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I was really looking forward to getting my hands on the Brooks Hyperion Max 2. The original had a lot of promise, but it just didn’t hold up in the durability department. I feel like I'm one of the few people that thought this! After about 100 miles, it felt like the cushioning had gone flat, which isn’t ideal when you need a shoe to last longer as a trainer. The traction was fine, but the cushioning did not last for me. I do wonder if I just got a bad pair.
The Hyperion Max 2 comes with some major updates, including a higher stack, more stiffness, and added weight. I was excited to see if it helped the durability!
Brooks Hyperion Max 2 Quick Facts
The fit has seen a nice improvement over the original Hyperion Max. I didn’t hate the original fit, but this version is just plain better. Thanks Brooks! The mesh upper strikes a balance between breathability and structure. Living in the desert, I do not tolerate shoes that don't have good breathability. Despite not having a lace loop, the gusseted tongue stays in place, and the flat laces lock everything down. The toe box has plenty of room.
If you’ve had issues with heel slippage or a stiff upper in past versions, those problems have been addressed. The inner liner also adds even more comfort, though socks are recommended because of the internal toe guard. Seriously how do people run without socks. The best shoes are the ones you forget you’re wearing, and the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 comes pretty close to achieving that. No hot spots, no weird issues, and they were great when I put them on.
For reference, I typically wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide, and I found the size 11 in the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 to fit perfectly. I usually wear between a womens size 10.5-11 in Brooks running shoes.
Brooks introduced its updated DNA Flash v2 foam, which feels both firmer and more responsive than the original. It also now features a SpeedVault plate, adding stiffness and creating that rockered feel that helps with efficiency, especially at marathon paces. Funny enough, the original version was marketed as a “no-plate” shoe, so this is a big shift! I'm in still surprised Brooks added it.
The midsole geometry has been tweaked to offer a smoother transition, especially for those who land midfoot. The added stack height—4 mm in the heel and 6 mm in the forefoot—provides a cushioned but firm ride, making it a solid option for long runs or recovery days.
As soon as I laced them up, I could tell the Hyperion Max 2 was a different animal compared to the first version. It felt softer, and that SpeedVault plate brought some firmness back into the mix. Is it an improvement? Well, it’s definitely a different feel, but I don’t think the changes are a bad thing. I'm a fan of both versions but in different ways. This new version feels much more responsive.
In terms of where this shoe fits into a rotation, it’s still a speedwork option but feels firmer and more responsive than before. I’ve enjoyed using it for longer, faster efforts, and it’s easy to pick up the pace when needed.
The outsole offers generous rubber coverage, which minimizes wear even after putting in a lot of miles. For me, the outsole was never the issue with the original Hyperion Max; it was the midsole that broke down too quickly. With the new foam, I’m optimistic this version will last longer. After 50 miles, I haven’t seen nearly as much breakdown as I did with the previous model.
I’ve tested the shoe on sandy trails and in less-than-ideal weather conditions, and the traction has held up well. I wouldn’t use these as trail shoes, but for light, flat trails, they get the job done. Brooks typically shines in traction, so I'm not concerned.
The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 is a great choice for those looking for a trainer that’s well-cushioned but still firm and responsive. It’s versatile enough for long runs and speedwork, with a rockered design that makes transitions feel smooth and efficient. Plus, it’s fun to run in, which is always a bonus.
Who Should Buy the Brooks Hyperion Max 2?
Who Should Avoid the Brooks Hyperion Max 2?
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