Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB Multi Tester Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Courtney Kelly, Peter Stuart and Ben David 

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB ($250)

Introduction

Courtney: The Hyperion Elite 4PB is the primary 2025 shoe in Brooks’ efficiency line, and it brings on a complete new journey. Many customers of the Hyperion Elite 4 launched final 12 months have been underwhelmed with its DNA Flash foam midsole, however discovered all the opposite elements of the shoe effectively executed. Within the HE4 PB now we have all of the profitable elements of the unique however with new PEBA DNA Gold PEBA foam. DNA Gold supplies a softer, snappier, extra  propulsive journey that far outmatches DNA Flash. The ARRIS carbon fiber plate and efficiency match higher stay the identical now with the brand new midsole making for a superior racing shoe. 

Execs:

Extraordinarily breathable higher.-Courtney/Peter/Ben

Nice colours and elegance -Courtney/Peter

Approachable journey, not too aggressive or bouncy-Courtney/Peter/Ben

Secure throughout-Courtney/Peter

Actually pure and managed ride-Courtney/Peter

Very easy racing shoe-Courtney/Peter

Cons:

Slender platform (may doubtlessly be unstable for some)-Courtney/Ben

Put on and tear on heel bumper (materials is smooth however might not be sturdy)-Courtney

Irritation at heel on account of heel tab-Courtney

Laces could possibly be a bit of shorter, there’s a lot additional length-Courtney/Peter

Not completely bought on the ARRIS Speedvault plate being personalized for every dimension. Although the dimensions of the plate may differ, everybody’s physique is completely different. You could have small toes however larger weight. Or massive toes and decrease physique weight. -Courtney

Mesh on higher is sort of skinny, marvel about higher durability-Peter

Please discover the testers full run bios on the finish of the article after Comparisons.

Stats

Spec Weight: males’s 7.2 oz / 204g

Prior Model Spec Weight:  males’s 7.2 oz /  204g

  Pattern Weight: 182g / 6.42 ounces  US W9

Stack Peak: males’s  40mm heel /  32mm forefoot (8mm drop spec) 

Platform Width: 80mm heel/ 71mm midfoot /111mm forefoot

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Courtney:  The Hyperion Elite 4PB has a clear and never overworked type, setting it other than loads of race sneakers on the market right this moment. The geometry is easy but efficient. Total, the shoe is gentle and really snug at step in.

The match is executed very effectively, and my US girls’s dimension 9 gave me wiggle room within the toe field however a cosy really feel by the midfoot. There is no such thing as a bunching or overlapping after I laced up the shoe, and I discovered the higher materials to be kind becoming but versatile. 

The amount could be a bit of low for some foot sorts as I really feel my large toe hitting the highest of the higher. I’ve fairly low quantity toes.

The sawtooth lacing supplies good lockdown and prevents slippage, although the laces are fairly lengthy even after double knotting them. 

The material on the higher is an excellent breathable huge gauge knit that’s enticing and purposeful. 

A TPU coating on the higher of the Hyperion Elite creates sturdiness, flexibility and waterproofing. The waterproofing prevents absorption of water into the higher, due to this fact no additional weight is being taken in in moist situations. 

The tongue is padded in the identical smooth suede-like materials that sits on the heel counter. Though it’s smooth and comfy, there’s some minor put on and tear on this materials after a bit of over 20 miles. 

The heel tab induced some vital irritation on my achilles. It’s sewn into the heel counter, the seams and stitching created loads of friction. The tab has mainly no operate aside from aesthetics. 

I’ve but to see a tab sewn in like this. This will very effectively be runner particular, however additionally it is a component that may simply be eliminated. 

Achilles Collar Comparability of Hyperion Elite 4PB  vs. Saucony Endorphin Elite 1

Ben: Brooks has lastly entered the chat. Earlier iterations of the Hyperion Elite have been disappointing to say the least: agency, harsh and missing the standard foams that elevated so lots of their opponents’ race day choices. Most of us, even these of us who love Brooks, reached for different fashions when race day got here round. 

We watched as Brooks athletes similar to Des Linden, Zach Panning and CJ Albertson competed in sneakers that have been lackluster and wanting. We questioned what might need been – for them. 

