Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 Multi Tester Review: The "All Access" Elite Marathon Super Shoe – 7 Comparisons

Introduction

Sam: The sixth version of Brooks prime shelf racer continues the mannequin’s historic power in being among the many most steady of marathon tremendous sneakers. However now, by cautious engineering and geometry of its foams and Speedvault+ carbon plate, it will get a much more dynamic flowing and sooner experience with out overdoing plate or platform geometry. 

I’ve run nearly all tremendous sneakers because the authentic Vaporfly 4%, and as a now older runner I discover many overly prescriptive requiring a pronounced midfoot to forefoot strike.. 

Not so right here! And whereas v5 was not as prescriptive as a lot of its opponents, and a steady tremendous shoe, in v6 Brooks continues these traits and in addition, for the primary ime within the Elite, contains far sooner instances, smiles and simple to search out stream and energy rivaling another I’ve examined. 

With the identical World Athletics authorized max peak of 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot, an excellent mild and breathable higher and different modifications the load drops 7g to 192g / 6.77 oz US 8.5 / EU 42, so a US9 s might be below the magic 7 oz / 200g barrier.

Courtney: The Hyperion Elite has gone by pretty fast and important modifications previously three iterations. The Brooks Elite 4PB launched DNA Gold, a PEBA foam that was a a lot wanted improve from Brooks’ prior racing foams  (DNA Flash). The experience was now softer and extra propulsive than ever and I discovered it an excellent coaching shoe for half-marathon to marathon tempo runs (6:22-7:00) 

Just some months later, Brooks launched the Elite 5, full with progressive midsole facet cutouts and orb-like midsole construction. For me, V5 shined throughout shorter races 5k-10k paces (5:50-6:18), and it grew to become a way more aggressive shoe. 

Within the Hyperion Elite 6, we see the shoe return to its extra conventional geometry with modifications to the  DNA Gold foam format, rockers and plate. Maybe it extra carefully echoes the Elite 4PB in silhouette, however its versatility is what actually makes it particular.

Sally: I’ve run in a lot of the variations of the at all times evolving Hyperion Elite and admittedly was not duly impressed with the primary few. They struck me as overly agency and nonetheless a bit old fashioned, as if Brooks accepted their destiny that their market was the day by day runner (and walkers embraced!) carrying the Ghost, and never the marathon runner searching for a carbon plated race day possibility.  

I used to really feel badly for the skilled Brooks athletes resembling Des Linden, my absolute hero and favourite human, and would surprise out loud how she may do in a marathon if she might run in legit tremendous sneakers and never the early Hyperion Elite bricks (in fact she at all times did nice no matter her footwear). 

Then, final 12 months, Brooks launched the HE5 in that beautiful coral/turquoise colorway with these funky little midsole balls, and I used to be shocked to search out I actually get pleasure from operating in it. It was a bouncy and easy whereas barely smooth (possibly too smooth?) experience, and Brooks nailed it with an excellent becoming higher. But I didn’t contemplate it for any of the 4 main marathons I ran this 12 months.

However right here is the Hyperion Elite 6, but once more a very completely different shoe. The spectacular outcomes of Brooks athletes on the spring marathons (Jess McLain operating an American ladies’s course document in Boston in 2:20:49! Clayton Younger signing with Brooks…) had many people on excessive alert as to what Brooks has been engaged on and can be releasing to the general public this 12 months.

Enter the brand new Hyperion Elite, releasing Aug.1! Learn on to see what all of us consider Brooks’ 2026 tremendous shoe – is it lastly a legit race day possibility?

(I hold with quick mates: Jess McLain and me at a Brooks panel two days earlier than Boston) 

Ben: Brooks has been taking part in catch-up for years it appears. Whereas different manufacturers go racing forward (actually) with their carbon-plated sneakers, Brooks was lagging behind. Till the comparatively latest Hyperion Elite 4PB, few have been reaching for Brooks so long as Nike, ASICS or New Steadiness have been obtainable. The model acquired some good recognition when American celebrity Clayton Younger signed with them earlier this 12 months. Add him to a Brooks roster that already contains American stalwarts Des Linden, Susanna Sullivan, Jess McClain and CJ Albertson. 

