The previous iteration of the Brooks Hyperion Elite brought the brand up to par with some of the top carbon-plated models on the market, but Brooks wasn’t content with just catching up to the lead pack. With the new Hyperion Elite 5, they’ve stepped up their game. While the Hyperion Elite 4 was praised for a comfortable upper, it lacked midsole pop; the Hyperion Elite 5 delivers major upgrades from top to bottom. It’s lighter, faster, and feels like a true contender in the super shoe arms race.
Aside from the change in foam, the midsole’s aesthetic has undergone a major makeover. The DNA Gold midsole has gained a new geometry–and even some bubbles! The cutouts make the shoe lighter, and the bubbles ensure that the space doesn’t just collapse. Let’s get into the details.
The specs
Category: RacingWeight: 6.9 oz/196 grams (men’s size 9)Drop: 8 mmStack height: 40 mmMSRP: C$300.00Available: July 1
Upper
The upper has seen a complete overhaul in both design and weight. If you’re familiar with the Brooks line, the upper design is inspired by the Levitate and Ricochet models; the Elite 5 upper strips away all unnecessary bulk to deliver a near-invisible sock-like fit. One thing I noticed was how breathable the shoe feels, thanks to new silicone lace-sheaths that improve ventilation. If you can believe it, the upper is lighter and more breathable than the previous iteration, which many (including myself) enjoyed. The new upper features a sleek, true-to-size fit that provides a breathable, lightweight feel right away.
Midsole
Without even putting the shoe on, you can see the biggest change in the new Hyperion Elite 5 in the midsole. The previous iteration lacked some of the lustre and bounce some of its competitors had, and left it feeling a little flat. The 5 comes with the brand’s loaded DNA Gold full PEBA midsole, a nitrogen-infused 100 per cent PEBA foam with their highest-ever energy return. It’s lighter, bouncier and more responsive than anything they’ve put out before.
A new geometry includes eye-catching spherical cutouts, inspired by 2018 Boston Marathon champ Des Linden; these help reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. These “foam bubbles” create a softer landing and a faster toe-off. Nestled in the middle is Brooks’ SpeedVault Race+ carbon-fibre plate, tuned specifically for each shoe to optimize stiffness without tipping the scale.
The 40 mm stack (right at the World Athletics legal limit) paired with an 8 mm drop, gives the shoe enough cushion to go the distance without feeling mushy. It’s smooth, energetic, and best of all, fun to race in.
Outsole
If there’s one thing I preferred about the 4 over the 5, it’s the outsole. Brooks made subtle changes to the rubber placement for better grip and durability without adding unnecessary weight. I found the vertical forefoot layout on the previous model suited my gait a bit more as a forefoot/midfoot striker, but the updated design isn’t just about catering to my niche stride. The brand added more rubber to the midfoot and heel, keeping it simple, yet effective. Even with the slight tweak in design, I found the outsole still performed well in both dry and wet road conditions.
The verdict
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 is ideal for midfoot strikers seeking a responsive, lightweight racer for their next 10K or half-marathon. If you’re new to carbon-plated shoes, this is a great entry point. Its nitrogen-infused, 100 per cent PEBA foam midsole offers a soft, bouncy ride, while the stripped-down upper delivers an almost weightless feel, no matter your running style.
Weighing in at just 196 grams, the Hyperion Elite 5 puts Brooks in the same conversation as its competitors. With real-world feedback from Brooks’ elite athletes, such as 1,500m world champion Josh Kerr and 2:08 marathoner CJ Albertson, and design insight from 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden, this shoe feels like the culmination of everything the brand has learned about racing.
Landing in Canadian stores on July 1, the Hyperion Elite 5 is an accessible option for runners chasing an edge on race day in a carbon-plated shoe built to break your bests.
