I gotta say, the Brooks Hyperion was a real gem for me, and I know plenty of other runners felt the same way.
However, as we were eagerly waiting for the release date of the Brooks Hyperion Tempo 2, Brooks caught us off guard and introduced a replacement simply named “Hyperion.” This move intrigued and puzzled runners who were accustomed to the Tempo’s distinct identity.
However, as details emerged, it became apparent that Brooks was streamlining its lineup while maintaining the essence of what made the Hyperion Tempo beloved by many.
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These are some of the top running shoes for tempo runs.
Brooks Hyperion Tempo 2 Release Date
July 1, 2023, marked the big debut of the original Hyperion Tempo. There was a lot of buzz about this new shoe and the image you see above was one of the leaked shots supposedly showing the Hyperion Tempo 2.
Well, turns out, that the whole Hyperion Tempo 2 thing never quite panned out. Brooks threw us a curveball and decided to shake things up by rolling out the Hyperion series instead.
Well, the moment we’ve been waiting for is finally here: Brooks has officially confirmed that the Hyperion 2 will hit the shelves this July 2024, with a price tag of $140.
Now, the big question on everyone’s minds – is the Hyperion a worthy successor to the Hyperion Tempo? Let’s dive in and find out.
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Brooks Hyperion Tempo 2 – New Midsole & Stack
When I first saw the Brooks Hyperion 2, it brought back some sweet memories of the Brooks Hyperion Tempo. But there was something about its fresh look that also had me thinking of the Hyperion Max.
The original Hyperion Tempo struck that perfect balance – fast enough to help me pick up the pace when I needed to push myself, yet with just the right amount of cushioning to absorb all of the impact of all those foot strikes that are going to happen over the course of an entire marathon distance.
Now, let’s talk about what the Hyperion 2 brings to the table…
Related:
Here’s our comparison of the Brooks Hyperion Tempo vs. Saucony Endorphin Tempo.
Hyperion 2
The Hyperion 2 is your go-to for that everyday cushioned ride that’s just as responsive as it is comfortable. Whether you’re picking up the pace or taking it easy, this is a great option for you.
One of the big changes here is the increase in stack height across the midsole, bumping it up to 31mm in the heel and 23mm in the forefoot, while maintaining an 8mm offset. That’s a 4mm boost all around.
But here’s where it gets exciting – the introduction of DNA Flash V2. It’s the same nitrogen-infused material found in the Hyperion Max 2, but now, it’s even lighter.
And let’s talk about lightweight – the Hyperion 2 is a featherweight at 6.8 oz. Yep, you heard that right. Even with the added stack height, Brooks has worked some serious magic to keep things light as a feather.
Those new foams? They’re doing more than just shedding weight – they’re adding some serious bounce to your step. And with that soft, plush upper, complete with a little extra cushioning in the tongue, it’s like slipping into a cloud.
So, if you were a fan of the Hyperion Max and feeling a bit hesitant about the changes, fear not. The Hyperion 2 is here to deliver the goods, with just the right mix of familiarity and innovation to keep you smiling mile after mile.
If you’ve been running in the New Balance Rebel, the Brooks Hyperion 2 is stepping up to claim its spot as the go-to fast, flexible, and bouncy non-plated shoe in the running shoe market.
While the Rebel V4 is heading towards a higher stack and Asics is beefing up their platform with Peba, the Hyperion 2 remains a top choice for runners who crave that true ground contact and flexibility.
Remember the days when the Saucony Kinvara ruled the scene? Well, times have changed. With the Kinvara still sticking to EVA and offering a less-than-thrilling ride, it’s no match for the energy return and speed of the Brooks Hyperion 2.
Non-plated
Many runners who’ve tested the Hyperion Max found they weren’t keen on having a plate in their shoe. That’s where the Hyperion 2 steps in to replace its predecessor, the Hyperion Max.
For some, non-plated shoes are the way to go, especially for quick bursts like 400s or 800s.
Related:
The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is also going to release in 2024.
Colorways
Brooks is rolling out a fresh batch of color options for the Hyperion 2, and I’ve got to say, they’re looking pretty sharp. I can’t wait to spot them on runners’ feet during races because the Hyperion 2 is really going to stand out in a crowd.