Execs:

Extra aggressive toe offs than HE4 PB or 5 (Courtney, Ben, Sally, Sam)

Good outsole sturdiness (Courtney/ Sam)

Versatile pace shoe (Courtney, Sally, Ben, Sam)

Accessible to extra than simply elites: “A shoe that can agree with a variety of runners” Courtney, Sally 

Dynamic, easy and steady with no awkwardness at any tempo: no over-soft heel, no midfoot plate “hump”, with an aggressive however not excessive rocke: Sam

Beautifully and successfully blended: DNA Gold foam in 2+ plus densities , nicely built-in plate: Sam

Nice racing higher that’s comfy and  breathable and has safe lockdown – Sally, Ben, Sam

Agile and easy rolling, particularly for a excessive stack plated tremendous shoe – Sally, Sam

Firmer extra steady really feel – (Courtney)

Aggressive weight at sub 7 oz / 200g: Sam

Cons:

Could possibly be overly agency for some runners -(Courtney)

Small blister on left achilles from heel counter- (Courtney, Ben)

As with most supershoes want for a little bit of entrance toe off flex: Sam

Stats

Approx. Weight: males’s  6.97 oz / 198g US9 ladies’s 172 g / 6.0 oz (US W8)

 Pattern Weights: 

       males’s  192g / 6.77 oz (US 8.5 / EU 42)  (H5: 7.02 oz / 199g US8.5)

       ladies’s: 172 g / 6.0 oz (US W8)

  Stack Peak:  

V6 40mm heel / 33mm forefoot, 7mm drop 

V5 40mm heel / 32 forefoot, 8mm drop

Platform Width

H6: 75 mm heel /  60 mm midfoot  / 100 mm forefoot 

H5:  75 mm heel /  55 mm midfoot  / 100 mm forefoot

Avaialble August 2026, $275 

Most comparable sneakers (along with your identify subsequent to every)

Brooks Hyperion Elite 5- 

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB- Courtney

New Steadiness SC Elite V5

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 – Sally

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Ben: Right here comes  the Hyperion Elite 6, a sleek-looking, mild(ish) and extremely promising race-day possibility that can assist to shut the hole. 

Out of the field, the shoe seems to be quick. The all-white colorway is easy and clear. The shoe may be very mild (although not as mild as a few of its opponents) and the sheer higher catches the attention instantly. 

On foot, my measurement US9 felt good. This can be a sensational higher that gives an excellent lockdown. There’s a noticeable block of froth within the forefront that’s paying homage to an AlphaFly or Cielo X. 

I did discover that the very minimal heel collar is considerably difficult and (not less than for me) and didn’t sit down evenly in opposition to my heel and Achilles. This proved to be irritating on the run as I felt it wrinkling a bit and rubbing in a method I might have definitely finished with out. To me this may be the one actual flaw of the Hyperion Elite 6.  

Heel collar apart, I discovered the experience to be actually easy-going. This shoe doesn’t get in the way in which, however fairly disappears underfoot, particularly at sooner paces. It’s not dictative or proscriptive, that’s, which can’t be stated for among the extra mechanical carbon-plated sneakers on the market. I’m positive we’ll say extra about this beneath, however the shoe doesn’t come off as tremendous aggressive or harsh, even because it does really feel very quick. 

Courtney: The match of the Hyperion Elite 6 is that of a severe race shoe. This cosy really feel retains the foot firmly planted into the platform so no vitality is wasted stabilizing. ‘

For these not used to this, it might really feel tighter within the toe field, particularly when you’ve got larger quantity toes (the texture is barely tighter than V5 for me). I did discover some nice toe discomfort on runs with huge up and downs, however made positive to trim my toenails quick and had no additional points.

The texture is softer than prior variations and in contrast to the 4PB (the place it took some finagling to get the shoe on) my foot slid in simply. 

According to the prior two variations, Brooks has continued the very porous and breathable higher. Though it might look fragile, the silicone lace-yarn cloth is sturdy whereas offering unimaginable breathability. On the medial and lateral sides of the higher, we see a bolstered TPU coating that provides construction and added stability for the foot.

Sawtooth lacing continues to be a profitable design selection making certain a safe lockdown that stays put. The lace sheaths return to 4PB’s design that integrates into the higher fairly than being a sewn-in addition.  

