Meet the Brooks Hyperion Max 3—your new lightweight daily trainer that’s been hitting the gym and eating protein. This third-gen version shows up bulked with more stack, more cushion, and a fresh foam underfoot. Yes, it’s gained about 14 grams, but it’s all power… or in this case, dual-layer midsole foam.
Brooks didn’t just raise the roof; they raised the platform: a whopping 9 mm more stack height than last year’s model. The women’s version now sits at 45/37 mm with an 8 mm drop; the men’s version stretches even taller at 46/40 mm with a 6 mm drop. That’s not just a tweak; it’s a full-blown growth spurt.
But the real story here? Speed meets stability. The upper layer of PEBA-based DNA GOLD foam brings race-day responsiveness, while the DNA FLASH v2 base keeps things grounded. It’s like pairing a sports car with a dependable co-pilot; fast, but not reckless. The second gen only has the DNA FLASH v2.
So, if you’re craving more cushion without sacrificing pace, the Hyperion Max 3 might be your perfect match. Just don’t be surprised if your “easy” runs suddenly feel like race-day warmups.
Contents
- First Impressions and Fit
- Midsole & Cushioning: The PEBA DNA GOLD Update
- Outsole and Traction: Grip Like a Pro
- Performance on the Run
- Pros & Cons of the Brooks Hyperion Max 3
- Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Brooks Hyperion Max 3?
First Impressions & Fit: Snug, Cushy, and Ready to Fly
Slip on the Brooks Hyperion Max 3 and your feet are immediately greeted with a plush step-in feel, like a firm handshake from a premium running shoe that actually knows what it’s doing. The heel lockdown is excellent, thanks to ample padding that says, “I’ve got your back” without smothering your Achilles.
The engineered mesh upper hugs your foot like it’s trying out for the track team—secure, streamlined, and slightly aggressive in its snugness (in a good way). It feels fast, even standing still. The tongue, however, may have missed the memo and showed up wearing a thicker jacket—it’s padded enough to feel luxurious, but maybe a touch overenthusiastic.
During the first few runs, the shoe feels powerful, like it’s itching to pick up the pace. Breathability is solid, though not quite breezy enough for peak summer scorchers. Fit-wise, it runs true to size, which is always a relief in a world where “true to size” sometimes feels like a myth.
Overall, it fits like a performance trainer but pampers like a daily cruiser, with just a bit of tongue fluff to remind you it’s still figuring out boundaries.
Midsole & Cushioning: The PEBA DNA GOLD Update
The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 midsole is now officially a two-foam party, and both guests brought their A-game. Up top, you’ve got 100% PEBA-based DNA GOLD foam—Brooks’ fastest, bounciest (but not overly aggressive), and most responsive supercritical foam to date. It’s like DNA FLASH got promoted, hit the gym, and came back with a softer touch and a need for speed. Long runs? No problem. Tempo days? Even better. This foam doesn’t just cushion; it propels with power.
Underneath that is DNA FLASH v2, still fast and nitrogen-infused and still bringing solid resilience and stability to balance all that bounce. It’s not the star of the show anymore, but it’s the dependable sidekick that keeps things grounded when the pace picks up. Think of it as the voice of reason in your legs’ group chat.
Sandwiched between the two is the SpeedVault plate, which adds structure and snap. It’s subtle, not a full carbon rocket, but enough to stiffen the midsole and boost forward momentum when you’re pushing the pace.
Overall, this midsole setup shines brightest during tempo workouts and long runs, where cushioned speed really matters. It’s comfortable enough for easy days too, but if you’re just jogging for the vibes, you might not need to drop $200 on this performance powerhouse. Unless, of course, you like your recovery runs with a side of race-day energy.
Outsole and Traction: Grip Like a Pro, Show Wear Like a Teen’s Backpack
The outsole of the Brooks Hyperion Max 3 means business. It’s got thick, durable rubber in all the right places—grippy enough to handle roads, tracks, and whatever mystery surface your Sunday long run leads you to. Wet pavement? No problem. Dusty light trails? Still solid. It holds its ground like a seasoned race-day pacer.
