Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 Review

Brooks redesigned the upper completely, and that’s what really caught my attention. The new silicone-based mesh is incredibly thin and breathable, giving it a sleek, seamless feel. It conforms to your foot without extra bulk or overlays. Padding around the heel is minimal but strategically placed to avoid any rubbing or slippage. It is one of my favorite uppers to date. 

The tongue is paper-thin but includes a soft pad where the laces cross to relieve pressure. This version fits true to size, but expect a secure, snug fit...great for racing. There’s an extra lace hole for heel-locking, which I used for a little more structure. It feels like an extension of your foot rather than something sitting on top of it.

Brooks is one of the most comfortable running shoe brands and even in a performance shoe like this, they’ve nailed it. There were no hot spots, and I didn’t need any break-in time. The shoe just works right out of the box and that is not always the case with racing shoes. 

For reference, I typically wear a women’s 10 to 11 wide, and the size 11 worked really well for me. It’s easily one of the most comfortable plated shoes I’ve tried.

This is where the shoe really surprised me. The full-length DNA Gold foam is far more responsive than anything Brooks has put out before. It has noticeable bounce without being too soft, and the cushioning feels far more forgiving than earlier models. Those older versions felt flat and harsh...I honestly felt like I was running in a racing flat. But not this version. 

The SpeedVault Race+ carbon plate is specifically tuned by size, meaning smaller sizes aren’t overly rigid while larger sizes still get plenty of propulsion. Combined with the rocker design, you get a quick, rolling stride that encourages forward momentum without feeling too aggressive.

Unlike most other carbon plated models, it’s actually usable at a range of paces. Some carbon shoes feel harsh or awkward at anything slower than race pace, but the Hyperion Elite 5 remains smooth even on moderate efforts. I wouldn’t wear them for recovery days for durability reasons though. 

Where It Belongs in My Shoe Rotation: This is clearly a shoe made to go fast. As mentioned, I wouldn’t waste the miles on casual runs, but it shines in longer tempo sessions and marathon-paced workouts. It handles track repeats just fine, but I find it really feels good in longer efforts at race pace. If you’re doing a big tempo block or practicing marathon pace, this is an ideal shoe for that.

The outsole uses a newer version of Brooks’ RoadTack rubber. It’s minimal but effective, offering great grip without weighing the shoe down. They’ve smartly placed the rubber only where it’s needed, which cuts bulk but still gives you traction in slick or wet conditions.

I’ve run in light rain and dusty desert roads, and the grip hasn’t let me down. Like most carbon-plated shoes, I expect the lifespan to be in the 100-mile range. That’s pretty typical, and it seems to be holding up well so far.

This version is a huge step forward for Brooks. The Hyperion Elite 5 finally feels like a legitimate option in the carbon racing category. It’s light, responsive, and more forgiving than you might expect. Whether you’re chasing a fast finish time or just want a shoe that feels fast and exciting, this one delivers.

Who Might Like the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5?

• Runners who want a plated shoe for anything from 5Ks to marathons
• Athletes looking for a lightweight, performance-driven option
• Anyone who prefers a snug, breathable upper and secure fit

Who Might Not?

• Runners who prefer super-soft cushioning or maximalist shoes
• Anyone who needs a roomier toe box or dislikes close-fitting uppers