On the inside, padding on the tongue has lightened with the medial facet sewn into the higher to stop sliding.

The heel counter is essentially the most noticeable change. The agency cup cradles the heel now, whereas three inside sections of extra bolstered yellow padding assist preserve the foot locked in. There are added grips on these sections that assist preserve the foot in place. 

I developed a small blister on my left heel the place the padding meets my achilles, so it is unclear if these grippers cut back friction or trigger extra. Thankfully, a bandaid saved it from progressing, and my proper heel was spared (we’re asymmetrical beings!). 

The heel collar has returned to the microsuede like really feel of 4PB which I assume is lighter than the knit collar from V5. 

The general really feel is quick and severe. It’s clear Brooks has made efforts to enhance each element of this higher to compete with the most effective. 

Sally:  Okay, that is my concept of a gorgeous shoe. Modern and ethereal and lightweight in an nearly all-white colorway with daring black Brooks branding on the lateral facet, it simply seems to be quick. The extremely breathable flat knit higher seems deceptively delicate and fragile, however wears like iron. 

The match is properly true-to-size and appropriately cosy for a race day shoe, and instantly comfy.

I discovered you initially must loosen the laces to get your foot in and be sure that the skinny tongue lays flat in your foot, however thankfully the tongue is stitched to the medial facet so it then stays securely in place as soon as the serrated laces are tightened.

 Because the others have identified, there’s a minimal heel counter that’s distinguished by three yellow heel pillows with rubberized nubs that basically maintain the again of the foot securely in place. 

Not like Courtney and Ben, I’ve had no points in any way with achilles irritation, even on a ten mile run and through  a 10K race. I’ve had no irritations or sizzling spots wherever on this shoe, which is uncommon for me and is way to be celebrated!  

This easy but complicated higher succeeds magnificently at holding my foot comfortably and securely to the platform. (Be aware: I assumed the higher of the HE5 was fantastic as nicely, despite the fact that there are variations.)

Sam: The look is elegantly easy with the visible highlights the wavy linear denser toe field mesh, the yellow sockliner that offers the shoe colour out of the field and the enjoyable of adjusting the colour primarily based in your sock choice.

 

The others have lined the higher nicely. I be a part of Sally in agreeing zero points for me with this higher. It’s outstanding in being so mild, ethereal but so invisibly supportive and simple to dial in. On the run I’ve by no means thought of  or observed the higher.

I significantly like that Brooks, at the price of some grams included a stable semi inflexible heel counter with nice maintain from the internal pillows with no slip dots, elevated  rear collar heights, together with the midsole facet wall heights and included a stable vertical toe bumper. All of those modifications contribute to the rear and entrance  stability and help  

The match is an ideal fuss free true to measurement for me in size and width for my slender to medium quantity toes. 

I used to be even amazed that the match was in step with very skinny and even thicker “path” race grade socks though the thicker socks dialed within the match but higher. 

This higher could also be the most effective supershoe higher I’ve skilled thus far.

Midsole & Platform

Sam: Whereas the shoe’s midsole is nearly monochromatic in colour with mild tan and white this can be essentially the most elaborately (and successfully) engineered midsole but in a supershoe. I rely successfully 3 densities of nitrogen infused DNA Gold PEBA foam when  urgent the midsole facet partitions. 

The rear tan areas are comparatively smooth. Beginning on the finish of the heel counter and operating to the entrance on each side now we have a “white” look layer. I’m fairly positive it’s the identical foam because the rear however.. It has a skinny glued on mesh layer, the white. 

The Nike Ultrafly 2 has such a mesh layer as do photos of the Nike Alphafly 4 prototypes with the adidas Hyperboost Edge even have an exterior coating to manage the deflection of its smooth foam. 

This mesh layer I believe stabilizes the froth beneath holding it from “squishing” out. The texture whereas operating is notably nicely aligned and steady and in addition I believe retains the foot from compressing to far down at midfoot, fully eliminating the midfoot plate hump I usually really feel in tremendous sneakers if I “occur” to heel strike. So this elite shoe can be slower paces pleasant!

The carbon plate is clearly extra aggressive than within the 5 which felt flatter and fewer dynamic than right here. I

I roll simply to toe off as along with the plate modifications the consequence is a clearly extra pronounced and longer entrance rocker in addition to a sharper extra prolonged and cantilevered rear rocker getting me off the heel faster, but which additionally was steady.

