Brooks Hyperion 3 Running Shoes

Brooks Hyperion 3 Upper

The upper of the Brooks Hyperion 3 running shoe is made of a soft, two-layer mesh material that hugs the foot well and is highly breathable. The upper fits true to size and the toe box is narrow, so it may not be suitable for wider feet. However, going up a size may solve this problem. The tongue is made of thin, flexible material and is fixed on both sides. There is also an unusual flexible pull tab at the top under which two shoelace loops are threaded to hold the foot in place and prevent the tongue from moving. The moderately stiff and padded heel collar fits the foot well and holds it securely in place.

Brooks Hyperion 3 midsole

The Brooks Hyperion 3 running shoe midsole is made entirely of DNA FLASH v2 foam, a lightweight, flexible, springy foam made with nitrogen-injected foam. Compared to other running shoes currently available, the midsole is not very high, but it is slightly wider than average at the front, providing good stability despite being a neutral shoe. While the midsole is primarily suited to faster everyday runs, its lack of a carbon plate gives it low torsional rigidity, making it comfortable for lower-intensity runs as well. There is little flex at the front and the shoe is not stiff, so it provides less guidance for the foot during rollover. However, this gives a much better feel for the ground and makes the shoe much more responsive. With a height of only 28 mm at the front, the midsole can be considered moderately dynamic; however, since the shoe is lightweight, it is ideal for fast running.

Brooks Hyperion 3 outsole

The Brooks Hyperion 3 running shoe outsole is made from a rubber compound called RoadTack, which is well known for its use in other Brooks running shoes. This rubber compound is carbonised and contains silicon dioxide to improve wear resistance. The visibly thick outsole provides plenty of wear and further enhances durability. The outsole is segmented and does not cover the entire midsole. It has a large transverse segment to make the shoe more flexible and pliable and a longitudinal segment in the middle to reduce torsional stiffness. At the front, the outsole covers the entire midsole to improve stability. The outsole provides good grip, even on wet surfaces, with above-average traction.

Who are the Brooks Hyperion 3 running shoes for and what kind of runs are they suitable for?

The Brooks Hyperion 3 running shoes are lightweight, flexible and responsive neutral running shoes suitable for faster everyday runs. They are also flexible enough for lower-intensity runs. The upper and midsole provide sufficient comfort and shock absorption for half marathons, and experienced runners with developed muscles can also use them for longer distances. They may also be suitable for beginner runners who don’t need to run their first few hundred kilometres in very cushioned shoes. However, they may not be the best choice for heavier or overweight runners, as they are not very cushioned and the upper is on the narrow side.

How has the Brooks Hyperion 3 running shoe changed compared to the previous version, the Brooks Hyperion 2?

The Brooks Hyperion 3 running shoe has changed a lot compared to the previous version. Due to the changes, its weight has increased by nearly 30 grams, but it has not lost its light, flexible running shoe character.

Changes to the upper:

• Made from thicker, softer, more comfortable mesh material, which makes it slightly less breathable.
• The tongue is fixed on both sides.
• The heel collar is lower.

Changes to the midsole:

• It is wider, which makes it more stable.
• It is 2 mm higher, which slightly improves its energy return.

Changes to the outsole:

• It covers a larger area of the midsole, making it more durable and slightly improving traction.