Fortunately, occasions are altering at Brooks. The Hyperion Elite 4 PB acknowledges that Brooks is listening and desperate to catch as much as the remainder of the working world. It is a pleasant, quick and extremely likeable carbon-plated race day shoe. That is the one we’ve been ready for!!

Upon step in, it’s clear that we aren’t in Kansas anymore. The shoe feels instantly  bouncy. It suits very very like a race-day shoe, because it ought to. It’s dialed-in and able to go quick (although possibly a contact slender). I discovered that my dimension 9 match effectively. 

The lace system permits for excellent lockdown. I significantly just like the sawtooth laces and had no hassle (however am unsure why they’re so lengthy). 

Like Courtney, I discovered the heel collar to be wherever from relatively noticeable to considerably irritating. It’s unclear why the tab extends into the inside of the shoe. They’re actually aiming for a streamlined match and minimal overlays however the heel may use some added assist in my view. 

Peter: I’ve a imprecise recollection of discovering a earlier Hyperion Elite or 2 so agency as to be practically un-runnable. I bear in mind questioning how Des was presumably working lengthy mileage in them. Nicely, issues have positively modified in Brooks-ville! The Hyperion Elite 4PB is gentle, responsive, bouncy and enjoyable to run in. The higher is mesh. It’s woven extra tightly in some areas and looser in others. Total it’s a terrifically breathable shoe. I’m a bit of involved that the higher could have some sturdiness points, however thus far so good. 

Sizing is true-to-size for me. I didn’t have any points with irritation on the heel because of the ankle collar or the pull tab. For me the match is superb, the shoe seems to be good and the laces don’t come undone. After working within the rain this morning I can say that they actually don’t retain any water. I hit a few big puddles and my sneakers by no means felt heavy or cumbersome. 

Midsole & Platform

Picture Credit score: Sally Reiley

Courtney: The Hyperion Elite 4 PB is outfitted with 40mm (heel stack) of 100% PEBA DNA GOLD foam, and tuned with a propulsive SpeedVault lattice design plate by ARRIS. It’s tremendous smooth but propulsive with the plate customized fitted to every dimension run in manufacturing. The skeletal plate permits for a extra versatile journey whereas nonetheless offering sufficient rigidity and propulsion. Because of this, it is without doubt one of the most naturally rolling race sneakers I’ve skilled. The heel’s bevel geometry is rather less gradual and the drop of 8mm encourages larger cadences and fast transition to midfoot and toe off.

Ben: As Courtney notes, the improved high quality of the froth is a sport changer. The PEBA DNA GOLD foam is important and prime quality. The platform feels slender to me, even narrower than a few of Brooks’ opponents’ race-day choices. That stated, the midsole is extremely plush, an enormous improve from earlier iterations of the shoe and portends effectively for the Hyperion Elite 5 that’s set to launch later this 12 months. 

The shoe shouldn’t be overly agency or harsh and works greatest at excessive speeds. I think about that this shall be a very good choice for many who wish to check out a carbon-plated shoe for the primary time or maybe as an excellent choice for exercise days.

Peter: The froth right here feels good. Clean rolling, bouncy, responsive and simply smooth sufficient to make the journey fulfilling for the lengthy haul. I’m wondering if the froth within the heel will really feel too smooth for heel-strikers. I land at my midfoot so it’s not a problem for me, however the heel is fairly darn smooth. The platform feels lots secure to me–it’s not so excessive stacked or smooth that it feels dicey. The plate supplies  propulsion after a easy roll off of the forefoot. I felt that the froth, plate and drop all labored collectively to assist me really feel actually snug at MGP and faster. 

Outsole

Picture Credit score: Sally Reiley

Courtney: The lattice-work rubberized outsole on the Hyperion provides you loads of traction by the forefoot. The medial rubber heel pad is sort of small, however this gave me no actual issues with grip. The outsole is  effectively segmented in order that it provides the froth extra room to compress and offers some flexibility. I’m not certain how lengthy the heel of this shoe will keep intact with my working stride, however the uncovered foam actually feels extra sturdy than opponents. I’ve observed a bit of wear and tear on the froth of the lateral toe, because the rubber toe-guard is sort of slender.

Peter: Thus far so good on the outsole. Sturdiness appears good. Most significantly I felt completely no slippage on moist roads this morning. I used to be alternating paces and had loads of scorching corners and felt tremendous strong the entire approach by. 

