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The Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 are a very welcome sight to be able to take for a spin on my build-up to an Ironman. Brooks really went to town on this version from its predecessor. The Hyperion Elite 6 is super lightweight featuring DNA Gold foam with a unique adaptive upper. More so, the stack height is for real to provide support and cushioning, and makes this an ideal choice as a long distance racing shoe.
Reviewing a product aligns really well (for me at least) when a race happens to coincide with the testing. I’m halfway into a nearly year long goal of competing in my 6th Ironman to go for an age group podium spot. With this highly elevated goal it enhances my daily commitment to take the necessary steps to maximize my performance. Additionally, sporting the proper gear allows for that extra refined approach to training. And that’s the reason why the Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 should fit the bill nicely.
With that said, I will do a deep dive into this shoe and see what makes it run (so to speak). Having also reviewed the Hyperion #3 and # 5, I am quite interested in the advances Brooks has made (not sure how the 4th version eluded me). Do the technological injections and changes really make a difference? And does it truly make the shoe better? That’s the reason why we are here. Hence, I hope to provide information that the Brooks Super Shoe newbie can use as they decide on a running shoe.
In addition, I’d like to provide a few insights for the Brooks Hyperion veteran that can decide if they should buy up the entire inventory of Brooks Hyperion 5’s. The Hyperion Elite 5’s are really good shoes. I have heard of it happening when people truly love their shoe that they search high and low for older model stock inventory. I’d like to think that most are open to new ideas that might actually help in the long run. Pun intended.
First appearances has me really liking what I see. As the saying goes, “look good, feel good”. These certainly do pass the eye candy test with a simple color palette, and a sleek design that makes them look fast standing still. Furthermore, all the things that make these Hyperion Elite’s move are quite visibly on display. The thick foam midsole for support (and probably some bounce), the carbon plate that most definitely provides runner propulsion, and the mesh upper that looks whisper thin. The one thing that appears quite minimal is the actual sole. That’s likely a big part of the weight savings, but it looks like a very thin strip of rubber compound. Time will tell if that makes it through my usual mileage total for a shoe.
Funny side note, I have a feeling I’ll be using ‘lightweight’ quite a lot in my review!
Technical Specifications And Features Of The Brooks Hyperion Elite 6
- Neutral shoe
- Midsole Drop: 7 mm
- Weight: 6.8oz / 192.8g
- Carbon SpeedVault+ plate
- Updated DNA GOLD cushioning
- Cutting-edge fit for race day
- Feel under Foot: Light and springy cushioning that propels you forward.
Let’s Line Them Up
For the Brooks Hyperion 6, I can go one of two ways with this review. Firstly, I can solely focus on the technical make-up of this shoe. And furthermore, how its features function (for me) as a high-end running shoe. Likewise, I can take a closer look at what Brooks did to update, improve, or change completely from its previous iteration, the Brooks Hyperion 5. The thinking is that I’ll be going for a blend of both. The previous versions of a shoe do help shape the current and most advanced introduction of a running shoe.
Brooks Hyperion Elite Lineup 6, 5 and 3
If you happen to be new to the Hyperion, you could probably care less about its predecessors. However, the Brooks design team is always looking to improve a shoe based on performance, feedback, technological advancements, etc. How else, would we have ended up with carbon plates, thick soles, and shoes that weigh as much as two feathers. I know there is a sentiment out there that resists change, and sometimes that resistance has some validity. “Why change something that works perfectly”. I hear you, but new and shiny is a very viable marketing business model. Like it or not, our beloved shoes will continue to see changes.
#6, 5, and 3 shows the heel and the boost that the 6 has on the left.
The Brooks Hyperion 3 is actually still part of the rotation in the shoe closet, and I think I am right around 300 miles on those (Strava shoe mileage being the record keeper). Side note, rotating through shoes (if you can) is a good thing, in my opinion. It keeps the feet and body in tune with a changing shoe that hopefully helps build good strong running musculature. More so, you’re not going from new to old to new again.
Running shoes to runners are so personal, and once you find your beloved perfect fit, the emotional attachments can sometimes be hard to break. I have a good 17 years of being a loyal Brooks runner which means I have not been disappointed much over the years to keep buying and running in them.
