Brooks Hyperion Max 2 running shoes

The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 Running Shoe has changed a lot from the previous version, but is still a fast everyday shoe that can be used for racing. The midsole is 2 mm higher, it has a nylon (plastic) plate in the midsole, the previous DNA FLASH foam has been replaced by DNA FLASH v2 foam and it is 37 grams heavier (258 g). The category has not changed (fast everyday/race shoe), but it feels completely different to run in this shoes. The Max 2 is now more versatile and can be used for longer distances while keeping the pace up. The previous version, despite its name, didn’t have a high midfoot, and the Max 2 doesn’t have an extremely high midfoot in today’s running shoes, but it is definitely more cushioned.

Brooks Hyperion Max 2 upper

The upper of the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 Running Shoe is made of a lightweight, stretchy mesh material that provides good breathability. The upper fits true to size and is comfortable on wider feet. The tongue is gusseted and made of a very thin stretchy elastic material. The lacing is a stiffer lace with lacing, which makes it harder to untie and gives it a better grip. The heel collar is stiff at the bottom and softer at the top, with medium padding. Overall, the upper of the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 running shoe lock the foot very well, keeping the foot stable like a performance-optimized race shoe, but comfortable like an everyday running shoe upper.

Brooks Hyperion Max 2 midsole

The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 Running Shoe Midsole has changed a lot. It’s made with a higher, softer foam, as the previous DNA FLASH foam has been replaced with DNA FLASH v2, which provides better energy return and shock absorption. Despite the soft foam, the midsole is not too soft, which is also due to the fact that the midsole has a nylon (plastic) plate called the SpeedVault Plate (not the same as the SpeedVault Race in the Hyperion Elite 4). The plate gives you more dynamics and more stability (it has a side wing to prevent your foot from leaning out). Since the plate is not made of carbon, the shoe is not stiff and can remain very flexible. The midsole has a rocker geometry, with a curved forefoot and heel, which hold strong by the plastic plate, it’s help a lot for a smooth and fast transition. The midsole is bent on both the inside and outside of the upper, giving the shoe even more stability. The changes to the midsole have made the shoe more versatile, making it suitable for longer and faster runs. Great job Brooks.

Brooks Hyperion Max 2 Outsole

The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 running shoe outsole has a flexible but large overlay that covers the midfoot. Unlike what we’re used to in Brooks everyday shoes, which is a thick outsole, the Hyperion Max two has a thinner outsole. The outsole is made of a harder rubber compound that has very good abrasion resistance, but not as good traction. Although the outsole has deep grooves and a good tread pattern, it can be slippery on wet surfaces. For fast running shoes like the Hyperion Max 2, good traction is (or should be) important as more force is applied to the outsole.

Summary

The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 running shoe has a lot of changes from its predecessor, with a more breathable upper that lock the foot better. The midsole has been raised and a plastic plate has been added to increase stability and dynamics. The outsole has been stiffened to make it more durable, but its grip has deteriorated. The changes have made the shoe 37 grams heavier, but this does not slow it down thanks to the dynamic midsole. The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 remains a flexible running shoe for fast training (even races), with the versatility to run longer distances.