However there may be extra that contributes to the graceful roll off the toe!

The white mesh layer is much less in depth on the medial facet proper on the toe than on the lateral

I believe it can present a barely extra steady platform for the massive toe. Personally, I would really like a softer, extra versatile, extra in depth opening medially  however have had no points and will clearly really feel at good closing toe push off.

Lastly, above the outsole, there seems to be  a skinny layer of barely denser foam (beginning simply forward of the “H” above)  to boost the response by offering a steady layer above the outsole.

And all of this elaborate building, plus a really substantial outsole for an excellent shoe, doesn’t “add” to a lot weight as we are available in at a really aggressive 192g / 6.77 oz US 8.5 / EU 42, 7g lighter than v5. And we have yet another mm of forefoot stack peak to 40mm heel / 33 mm forefoot with the platform 5mm wider at midfoot, and with the brand new opening to the plate an excellent transfer. . 

I additionally observe the comparatively slender 110mm forefoot (unchanged) which makes the mesh outer midsole layer all that extra necessary to maintain the forefoot steady at toe off and holding the Elite fairly agile.

Tech explanations finished, the consequence here’s a very steady, smooth but very nicely aligned using shoe with an aggressive geometry that works nicely for me as a now slower runner. 

My contact sooner than marathon tempo runs (8:15-8:30 per mile) have been as easy as might be even when drained and extra again on the heels. My heat ups and slower paced miles have been simply superb too. Outstanding for an excellent shoe of this class!

Courtney: The meat of the shoe lies within the DNA GOLD, nitrogen-infused PEBA midsole. Though V6 stays at 40mm, it seems a lot larger than V5 as a result of elevated sidewalls each medially and laterally. For me these stabilizing partitions improve the boldness I’ve whereas operating, and that may be the distinction between a course PB and worrying a couple of misstep. 

As well as, Brooks has widened the platform on the midfoot, a transfer that works nicely for my overpronation tendency. V5’s midfoot was slender and compressed, making it more durable for me to run slower paces for lengthy durations. V6 is a shoe that can agree with many runners.

There may be little flex within the V6 with a newly designed plate, and this firmer really feel underfoot permits me to actually push off with energy. The SpeedVault plates’ spoon-like design scoops decrease below the 33mm forefoot (a 1mm improve from V5) permitting extra foam to be compressed throughout push off. 

On the rear, we see the only flare (how far the midsole stands proud at heel) is diminished from prior variations. This contributes to faster transitions and a extra pure gait at slower paces. Throughout my warmup and cooldown at a latest race I had no drawback holding my miles simple. The experience stays comfy regardless of the tempo. 

What’s so fascinating to me, is that HE can be a really quick shoe. I felt assured hitting 5K right down to even my mile tempo. The bigger heel bevel, forefoot rocker and toe spring work collectively to create a strong toe off. I used to be fortunate sufficient to have been capable of race a 5k in them. It was a course PR for me regardless of it being 79 levels. I completed the final three minutes at a 5:40 tempo (my mile tempo). 

Ben: I agree with Courtney that this rides like a higher-than-40mm shoe. The shoe feels bulkier (or maybe extra strong) than earlier iterations, though not heavier. 

For positive, the magic of this newest Hyperion Elite is within the combination of froth densities. These work in tandem to create a experience that’s accommodating and smooth, by no means harsh. The foot is extremely protected with an ample base and slight facet partitions that supply good reassurance round tight corners. 

I discovered that the froth mixtures praise one another nicely and supply rather more help at toe-off, particularly when in comparison with the Hyperion Elite 5. This can be a extra dramatic and peppy experience than any of the earlier variations, however once more by no means a harsh or dictatorial one.

Sally: The midsole right here is the ticket to a enjoyable and quick experience: the DNA GOLD is golden!  The nitrogen-infused foam is softer, lighter, and extra responsive. Because the others have identified although, the magic is the distinctive and fairly sensible mix of various foam densities that work in synergy with one another and the redesigned SpeedVault+ carbon plate and upgraded RapidRoll geometry. 