Hyperion 2, Hyperion Max 2, Hyperion Elite 4, Ghost, Adrenaline – Difference
Let’s break down the differences between the Hyperion 2, Hyperion Max 2, Hyperion Elite 4, Ghost, and Adrenaline:
Hyperion 2: This model skips the plate, making it a great choice for a wide range of runners looking for a lighter, faster option for their speed workouts or races. It’s versatile and caters to those looking for a nimble ride.
Hyperion Max 2: Unlike its counterpart, the Hyperion Max 2 features a Pebax plate and higher stacks, offering a different feel and potentially more support for those who prefer it.
Hyperion Elite 4: This shoe is in a league of its own, boasting a carbon plate designed for serious racers and elite athletes who crave that extra edge on race day.
Ghost: Compared to the Hyperion line, the Ghost 16 is your everyday running shoe. It’s reliable, slightly heavier, and geared towards recovery or slower-paced runs. It provides comfort and cushioning for those long miles.
Adrenaline GTS 24: Another staple in Brooks’ lineup, the Adrenaline GTS 24 is also an everyday running shoe but with a focus on stability. It’s designed to provide support and cushioning for runners who overpronate.
In essence, the Brooks Hyperion line offers a plethora of options catering to various preferences and needs. Whether you’re seeking lightweight speed or all-day comfort, there’s a shoe in the lineup for you.
My Experience With the Brooks Hyperion Tempo
The original Brooks Hyperion Tempo weighed in at just 7.3 ounces with an 8mm heel drop, which made it a pretty exciting shoe to run in for faster paces.
Despite its appearance, the Tempo felt even lighter on the run, thanks to its clever design and the DNA Flash midsole technology. This midsole not only reduced weight but also provided a responsive feel with every stride.
Using the Tempo as a daily trainer was a delight. It handled everyday runs with ease, ranking among the top Brooks shoes in my rotation. However, where it truly shined was when I pushed the pace.
Without a plate, the Tempo relied solely on its midsole foam, yet it delivered a remarkable sense of lightness. This wasn’t just about weight; it translated into a smooth impact when hitting the ground and effortless propulsion with each step forward.
DNA Flash
When it comes to comparing midsole materials, DNA Flash has a striking resemblance to Skechers’ Hyper Burst, both in appearance and in the uncanny sensation of lightness they provide.
Just like Hyper Burst, when you give DNA Flash a squeeze or a touch, you’ll notice the similarities in texture and squishiness.
However, DNA Flash differs from Nike’s ZoomX foam. While ZoomX offers a plush, squishy feel that allows you to sink in and absorbs impact, DNA Flash takes a different approach.
While not as plush as ZoomX, DNA Flash still offers a soft enough landing, even during intense efforts. It strikes a balance between being a speedy shoe that allows you to push your limits while also providing ample cushioning to endure the foot strikes that come with marathon distances.
This balance was what made the Hyperion Tempo one of my go-to choices for both speedwork and long runs.
Upper
While the Brooks Hyperion Tempo had many positives, the upper left something to be desired for me. The featured a thin layer of mesh that gave off a knit-like sensation thanks to its slight stretchiness. This mesh provided excellent ventilation, contributing to the overall comfort.
However, there were a couple of issues I encountered with the upper. Firstly, the tongue had minimal padding, which was okay but didn’t add much to the overall experience.
The main concern came from the upper material itself, which felt excessively stretchy, possibly exacerbated by the elastic laces provided with the shoe.
Despite tying the laces snugly, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my foot might slip out during runs. While it didn’t lead to any instability or sliding around, the sensation persisted at both slower and faster paces. There were moments when I considered stopping to readjust and tighten the laces for a more secure fit.
Other than that, despite the upper’s shortcomings, my overall experience with the Brooks Hyperion Tempo was outstanding. It stood out as the best and most thrilling shoe I had ever worn from Brooks at that time.
Many runners, myself included, were able to hit the ground running with the original Hyperion Tempo straight out of the box, effortlessly nailing some quality workouts. It was clearly crafted with faster days and long-run tempos in mind.
However, it also boasted enough cushioning and rubber coverage to double as a daily trainer, although I personally wouldn’t choose it solely for daily training purposes.
Final Thoughts
Again, just as we were eagerly anticipating the release of the Hyperion Tempo 2, Brooks threw us a curveball and swapped the Hyperion Tempo out for the revamped Brooks Hyperion, no “Tempo” in sight.
Now, with the upcoming release of the Hyperion 2 in July 2024, excitement mounts as enthusiasts anticipate how Brooks will further refine and elevate this popular model.
