A stable, accessible carbon racer that prioritizes smooth reliability over aggressive pop; best suited for half marathon and shorter distances, though some testers flag a firm ground feel and midfoot instability from the midsole cutouts.
A yellow-light carbon racer: light and capable on paper, but Thomas and Meg both find it underwhelming for a modern super shoe due to firm ground feel and missing forefoot pop, though faster/heavier reviewers on their team like it.
Best for: Runners who prefer ground feel and a traditional racing-flat feel over a bouncy, rockered super shoe ride.
Didn't make top 5. Great squash but probably better suited to heel strikers running half/marathon. Lace-loop elements could be trimmed for weight.
Ed scored it 11.4/12 and calls it an unexpected banger and easily the best Brooks shoe he has tried, with top-tier build quality, a competitive PEBA midsole, and low weight.
Best for: Long-haul marathon and half marathon racing for efficient runners who want a light, comfortable, no-rubbing race shoe
A fast, stable race-day shoe with full-length PEBA and a carbon plate; the reviewer sees it as best for half marathon and below rather than full marathon.
A clear step up from the Hyperion Elite 4 PB that powered a 1:38 half-marathon for Fordy with legs still feeling fresh; he loves it for half and 10K but wouldn't pick it as his marathon shoe.
Best for: Half marathon and 10K racing for runners who want a light, traditional-feeling super shoe
Brooks's first legitimately competitive super shoe, best suited for heel strikers or runners wanting a more stable racing option; pricing at $275 feels high.
Best for: Heel strikers or midfoot strikers looking for a more stable super shoe for 5K through marathon racing.
Best for: Newcomers to carbon shoes; runners wanting a stable race-day feel
Arguably Brooks's best carbon race shoe yet — smoother, more stable and more protective than most super shoes, at the cost of some aggressive pop; capable for everything up to the marathon.
Best for: A hedge-your-bets race day shoe for anyone who might need something reliable and protective to ease them home; great first carbon race shoe.
Brooks's best carbon racer yet and a competitive top-tier super shoe, but priced at a premium and not standing out meaningfully against cheaper rivals; lacks the most aggressive pop in the category.
Best for: Runners who want super-shoe performance in a more accessible, stable and natural-feeling package; good for 5K through marathon and first-time carbon racers.
A solid progression over the Hyperion Elite 4 PB with a slightly more bouncy, well-balanced PEBA ride; Nick favors it for 5K-10K racing but would not take it to a marathon.
Best for: 5K to 10K racing, half marathon distance; accessible super shoe for runners who prefer a balanced foam over an aggressive, squishy ride
Compared to other road racing in the same lane.