The plate is now steeper and the rocker geometry extra aggressive due to its placement farther again within the foot strike. The consequence for me is a Goldilocks stage of bounce – not too smooth and never too agency – and a extra energetic and energetic toe-off.

I  am a midfoot striker and the shoe responds finest when pushing the tempo, and but someway additionally it is easy and by no means awkward even when operating slower restoration or warmup paces. I simply laced these up for a 10K yesterday and was amazed at (a) how briskly my tempo was contemplating my perceived effort (7:29/mi is quick for me, particularly once I wasn’t treating this 10K as a aggressive race) , and (b) how peppy and agile and easy they felt although each stride. 

Outsole

Sam: The outsole “rubber” seems to be the now frequent CPU (forged polyurethane) seen on many race sneakers in 2025-2006 for its lighter than rubber weight, nice sturdiness and traction. There was simply sufficient profiling {that a} quick run on arduous packed granite mud went easily with nice grip. Testing on moist roads.. when it rains however I count on good traction. The outsole is notably quiet, at all times a plus!

I observe that the midfoot which in v5 was crammed in is now cored out to cut back weight and expose the plate however, as said above, Brooks additionally widened the platform there from a really slender 55mm to 60mm to assist stabilize that space which I discovered it does

Ben: Underfoot there may be first rate protection, particularly for a race-day shoe. 

Sally: The CPU kind rubber outsole is quiet underfoot and supplies nice traction, gripping properly on each moist and dry pavement and arduous packed gravel. I really feel assured in its grip and sturdiness thus far appears superb (although as a lighter runner,  I not often put a lot put on on my outsoles).  I recognize the smooth quietness and lack of slap. 

Courtney: The CPU rubber outsole is more durable than V5’s SpeedTack extra sticky rubber. The grooves are spaced nearer collectively in V6 and have extra vertical flex grooves enhancing the traction and stability one may have whereas cornering. General sturdiness has been glorious. After 30 miles I see little indicators of breakdown or put on.

Trip, Conclusions and Suggestions

Ben: The Hyperion Elite 6 often is the first Brooks shoe able to compete with fellow big-name manufacturers. This can be a glossy, responsive shoe with a terrific higher. I loved my miles in it regardless of some rubbing and occasional bother with the very minimal heel collar. I worry that the worth level is a contact excessive for what we’re getting right here, however it’s in step with different prime tremendous sneakers. That stated, the shoe is peppy and enjoyable; it really works finest at sooner paces. Ultimately, it is a good – not nice – shoe in a really crowded market.

Ben’s Rating 9.0/10

😁😁😁😁

Sally: The Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 is my type of shoe! Fast, peppy, bouncy, comfy, agile, responsive, steady, versatile… 

So many good issues to say about it! The higher is unbelievable, the experience is easy and fast and the geometry naturally rolls you ahead to an brisk toe-off and the general really feel isn’t awkward, as it’s with another tremendous sneakers. All of us need to maximize our potential for quick instances and PRs once we race and the HE6 may not be essentially the most aggressive shoe on the market, however this simply may be my shoe of selection for my subsequent race! 

I knew it was an excellent omen when my pattern pair arrived the identical day I wore a Brooks singlet in a half marathon to “channel my internal Des Linden” (beast mode!) – and the race went nicely. If solely I had had this shoe one week earlier… 

With the appearance of the Hyperion Elite 6, Brooks is making a press release that they belong within the lead pack with the opposite tremendous sneakers, and Brooks athletes are not held again by mediocre race day sneakers. 

This can be a versatile race shoe that can work for a variety of runner kinds and paces, because it responds superbly to each average paces and the quickest uptempo efforts, encouraging everybody to roll ahead rapidly to a peppy toe spring. And did I point out it’s a handsome shoe with a primary in school higher?  

Sally’s rating: 9.53 / 10

Trip (50%): 9.8 /10   

 Match (30%):  9.8 /10     

Worth (15%):  8.0 /10   

Model (5%):  9.8 /10

😊😊😊😊😊

Courtney: The Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 is a quietly spectacular shoe. This darkish horse might not boast a TPEE foam or excessive geometry, but it surely’s a dependable competitor that surprises with its versatility and prime pace potential. I

Its consolation at quite a lot of paces makes it an excellent selection for interval work and positively a shoe I’ll run a ton of miles in. The Hyperion Elite 6 is a really approachable shoe that runners of many ranges can get pleasure from given its versatility. I even have to notice, I used to be so comfortable to search out V6 not squeaks as V5 did!

