, this one has true bounce and a fast-feeling roll. It’s not squishy, but you definitely get more cushion than previous versions and way more energy return. The first couple of versions felt really flat, like running on elevated concrete. What exactly was that extra stack height doing?
The SpeedVault Race+ carbon plate is tuned per size to ensure the same stiffness and propulsion regardless of foot size. Paired with the curved rocker geometry, the plate helps roll you forward and encourages efficient mechanics without feeling overly aggressive.
Bonus: The shoe is runnable even at slower paces. That’s not the case with every carbon racer. Some feel clunky or stiff unless you’re sprinting. The Elite 5, while clearly designed for speed, doesn’t punish you if you’re dialing things back. I don’t make a habit of running easy runs in them, but you can if for whatever reason you need too.
Where does the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 fit into my rotation?
Like any carbon-plated shoe, it’s designed to go fast. You can use them for easy runs, but why would you? You’re just wasting miles on the shoe. I’ve found it really excels in longer, harder efforts. It can handle short sprints on the track, but it does best in marathon-paced workouts. It’s a carbon plated shoe made for those longer marathon paced workouts.
Outsole
The outsole uses Brooks’ updated RoadTack rubber, which is thinner but grippier than before. Rubber placement has been optimized to reduce weight while still offering solid grip in both dry and wet conditions. It’s simple but effective, and the improved traction has helped reduce overall weight. I’ve taken the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 on a few runs including inclement weather and light desert trails and haven’t had anything too concerning as far as sliding around.
Carbon-plated footwear tends to last between 50–100 miles, and I think the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 will last around 100.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 Conclusion
Thank goodness for this update. The Hyperion Elite 5 is a real contender: fast, light, forgiving, and fun to run in. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just want to feel fast on race day, it’s a great option. I especially think if you are looking for a comfortable carbon plated shoe, this is a great option.
Who should buy the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5?
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You want a lightweight, race-ready shoe for 5K to marathon
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You’re looking for a plated shoe that still feels stable and smooth
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You prefer a snug, locked-in fit with breathable upper
Who should not buy the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5?
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You prefer max-cushioned, plush trainers for daily use
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You don’t like snug-fitting shoes or minimal uppers
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You’re looking for a shoe for trail races or highly technical terrain
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Altra Experience Flow 2, Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
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Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried Brooks running shoes?
Have you tried the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5?