6 vs 5 side midsole comparison. The shark teeth for the 5’s show the carbon plate back in there. Where as the 6 has hidden that from the side angle.
The third version did not have the PEBA midsole which came along in model #4. Therefore, #3 doesn’t quite fit the Super shoe category. However, I am enjoying that midsole now for the 6 in this review, and also while still wearing the Hyperion 5. That, to me, seems like the culminating factor that deems these to be a true super shoe. On top of that, with a slightly wider mid-foot the Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 really adept well to my foot and running style. There is also roughly 10% more foam on this version from the 5. It’s a noticeable difference.
Outsole
Like I mentioned before, the sole is a thin slice of rubber as a contact point between the pavement and the shoe. I will spread a little bit of doubt on that making it through my usual wear cycle. The consensus is that the super shoe does not last as long. My form is not too bad, if I say so myself, but there are a few points on my shoes that tend to wear out quicker. I am not a heal striker, but one spot happens to be the outside rear. Now, here’s hoping that the more aggressive style of running will push me forward into being more of a forefoot/midsole striker. I am really not looking to change my running style completely with the fear of injury. This 6th version with a subtle lean and quicker propulsion may work out well in the end.
The sole consists of a lightweight, high grip rubber and is a durable CPU (Cast Polyurethane) or crystal rubber. The forefoot is covered to absorb the brunt of the work. The heel zones uses two rather thin slices or strips that actually exposes the DNA Gold midsole. There is some texture there which does hopefully help when the pavement is wet. With that in mind, I immediately think of an aid station at the latter stages of a race. Hundreds of cups of water and electrolytes get grabbed, dumped, or spilled to create a slipping hazard. Be careful, I suppose.
Midsole
This is definitely softer and lighter with a more responsive DNA GOLD cushioning. The foam is PEBA (Polyether Block Amide) which is a high performing elastomeric foam. This now seems to be the norm in these elite running / super shoes. The energy return is amazing, and the weight is absolutely minimal. Apparently, the PEBA has better temperature control as well which may help in high temperature racing situations. The downside is that it does lose that bounce faster over its lifespan versus the denser foam midsole shoes. Hence, I do see this as a race day shoe with a few select training days thrown in. That will make the shoe last as long as I need it to.
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 has 40 mm drop in the back and 33 mm in the front for a 7mm heel to toe drop. I like that number, since it’s middle of the road which most runners can probably relate and adjust to.
The carbon fiber Speedvault+ Plate runs the entire length, and here’s the cool part. It’s slightly angled to provide that little bit of a push towards forward momentum and propulsion. Merely one of the things that make this Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 edgy and advanced.
More so, the rapid roll rocker keeps you on your toes (so to speak), but aids in that transition between each stride. There will be a 100 factors that go into the success of a race. I won’t put all my eggs in the shoe being the difference maker for my race. Nutrition, sleep, a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, all play a role. That said, if I can get a little bit of a boost from the Hyperion 6, it will be welcomed.
Upper
The fit can be tricky to write about, since my feet are likely much different than yours. That said, I will touch upon the things that I noticed which may or may not help you in what you find important. One thing I am still trying to find my rhythm with is the lacing and entry. As a triathlete, speed in transition is a thing, and will need to be refined with practice.
The laces are on point as they are slightly wavy and have a unique texture. That’s all good and well, but I really need to open them up quite a bit especially with the tightening system I use. In turn, this leads me to have to take a few extra lace pulls to get them nice and snug (yet not too tight). That is the good part with proper tightening, the flex is there to conform to each unique foot.
The tongue is attached on one side to keep it in place. It has crumpled, folded slightly, or had a few creases the first few times I ran in them. On the flipside, the Elite 5 does have a couple of options to string the laces through the tongue to keep it in place. I do like that, so maybe that needs to be reviewed. My order of business is to pull the tongue, tighten the laces, and call it good. Right now, I have had to take an extra step to make sure the tongue is smooth and straddling my foot before tightening. Not a big deal for daily use, but in a race it may take a little bit of extra focus and time.
The insole is smooth and comfy like a memory foam bed. It conforms to my foot, and gives me the energy to go hard. The top is snug, but not too tight, and has gotten better with each use.