Courtney’s Rating: 9.38/10

Trip: 9.5

Match: 9 

Worth: 9.5

Model: 10

😊😊😊😊 and ½

Sam: It took 6 generations of change however Brooks lastly has a sophisticated supershoe contender that’s elite confirmed and common racer pleasant. I’m not positive why it took so lengthy for Brooks to carry the trademark consolation and flexibility they’re recognized for in trainers to their supershoe however they’ve. It’s attention-grabbing to notice that Brooks prime stage extremely shoe, the Cascadia Elite has the same pleasant steady experience but can be greater than elite race confirmed.

The Elite 6’s weight is aggressive, the higher is great, and the experience is steady, versatile and never prescriptive- so that is one accessible elite stage supershoe. I believe essentially the most accessible but that I’ve skilled, and I’ve run nearly all of them since 2018.

At the identical time quick and environment friendly as I took down a number of Strava segments on my rail path check runs.  The one enchancment I’d recommend is a little more pronounced ahead closing toe off agility or flexibility and extra roll to huge toe for shorter races because the shoe felt finest between my marathon and half paces.

The experience is prime notch elite stage however doesn’t drive a sure stride and even, to a big extent, solely quick paces. As such, I believe  it’s a best choice for us within the mid pack who’ve been “scared” of supershoes or had tough experiences in them when drained and our type shouldn’t be elite stage clear. 

Sam’s Rating 9.56 /10

Trip: 9.5

Match: 10

Worth: 9

Model: 9.2

😊😊😊😊

7 Comparisons

Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 (RTR Evaluation)

Courtney: The HE 5 feels extra low to the bottom (despite the fact that on paper they’ve the identical heel stack) with a extra versatile and pure really feel underfoot. The froth is much less dense and with orb midsole geometry the HE5 has a squishier but nonetheless responsive really feel I discovered higher fitted to shorter race distances. The heel flare within the 5 is kind of important. Within the 6 we see Brooks has shortened that space to permit smoother transitions. V5 is a much less comfy shoe to run in at slower paces for me, the place V6 actually shines wherever you push it. Large enhancements right here from Brooks.

New Steadiness SC Elite v5 (RTR Evaluation)

Ben: The SC Elite provides an excellent lockdown and an excellent experience. It’s each extra accessible and extra streamlined in my view.

Sally: W8 in each. Each are comfy, enjoyable, accessible race day choices however want the peppier experience of the HE6. Each are good entry stage racers for the runner who doesn’t need too aggressive of a shoe, however the HE6 has extra “stand up and go” for my operating mechanics.

Sam: Agreeing each are accessible steady selections with the SC Elite not fairly as dynamic in experience really feel however a contact extra steady.

Hoka Cielo X1  3.0 (RTR Evaluation)

Sally: W8 in each. I’ve had enjoyable operating in each of those sneakers, each contenders for favourite race day and uptempo coaching sneakers of the 12 months. The Cielo X1 3.0 is extra aggressive and fewer steady,  and requires extra management from the runner and maybe a want for residing on the wild facet. 

The HE6 has a superior nicely becoming and safe higher, and is extra versatile and approachable to a wider vary of runners. However each can shock you with their quickness. I really feel extra assured within the Brooks over lengthy distances when my type may get compromised with fatigue. 

ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo  (RTR Evaluation)

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo ( RTR Evaluation)

Ben: The Sky Tokyo – to me – is among the finest race day sneakers on the market. It’s mild, fast and extremely wearable. At the same value level, until you should be in a Brooks, this one is a no brainer. 

Sally: (W 8 in HE6, W8.5 in Asics). I’ve run 4 marathons previously 9 months within the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo and love that shoe! Not like  Ben, I must give this selection some severe thought. The Metaspeed is comfy and agile and steady and fast, however I discover the HE6 is as nicely. Give me extra miles earlier than I’ve to choose my favourite youngster right here. 

