Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 Review: The Goldilocks of Super Shoes

The Key Specifications

• Price: $250 from Brooksrunning.com
• Sizing and fit: Go with your usual size, they’re medium width
• Weight: 7.6oz (215g) for a US(M) 9
• Drop: 8mm drop
• Toe box width: Medium
• Stability: Neutral
• Cushioning: Moderate, a good amount for a speed-focused shoe
• Best for: Speed running, from 5k to marathon distance

Let’s kick this Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 review off by talking about what these shoes are all about, and who they’re for.

Essentially, they’re what you’d call a ‘Race Day’ super shoe. This means they come equipped with a carbon fiber plate, but not just any plate… more on that in a moment, making the Hyperion Elite 4 perfect for racing; whether you’re tackling a speedy 5k or pushing through a marathon, these shoes are built for speed.

Let’s dive deeper into those key specifications, who this Brooks running shoe is best suited to, the features that I feel could be improved, and then I’ll finish off this review by sharing a final rating, and the Pros and Cons for you to mull over.

Alright, let’s start with the price tag; these shoes cost $250, which is around what you should expect to pay for a super shoe like this one.

Now, onto how they fit and feel – In terms of sizing, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 is spot on – just stick with your usual size, and they’re medium width, which suits me just fine. Thanks to the lacing, I get a secure fit without sacrificing space in the toe box, making them comfortable and snug.

They offer neutral support, so they might not be the one for you if you need help with pronation.

These Brooks running shoes are a unisex style, meaning there is no separate men’s or women’s version, and the men’s and women’s sizing are listed on the product page on Brooks’ website so you can choose your normal gender-specific size from there.

There is some cushioning in these super shoes – and I’d say it’s about medium – not quite the “max cushioning” Brooks mentions, but still decent. Lastly, they have an 8 mm drop and weigh 7.6 oz for my size, a US men’s 9.

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The features of the Hyperion Elite 4 that I really like

Let’s move onto what makes the Hyperion Elite 4 stand out, and spoiler alert… one of the best Brooks running shoes we’ve reviewed. First and foremost, it’s the combination of the carbon plate and midsole foam.

It’s worth knowing that while Brooks markets the Hyperion Elite 4 as a cushioned shoe, my take is it leans more towards firm with a moderate cushioning level. The stack height is considerable, not excessive, with the ARRIS Engineered SpeedVault Plus carbon fiber plate adding that firmness.

Another notable feature for me is the cutout in the midsole, which not only reduces weight but also showcases the carbon fiber plate – a cool touch.

From the moment you slip them on, the Hyperion Elite 4 feels incredibly comfortable, easily one of the best-fitting super shoes I’ve reviewed.

The laces (which remind me of those on shoes in the Nike Next % series I’ve reviewed in the past) offer a secure fit that stays tied, preventing any mid-run distractions.

The upper is both durable and breathable, thanks to its unique material and large ventilation holes—so breathable, you can see my red socks through them, as I demonstrate in my Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 video review where you can see me putting them through the paces on my local running paths here in Northern California.

Inside, the shoe boasts suede-like cushions that hug your Achilles and ankles, securing your foot without any pressure points. While it lacks a specific gap for the Achilles (such a gap is something I always appreciate having and am seeing more instances of in the latest running shoes I’ve been reviewing), the comfort and fit around this area feel great.

Brooks has incorporated DNA FLASH nitrogen-injected midsole foam, delivering an impressive response and speed, though it’s not without its minor drawbacks, which I’ll touch on later.

The tongue’s design and padding enhance fit and comfort, ensuring it stays in place, complemented by the overall shoe’s breathability.

There’s also a tiny finger loop at the back for easier slip-on, a nice touch compared to some super shoes that can be a struggle to put on, although most people are going to struggle to get any finger (other than perhaps your pinky finger) actually through the loop!

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Features that I feel could be improved for the next release

Honestly, there aren’t many drawbacks to the Hyperion Elite 4 that I’ve come across – I’m genuinely a fan.

However, if I were to nitpick, I’d point out the width under the heel. It’s a bit on the narrow side, which means if you’re someone who tends to land more on your heel, you might find the stability a bit lacking. A wider base here could enhance the shoe’s stability, making it even more versatile.

Another slight tweak I’d love to see is a bit more cushioning. Don’t get me wrong, the responsiveness is spot-on, but just a little more cushion could elevate these from great to exceptional for marathon distances.

As they stand, they’re phenomenal for 5Ks to half marathons but when it comes to full marathons, I might lean towards the Hoka Cielo X1, HOKA Rocket X 2, or maybe even the Nike Vaporfly 3 for their softer cushioning in the midsole.

That’s about the extent of my critiques – they’re minor but worth mentioning.

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 review summary

Wrapping up this review, the big question remains: is it worth the investment?

I’ve got to say, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 shoes are a blast to run in – they’re seriously great fun. Brooks has been knocking it out of the park lately with releases like the Ghost Max and Hyperion Max, and it’s clear they’re on a roll – I’m all in on the innovation Brooks is bringing to the table.

Now, onto the million-dollar question: are the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4s worth their $250 price tag? In the realm of super shoes, where prices north of $250 are the norm, do these stand out as a worthwhile investment? Absolutely, they do!

If you’re already a fan of Brooks, you’ll find the fit of these shoes to be incredibly satisfying. In my experience, they rank among the most comfortable super shoes I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing, right up there with the Hoka Rocket X2 and Cielo X1 – both of which I recently reviewed.

If you’re on the hunt for a super shoe that doesn’t stray too far from the traditional but offers that extra edge with a carbon fiber plate for faster runs up to marathon distances, and you’re okay with a firmer ride, then you should definitely give these a spin. I have a feeling you’re going to love them.

Thanks so much for reading this review, If you found it helpful, please don’t forget to drop a comment and say hi (or ask a question), and I look forward to catching you in the next one!

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Hyperion Elite 4 review gallery