Experience, Conclusions and Suggestions

Courtney; THE DNA GOLD foam replace to the HE4PB  is a sport changer for this shoe. They really feel so cushioned, pure and managed, but give me the energetic toe off I have to run quick. They’re very responsive and lightweight on foot, however possibly not fairly as light-weight and bouncy as prime tier racers like Nike Alphafly 3 and Adidas Adios Professional 4 (See extra on this in my comparisons).  

My greatest concern is with the heel counter and heel tab inflicting a major blister on my left achilles. Once more, this may simply be my mechanics, however looks like a final second add by Brooks and an pointless aspect. 

The HE4PB absorbs impression whereas offering a superb  responsive journey and could also be an incredible entry carbon plate racer for a lot of runners due to its pure journey. Brooks has all the time understood its runners and this is a wonderful instance of mixing efficiency with usability. 

Courtney’s Rating: 8.73 / 10

Experience (50%): 9.0 actually pure journey, nice responsive racer/velocity work shoe

Match (30%): 8.0 -deduction on account of blister on left achilles however nice match general

Worth (15%): 9.0 It is the going worth lately

Type (5%):  9.5 nice colours and simplistic design

Smiles: 

Ben: The Hyperion Elite 4 PB is a breath of contemporary air from Brooks. It’s a terrific addition to their lineup of sneakers and a incredible choice for quick days or races as much as the marathon distance. The journey is fulfilling and fast with a extremely breathable higher and nice, upgraded foam underfoot. 

The lockdown is strong. It’s a shoe that loves going quick. I additionally consider that this can be a nice starter carbon racing shoe for these new to carbon-plated choices. It’s extremely accessible and enjoyable to run. 

As for drawbacks, the shoe could also be considerably slender for some and the heel match actually leaves one thing to be desired. Acknowledging that the Hyperion Elite 5 is ready to come back out later this 12 months, this shoe confirms that Brooks is again on observe and desperate to attraction to the racing public. We will solely hope that the 5 builds on this stellar shoe and fixes a few of these minor points. 

Ben’s rating: 9.3/10 

with deductions just for width and heel points

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Peter: The journey is superb. It could lack the WOW issue of another super-shoes, however I believe that works in favor of the Hyperion Elite 4 PB. A few of the different excessive stack racers are enjoyable however when my kind begins to go in the direction of the top of a race the sneakers exacerbate the issue relatively than assist it. 

I really feel just like the comparatively ‘regular’ stack peak and 8mm drop  of the Hyperion together with the plate and foam assist encourage a secure and constant journey. I’m a fan of the marginally larger drop as effectively. The Hyperion Elite4 PB suggests an older college racing flat with new foam and plate know-how–relatively than a complete new class of super-shoe. It’s a very fulfilling journey that feels good over longer tempo runs. Breathability is superb and it’ll make an incredible spring and summer time racing shoe. 

Peter’s Rating 9.3 

I actually benefit from the shoe and it feels nice at tempo. I’m on the fence about whether or not it’s received sufficient cushioning up entrance for me at 32mm to run a marathon in it–however I’m not ruling it out. 

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6 Comparisons

Nike Alphafly 3 (RTR Evaluation)

Courtney: The Alphafly 3, s fan favourite racer is available in barely lighter at 6.1 ozin my dimension and with the identical 8mm drop.  For me, the Alphafly has loads of versatility for velocity. The air pods give a journey not like some other shoe which could be a little jarring for some. The heel foam helps you to sink in after which propels you off as soon as your foot hits the air pods. In distinction, the Hyperion has a way more simple rolling journey that’s tremendous approachable and managed. One can not deny the Alphafly has an additional push of velocity that I’m unsure the Hyperion Elite can match, however it will depend on what you utilize the shoe for. 

Ben: The Alphafly 3, for me, is the benchmark in carbon-plated race day sneakers. It’s gentle, quick and enjoyable. The journey is unparalleled. For those who’re on the lookout for barely extra floor really feel by the gait cycle and one thing a contact extra pure, the Brooks is for you, however I think about most of us will attain for the AlphaFly 3 9 occasions out of ten right here.  