Tracksmith Eliot Racer  (RTR Evaluation)

Ben: Truly an excellent comparability. I’ve at all times liked the Elliot Racer. I believe it’s very approachable and rides extra like a mellow coach than a monster truck. As a race day shoe the Brooks is quicker, with higher foam and is extra enjoyable and extra propulsive. 

Sally: (W8 in HE6, W8.5 in Eliot Racer) I agree with Ben that these are good comparisons, as each are nice trying and considerably unassuming and deceptively excessive tech. Neither seems to be as if the heel stack is as excessive because it really is. Each are actually enjoyable sneakers to do the miles in, but I select the Eliot Racer for lengthy runs and never races. The HE6 has rather more race day functionality for me with its extra aggressive rocker geometry and springy DNA Gold foam.

NIke Alphafly 3   (RTR Evaluation)

Sally: W8 in HE6, W8.5 in Alphafly) Wow, it has been a minute since I wore my AF3s. Nike Vaporfly after which Alphafly have been my “magic slippers” and race day shoe of selection for numerous years, till I attempted the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo. 

The AF3 feels rather more mechanical and awkward than the HE6, although I’m the primary to confess that the AF3 can preserve a quick tempo for 26.2 miles. However have you ever tried strolling in them? They arrive off instantly after the end line for me. The HE6 is extra unassuming in seems to be and extra versatile and approachable for a wider vary of runners, and but can nonetheless present the required fast wheels when you’ve got the engine revved. I hung up the Nike racers for multiple purpose two years in the past, and it’ll take an excellent new innovation to get me again. So Brooks takes the win for 2026.

Sam: Sally says it proper! The Alphafly is mechanical in really feel, requires a midfoot strike or else and is heavier. The Brooks is a extra fashionable and pleasant shoe.

On Cloudboom Strike   (RTR Evaluation)

Sam: On’s supershoe has a  related steady pleasant steady experience for me. It’s considerably heavier however not by a lot. A bit extra mechanical in really feel it lacks the springy efficient geometry of the Brooks or its impeccable match.

IBROOKS RUNNING

Hyperion Elite 6 obtainable August 1, 2026

Tester Profiles

Ben is the Senior Rabbi of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel of Elkins Park, PA. A most cancers survivor, he has run 24 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 operating with supporting quite a lot of causes. Observe him on Instagram: @RabbiBPD or Twitter: @BDinPA

Courtney Kelly, age 37 is a university lacrosse participant turned avid runner. She lives in Manchester, MA together 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 operating a bit extra critically, becoming a member of Depraved Operating Membership and attempting some coaching plans. She ran her first marathon in 2024 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 pace below her belt this subsequent season, earlier than taking a crack on the marathon once more. She is 5’4”, 110 lbs.Off the roads, Courtney is a painter and loving mom to her ladies. ‘

Sally is a lifelong runner and mom of 5 who in opposition to her higher judgement ran her first marathon—Boston 2014—at age 54. She has since accomplished 23 main marathons together with Boston (13 straight, 2014-2026), New York, London, Chicago, Berlin and Tokyo and has thereby earned the coveted Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal. She has raced in a number of Abbott WMM Age Group World Championships, operating her marathon PR of three:24:02 in London in 2022 (age 63, sixth place) and most not too long ago inserting third on the 2025 AG World Championships on the NYC Marathon with a time of three:31 at age 66. She completed Boston 2026 this April in 3:29 (fifth in AG), and positioned on the AG podium in Berlin, New York and Tokyo this previous 12 months. Sally additionally competes in USATF occasions for the Larger Lowell Street Runners and at the moment leads the USATF-NE Grand Prix standings for her AG. She provides which means to operating Boston yearly by operating with Group Eye and Ear and has thus far raised greater than $400,000 for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital. She stands tall at 5’2” and 105 kilos and lives in Marblehead, MA the place she trains year-round outdoor. She blames her love of snowboarding out West for any Boston Marathon coaching challenges.

Sam is the Editor and Founding father of Street Path Run. Hex is in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 54th 12 months of operating roads and trails. He has a many years outdated 2:28 marathon PR. Lately he runs halves within the 1:45 vary if he will get very, very fortunate. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week principally at average paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Park Metropolis, Utah be it on the run, climbing or on nordic skis. Sam is 5’9” /175cm  and 160 lbs/ 73kg  if he’s not having fun with too many superb New England IPA’s.