The Hyperion Elite is the fastest long-distance racer in the Brooks lineup. It has a full-length carbon plate and a midsole made of PEBA. It costs $275.
The Hyperion Max is the training companion of the Hyperion Elite. It's a cheaper, more durable version of the Hyperion Elite and it costs $200.
This comparison will tell you which shoe you should buy.
The Hyperion Elite 5 has a midsole made entirely of DNA Gold, a PEBA foam. It’s the foam with the highest level of energy return of all the Brooks midsole foams.
The Hyperion Max 3 has a dual-density midsole with a top layer of DNA Gold and a bottom layer of DNA Flash, an EVA foam. The firmer DNA Flash provides a stable, durable base.
Both shoes have plates in their midsoles but the Hyperion Elite 5 has a stiff carbon plate while the Hyperion Max 3 has a flexible nylon plate. The carbon plate provides more propulsion but is only activated at high speeds.
The nylon plate provides less propulsion but it feels more comfortable at slower paces, making the Hyperion Max 3 more versatile.The Elite 5 has the faster ride with more speed assistance but the Max 3 is softer and more comfortable for running long distances in.
The weight of the Max 3 is substantially higher than that of the Elite 5. This makes the Elite feel a lot more agile/nimble and better for racing in.
The outsole of the Max 3 is much more durable than the Elite 5. It has the EVA layer of foam at the bottom which is highly resistant to scrapes and chips so you can use the Max 3 for daily mileage.
When it comes to stability, the Elite 5 has the more stable ride. This is due to it having a thinner midsole than the Max 3 so your feet sit lower to the ground. The Max 3 also has a midfoot cutout to save weight so there isn’t as much medial support.
The Elite 5 has a traditional upper design while the Max 3 has a bootie construction design with an attached tongue. The Elite 5 has a more spacious interior compared to the snug fit of the Max 3. Both uppers fit true to size.
The Elite 5 has a much more breathable upper with plenty of large ventilation holes for better air flow. The Max 3 has a thicker, knitted upper which is much warmer and better suited to cool climates.
When it comes to heel lockdown, the Max 3 is much better. Your heel feels more secure and locked in compared to the Elite 5 which is slightly loose in the heel.
If you’re looking for a fast, light shoe for racing or speed workouts, the Hyperion Elite 5 is the shoe you should buy. It has a stiff carbon plate for maximum propulsion and a more lively midsole made entirely of PEBA foam. It has a really breathable upper with excellent ventilation.
If you’re looking for a more versatile trainer that can handle slower paces, the Hyperion Max 3 is the shoe you should buy. It’s the more durable shoe and it has an upper with better lockdown. The Max 3 is also much cheaper ($75) than the Elite 5.
