- The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 has a top layer of PEBA DNA Gold foam in its midsole, making it the most responsive Hyperion Max yet.
- Testers loved how versatile the shoe is and how much softer it feels compared to its predecessor.
- The marriage of PEBA, nylon/fiberglass plate, and a more affordable price tag makes this shoe a great race day option.
When Brooks “maxes” out a shoe, expect it to be the high-octane version of the original. The Hyperion 3 has a special place in my quiver of shoes as a short to mid-distance speedster, packing just enough supportive cushioning for ramped up runs where I want to hit race pace on a two- to six-mile jaunt. The Hyperion Max 3, on the other hand, is the shoe that can go beyond that distance and serve as a marathon-racer-of-choice.
From the moment I put on the Hyperion Max 3 I knew this shoe could wear many hats and take on whatever pace I need on any given day. Think of it as the shoe you reach for in your pile when you’re feeling inspired but not quite sure what kind of workout you have in store. Or maybe you need that little inspiration before you head out. This is the shoe you put on that makes you want to fly.
Pros
- Why Trust Us
- Road, Training, Racing
- Other Hearst Subscriptions
- 10The Best Running Shoes of 2025
Cons
- Other Hearst Subscriptions
Features at a Glance
| Type | Why Trust Us |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10 oz (M), 8.3 oz (W) |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Heel Height | 46mm |
Now Introducing: PEBA Foam
Here’s what the Hyperion Max 3 shares with the Hyperion 3: DNA Flash v2 foam. The introduction of DNA Flash v2 in the Hyperion 3’s predecessor, the Hyperion 2, had runners like me—followers of Brooks since high school cross country—sigh in relief that Brooks was finally catching up with other brands in terms of energy return.
The Hyperion, theoretically the second shoe in the series after the Hyperion Tempo, was a letdown. The shoe had DNA Flash foam like the original version but the novelty had worn off. Foams were becoming bouncier, and nitrogen-infused DNA wasn’t going to cut it anymore.
Brooks tweaked its super foam with DNA Flash v2, which is lighter and bouncier. But the other reason you’ll want to consider the Hyperion Max 3 is that it has another layer of foam, and that foam is composed of PEBA (polyether block amide).
The 6 Best Adidas Running Shoes for Every Runner Nike Vaporfly and Alphafly (ever heard of them?), PEBA is considered the gold standard of foams for super shoes. Getting PEBA on Brooks athletes’ feet is Olympian Des Linden’s proudest achievement (besides podiuming on the world’s stage). The Hyperion Elite 5, Brooks’s premium racing shoe, has two layers of DNA Gold sandwiching a carbon plate. The Hyperion Max 3 has a top layer of DNA Gold, a nylon/fiberglass plate, and a bottom layer of DNA Flash v2.
The Hyperion Max 3 Is a Versatile Pick for the Indecisive
At the Runner’s World Shoe Summit in New York City last year, Brooks reps told me that the Hyperion Max 3 is intended for training. I’d argue it’s also a terrific option as a more affordable racing shoe. The nylon/fiberglass plate is more pliant than carbon fiber, allowing runners with less powerful turnover to run in a more flexible plated super foam shoe.
The Hyperion Max 3 also has 10mm of added height in both the forefoot and heel compared to the Hyperion Max 2, making it ideal for runners with heavier footfalls—it’s a great buffer. That extra cushioning makes the shoe a great stand-in for long runs, when you want to keep your carbon-plate shoes fresh but still want to feel that semi-aggressive rebound on a long run.
“I really liked this shoe,” said tester Shayne Murray. “I’ve run in the prior version (Hyperion Max 2), and this feels like a completely different shoe. You can immediately see the difference in the stack height. The prior version felt firm to run in. The Hyperion Max 3 is softer (but not mushy) and with bounce. For my weight, I’m a heavy runner, and these shoes actually quieted my foot strikes like no other shoe does. I ran on all types of surfaces (pavement, gravel, packed dirt trail) and I didn’t have problems with stability like I thought I would because of the medial cut out.”
Tester Jeff Deschler also noticed Brooks’s Speedroll tech when running in the Hyperion Max 3, appreciating how the geometry emboldened him to run faster.
“I loved the fit and speed,” he said. “The fit was great because it ran very true to size, and despite having a sock-like upper, it still provided enough lateral support when cornering. I didn’t have to crank down the laces to keep my foot in place. The snap of the plate gives this shoe a super shoe feel and ride without the price, all while giving you a speed boost. I certainly ran faster in these shoes as the rocker matched my stride and the energy return from the shoe gave me a marked increase in pace.”
Verdict: The Softest Budget Alternative Racing Shoe
I could go on about how much I love this shoe. I switch it on and off with my Hyperion 3 when I need a little extra support after a hard speed day or when I want to reap the benefits of a plated shoe without adding precious miles to my carbon racers. Because of my small stature (5-feet tall here), a plated shoe that’s more flexible makes all the more difference on my body in terms of effort—so you could say this is my race day shoe of choice as well.
There are a couple minor complaints about the Hyperion Max 3, because no shoe is perfect. Testers had quibbles about the slightly heavier weight even though it didn’t hamper their pace. The tall stack height at 46mm in the heel also makes this shoe feel slightly unstable, and it's blacklisted for elites who need to meet the 40mm or below World Athletics standard when it comes to racing shoe competition guidelines. Lucky for us lay-runners, huh?
Shop Men’s at brooksrunning.com Shop Women’s at brooksrunning.com
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