Saucony Endorphin Elite 1 (RTR Evaluation)

Courtney: The Endorphin Elite will all the time have a particular place in my working shoe coronary heart. I’m now on my third pair and have run numerous miles in them. At 6.5 ounces, the Endorphin Elite is a shoe made for marathon and half marathon paces. I’ve tried just a few shorter races in them they usually by no means received me the velocity I wanted, particularly on fatigued legs. I additionally are inclined to have hassle getting up over the rocker on hilly sections within the Elite, however it supplies you with loads of stability to get you thru these later miles when your kind may weaken. 

The Hyperion alternatively might be higher fitted to a 5k-half marathon, however I am unsure it has that very same stability that you simply want in an extended period occasion. DNA GOLD is softer than the PWRRUN HG foam of the Elite giving a bit of extra cushion to your landings. I discovered my higher physique joints (hips and low again) tackle a bit extra of a beating within the Endorphin Elites. 

The outsole of the Hyperion positively wins with extra rubber protection.

Saucony Endorphin Professional 4 (RTR Evaluation)

Courtney: It is a shoe that works effectively for 10k- half marathon tempo for me (although I might solely use it for speedwork). The rocker geometry within the Professional 4 gave me some points in my arch that will come and go together with exercises feelingt more durable. The Hyperion Elite appears barely extra versatile. The froth and skeletal plate are way more forgiving within the midfoot. 

Ben: I’m one of many few who didn’t get alongside effectively with the Endorphin 4. I discovered it to be very harsh and under no circumstances accommodating at slower paces. The Hyperion Elite 4 PB is neither of these issues. 

Adidas Adios Professional 4 (RTR Evaluation)

Courtney: The Adios Professional 4 is a extremely light-weight race shoe coming in at 172 grams, so 10 g lighter than the Hyperion Elite 4 PB in my US girls’s 9. At $250,  they’re priced equally however the journey is sort of completely different. The Professional has a 6mm drop, larger forefoot stack with a reasonably aggressive forefoot rocker. 

The cutout within the medial arch additionally contributes to the slight collapse in my arch. Because of this I’ll solely use this shoe for shorter distance racing. These with stability wants may discover the Hyperion to be extra supportive by the midfoot. 

For my part, the  looseness of the higher of the Adios Professional 4 and the lacing depart one thing to be desired in my view. With out a lot stretch within the materials, there was vital bunching each within the toe field and all through the midfoot. I had a number of stops on my first run to search out the suitable lockdown. 

The Lightstrike Professional foam is a bouncy foam with loads of vitality return and the Power Rods size propel you ahead, however at the price of feeling considerably uncontrolled particularly at larger speeds.

Hoka Mach X 2 (RTR Evaluation)

Peter: The Mach X2 attacked the again of my ankle/achilles fairly severely. For me the Hyperion was a greater match and a extra enjoyable journey. 

Hoka Cielo X1 (RTR Evaluation)

Peter: The Cielo is a better stack and has extra pizazz. For me, the Hoka needs to go quicker than the Hyperion. The Hyperion feels extra like a pure extension of the foot and could be a more sensible choice over lengthy miles. The Cielo is fairly constructed up underneath the arch. Proper now these are my prime two choices for an upcoming marathon. Should run them aspect by aspect at tempo to determine. 

Index to all RTR evaluations: HERE

Tester Profiles

Courtney Kelly, age 37 is a university lacrosse participant turned avid runner. She lives in Manchester, MA along with her husband and two daughters ages 4 and eight. Courtney signed up for her first 1/2 marathon the morning of the race in 2022, profitable second place in a time of 1:26. She determined to take working a bit extra critically, becoming a member of the Depraved Working Membership and making an attempt some coaching plans. She ran her first marathon this fall in 3:04:27. As well as, she holds a half marathon PR of 1:25, a 5 mile PR 30:17, and a 5k PR of 18:20. She seems to be ahead to getting some extra power and velocity underneath her belt this subsequent season, earlier than taking a crack on the marathon once more. She is 5’4”, 110 lbs

Ben is the Senior Rabbi of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel of Elkins Park, PA. A most cancers survivor, he has run 21 marathons. He holds PRs of three:15 for the marathon and 1:30 for the half. At 46, he nonetheless enjoys pushing himself and mixing his working with supporting quite a lot of causes. Observe him on Instagram: @RabbiBPD or Twitter: @BDinPA

Peter lives in California and has been a sub 3 hour marathoner in addition to a 1:21 half marathoner in recent times.