Brooks Hyperion 3 Performance Review

The previous Brooks Hyperion models have been great for a subset of runners (bouncier or younger-legged runners in particular). The Brooks Hyperion 3, however, introduces a more democratic version of the shoe that should compete fiercely with other versatile daily trainers in its price range. Let’s find out how it performed.

What is the Brooks Hyperion 3?

According to Brooks, the Hyperion 3 is “engineered to be quick and versatile and to help you feel like you can fly.”

We can’t really quibble with that description; although we do sometimes wish copywriters would more readily utilize the Oxford comma. [Editor’s Note: Sure, we wish this in part for clarity’s sake, but we’d also love to not feel like the only dinosaurs left on the grammatical block, still ferociously clinging to the elegance that is the Oxford comma when properly and responsibly applied. A relic, some may say. But say we, a bastion and beacon of hope that unapologetically expresses a desire for greater understanding in a relentless, poorly communicating world…  Wait, what is this article about again?]

Just read my writing, study it, and you too will discover the raw power of the Oxford comma.

But this isn’t a writing lesson.

[Editor’s Note: That’s good because we honestly have no business telling other people how to punctuate.]

So let’s dive into this (hopefully) “versatile” new shoe.

Cushion

The Hyperion 2 and Hyperion 3 both use DNA FLASH v2. But the Brooks Hyperion 3 not only gets 2mm more of DNA FLASH v2 in the midsole and 2mm of extra foam in the sockliner, the foam also feels waaaaay softer.

The Hyperion 2 was bouncy but firm and didn’t have quite enough foam in the forefoot. The Hyperion 3 makes all of those complaints non-issues. The Hyperion 3 feels different than anything else in the Brooks lineup and a lot like WearTesters favorite the Asics Novablast 5.

Like the aforementioned Novablast 5, the Hyperion 3’s midsole is squishy yet bouncy. It can still handle uptempo work, but the impact protection is much better. I’d also take it on medium-long runs (6-12 miles) without thinking about it. It’s a midsole that will appeal to a much larger group of runners than the previous versions.

Support

The support in the Brooks Hyperion 3 comes from a well-fitting upper and a large internal heel counter. It doesn’t have a particularly wide base, but the fit is such that you won’t feel in danger of rolling off the sides on fast turns or slightly uneven ground.

Traction

The outsole on the Brooks Hyperion 3 has lots of rubber covering both the forefoot and heel in a chevron-type pattern. There is some fraying in my high-wear areas as a result of the test period, but the rubber is holding strong and looking relatively new. The durability of this outsole should be elite.

As for how it gripped, I had no problems in wet or dry conditions.

Upper

The engineered mesh upper of the Hyperion 2 is replaced by a more comfortable—but warmer—double jacquard upper. Bottom line: the Brooks Hyperion 3 has a lot of layers, which adds comfort but decreases breathability. This is a shoe that will collect a lot of sweat during summer.

But the tongue and heel collar are divine, and my foot sank into both. The tongue isn’t thick but is gusseted and has an awesome pull tab that doubles as a pass-through for the laces. I hope this tongue makes it onto other Brooks models. It’s a case study in comfort without packing in mounds of foam.

Is the Brooks Hyperion 3 wide foot friendly?

No, the Brooks Hyperion 3 is best for normal to narrow-footers. I don’t recommend it for wide-footers. And to add insult to injury, I don’t expect wide sizing to be available given it hasn’t been offered for previous versions.

Is the Brooks Hyperion 3 worth $140?

Yes, the Brooks Hyperion 3 delivers enough versatility (daily runs, tempo work, medium-long runs) to justify the $140 price point. It will compete well with other versatile daily-running shoes in the $140-$150 range.

How to use the Brooks Hyperion 3

The Brooks Hyperion 3 is best used as a daily trainer for someone who needs the flexibility to use that shoe for some faster and longer sessions.

Brooks Hyperion 3 Summary

The Brooks Hyperion 3 is no longer what it used to be (much like we saw in the changes to this year’s Brooks Hyperion Max 3), but it’s ultimately a shoe that will please more people by providing the pace versatility it always had with a fit and cushioning setup that will appeal to a wider (though not wide-footed) audience.

How does the Author Run?

Drew Whitcomb (age 43, 6’6″ 200lbs): Runs daily with a once a week rest day. Runs a lot of miles due to testing needs and a growing affinity for long-distance races. Regularly competes in marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races.

Disclosure

While Brooks did provide a pair of the Hyperion 3 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.