That said, it’s not all perfect. There’s quite a bit of exposed midsole foam, and while it keeps the weight down and flex up, it also wears its mileage like a badge of honor—scuffed, scraped, and a little tired-looking after a few dozen runs. Think of it as “distressed denim,” but for running shoes.
The good news? The rubber that is there seems built to last. If you stick mostly to roads and avoid excessive toe-dragging, you’ll likely get hundreds of miles before it starts begging for retirement. Just don’t be shocked if the foam starts showing its age before the rubber does.
Performance: Built for Speed, But Won’t Complain on Easy Days
The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 doesn’t just run; it flexes. And it shines brightest on long-distance efforts where its PEBA DNA GOLD foam can really show off. It’s plush enough to keep your legs fresh after 15 miles, but snappy enough to make you question if you accidentally started a tempo run.
It feels muscular underfoot, like a powerlifter in racing flats. The dual-foam setup and SpeedVault plate combine to deliver controlled speed, especially during tempo workouts and steady-state efforts. Sure, it can do recovery runs, but let’s be honest: this shoe wakes up every day hoping it’s race day.
The RapidRoll rocker adds a smooth, forward-rolling feel that makes each step feel intentional and efficient. Stability-wise, it caters best to neutral runners and mild supinators. There’s a great heel bevel and some subtle medial support near the ankle, but don’t expect full-blown guidance for overpronation; this isn’t a stability shoe in disguise.
What really impresses is the consistency. That midsole foam doesn’t fade, flatten, or lose steam, mile after mile, it stays peppy. So, if you’re looking for a high-mileage trainer that brings the energy (and a bit of brawn), the Hyperion Max 3 is ready to roll. Just try not to take it out for too many jogs; it gets bored easily.
Pros & Cons of the Brooks Hyperion Max 3
Pros:
- Responsive dual-foam midsole. The combo of PEBA DNA GOLD and DNA FLASH v2 offers a smooth, energetic ride, great for long runs and tempo workouts.
- Comfortable step-in feel. Plush padding around the heel and ankle provides solid lockdown and all-day comfort.
- Stable yet fast. The SpeedVault plate and lower foam layer add structure and stability without feeling stiff, ideal for neutral runners and mild supinators.
- Smooth transitions. The RapidRoll rocker and beveled heel make the ride feel fluid, especially at moderate to fast paces.
- Durable outsole rubber. Grippy and thick in key zones, built to handle lots of miles across varied surfaces.
- True to size fit. No guesswork on sizing, and the racing-style snug upper offers a secure feel without major hot spots.
Cons:
- More exposed foam than ideal. Several unprotected midsole areas may scuff and show wear early, even if the shoe still performs well.
- Tongue padding is a bit overkill. Comfy, yes, but borderline excessive for a performance trainer.
- Not the most breathable. Good ventilation overall, but might run warm in hot and humid conditions.
- Heavier than before. Gained 14 grams over the previous version, noticeable for runners chasing lightweight speed.
- Pricey for casual miles. At $200, it’s overkill if you’re mostly doing easy jogs; there are cheaper comfort-first options.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Brooks Hyperion Max 3?
The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 is a top-tier daily trainer built for runners who want speed with cushion, especially over long distances. If you’re logging serious weekly mileage, love tempo workouts, or want a versatile trainer that can double as a race-day backup, this shoe delivers a responsive, stable ride that doesn’t fade late in the run.
Buy this shoe if:
- You’re a neutral runner or mild supinator looking for a fast, cushioned daily trainer
- You do a mix of long runs, tempo efforts, and steady-state workouts
- You want PEBA-level energy return without committing to a full carbon racer
- You value durable cushioning that stays consistent, even after high mileage
Skip it if:
- You need strong support for overpronation
- You prefer ultralight shoes for speed days
- You’re just looking for something soft and comfy for easy miles only; there are more affordable options for that
The Hyperion Max 3 is a performance-oriented daily trainer for runners who train hard, love fast-feeling shoes, and want a superfoam ride that’s built to last.
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