Testing The Brooks Hyperion Elite 6
As labeled and advertised, this is a Super Shoe. These are definitely not the shoes your parents wore, or in my case, something I wore even 25 years ago when I got into running. I’m now a grizzled old veteran master class runner, or simply an old dude, that still thinks he can out-kick the young guns. If this is your first foray into the world of super shoes, it does take some getting used to. With the super cushiony sole, and the aforementioned rapid roll rocker geometry, the side to side stability is a little unbalanced. That goes away when speeding up, and you get used to it.
Run Number 1:
4 miles easy! These are not built for slow runs, but I wanted to break them in a little bit first. They feel fine. Getting used to the slight instability takes a moment, but not bad at all.
Run Number 2:
The plan called for my version of a speed session as I start my training for an Ironman that’s 5 months out. This is where these carbon plated propulsion shoes start to really find their rhythm. I did 400’s, 800’s, and 1200’s at probably 90% effort, and could feel the shoe placing me at attention with a more aggressive form. This makes total sense as the carbon Speedvault+ plate does not allow me to slouch into a lazy shuffle. It really wants me to move, and move fast, by keeping me on my toes.
Run number 3:
After a warmup, I did a 3.5 mile tempo run at a pace that currently feels rather hard as I haven’t done many of these in recent years. I’m on a really slow build, so these efforts push me close to a limit that I haven’t seen in a long time. It was roughly 7:10 pace for the duration which at this distance is long enough to feel this shoe do its thing.
Run number 4:
On the training plan, a Yasso 800 workout is on the docket. Take your projected marathon time goal, say 3:30:00, and then run 800’s at 3:30 per mile pace with a walk in between for 3:30. I did 5 sets of these, but will build to 10 for one session as the season progresses. The runs are great as it truly makes me feel like I’m fast by forcing my feet to quickly turn over, all the while creating a slight forward leaning form to encourage that leg speed. The walks are interesting coming off of high speed. It’s kind of like slowing a Ferrari down to take part in a parade. It does not feel natural with less stability as the heel is more engaged during a walk. It’s not bad, but noticeable coming from close to maximum speed.
Run number 5:
This run is longer at zone 2 for an hour and a half. It’s tricky for me to find a good pace that’s slower than my projected marathon pace, yet keep it as a managed training run. I started out easy for a mile, but quickly found my rhythm. The morning is a lot cooler, but humid which is not normal for us especially this time of year. I really went by feel, it felt good, so I just ran. No glaring at watches, but I was getting the mile splits. They just kept getting faster and faster. Zone 2 turned into solid Zone 3, but with headphones on, I couldn’t hear myself breathing and that’s a good thing at times.
All that said, the shoes forced me into a proper form. There was no shuffling as that does not work with the Brooks Hyperion Elite 6! Before I knew it, I was cruising along and the miles ticked by! It was a quite a bit faster pace than I should had planned, but this was a mental victory with a confidence factor of 10x.
Run number 6:
It was a race. I was talked into an Olympic distance triathlon which is a perfect primer at this point in my training. The concept of simply just letting it go to see how things would unfold was invigorating and challenging at the same time. I went pretty close to my max on the bike with the intent of seeing how my legs would respond. Not entirely sure how the shoes played a role in all of this, but I’d says it was a huge success. My pace did not fluctuate much at all ranging from 7:45 to 8:00 per mile with a strong finish. There was more gravel running on top of a dam than I had expected, but the cushioning absorbed any larger rocks and it did not effect me much.
Final Take On These Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 Racers
I am a believer that on my Ironman race day, the fitness, form, and shoe performance will come out to play. More so, using the better gear will also aid in the performance bump. Race wheels, wetsuits, and of course, the better and faster shoes. Hence, I will likely not wear these on many more runs going forth, but use them as my secret (mental and real) boost for optimal performance.
I do believe that these Brooks Hyperion 6’s are meant for racing, specifically, longer distance racing. The feedback, support, and responsiveness allows me to go at my top speed for longer. That’s the trick in races. Some times, it’s not how fast you can go, but for how long you can actually maintain a solid pace without slowing down. These Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 will certainly play a role in that regard. Go check out these bad boys at your local run store, as they are definitely worth taking for a spin. For more details or to purchase, visit brooksrunning.com, rei.com or amazon.com.
