Brooks · Reviewed by kofuzi · Published 2026-05-22
Based on a review by kofuzi (accessed 2026-05-22).
Based on this review alone: skip it — very rigid and difficult to bend, feels like running in a rockered boot, unless good step-in comfort is your only priority.
The reviewer found the Hyperion Max 4 to be a very rigid, dense, and energy-sapping shoe, particularly at faster paces, contrasting sharply with the Hyperion Max 3. He concluded it is best suited for easy paces and runners who prefer a rigid, rolling foot strike, expressing a strong preference for the Hyperion Max 3 or the Brooks Glycerin Flex over this updated model.
This review provides an in-depth look at the Brooks Hyperion Max 4 running shoe, covering its technical specifications, design changes from the previous model, and the reviewer's personal experience running in it. The video includes comparisons to the Hyperion Max 3 and other alternative running shoes.
The Hyperion Max 4 disappoints despite its technical specifications; its extremely rigid and dense feel undermines its potential as an up-tempo or versatile trainer. During testing, the reviewer found it energy-sapping and difficult to bend, making even threshold repeats unfinishable as it actively resisted natural foot strike. While the shoe maintains good step-in comfort and a well-fitting upper, its overall inflexibility and lack of responsiveness prevent it from being enjoyable at anything beyond easy paces. If you prefer a very rigid, rolling shoe at slower speeds, this might suit you, but if you expect a bouncy, flexible ride for varied paces, look elsewhere.
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comparisonneutralt=0:00–0:19
The Brooks Hyperion Max 4 looks almost exactly like the Hyperion Max 3, sharing similar PEBA top layers, daily training bottom layers, side notches, geometries, weights, and glossy plastic stability plates.
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The shoe has a stack height of 45 mm in the heel and 39 mm in the forefoot, with a 6 mm drop, which is 1 mm shorter than the previous version.
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The shoe features a top layer of DNA Gold (PEBA material), a bottom layer of DNA Flash version 2, and a forked plastic stability plate called Speed Vault visible through three windows.
visual_inspectionneutralt=2:10–2:35
The rubber outsole has good surface area coverage with a thick application of rubber, though some foam is exposed.
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The upper is a triple jacquard knit, which the reviewer perceives as more comfort-oriented compared to the previous version's speed-oriented upper.
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The new tongue design removes the heat-retaining pad and booty construction of the Hyperion Max 3, replaced by a gusseted traditional tongue, which the reviewer appreciates.
visual_inspectionneutralt=3:30–3:47
The heel collar and cup have significant structure, are very rigid, but include plush padding for comfort.
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The reviewer found the shoe fits really well and true to size, with similar sizing to the Hyperion Max 3, not requiring any changes to sizing recommendations.
measurement_testneutralt=4:06–4:24
The reviewer measured the shoe (US men's size 9) at 10.1 oz (288 g), noting it is a 'pretty heavy weight' for its technology.
reviewer_claimnegativet=4:32–6:08
The reviewer finds the shoe very rigid and dense, with the PEBA top layer feeling less soft and airy, and the DNA Flash 2 bottom layer feeling too thick and dense, making the shoe harder to bend compared to the Hyperion Max 3.
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The reviewer states the shoe is designed for a rolling foot strike rather than a bouncy, foam-compressing one.
hands_on_demonegativet=6:28–7:35
During an up-tempo long run, the reviewer found it hard to maintain speed, felt the shoe resisted bending, was energy-sapping, and worked against his running style.
hands_on_demonegativet=7:35–9:11
During threshold repeats, the shoe resisted bending, offered no propulsive pop, felt sluggish, and ultimately led the reviewer to abandon the workout due to the difficulty.
reviewer_claimmixedt=9:11–9:53
The reviewer only enjoys running in the shoe at easy paces, but even then, it still feels overly thick, dense, and hard, rather than providing stability.
comparisonnegativet=9:53–10:59
The reviewer found the Hyperion Max 3 drastically different, being less rigid, more pliable, and more agreeable to run in compared to the Hyperion Max 4, which resisted natural foot landing.
Despite looking almost identical to the Hyperion Max 3 in terms of materials and geometry, the reviewer experienced a drastic difference in the ride. The Hyperion Max 4 feels much more rigid and dense, with less soft foams and a plate that's harder to bend. In contrast, the Hyperion Max 3 was perceived as less rigid, more pliable, and more agreeable to run in.
The reviewer found the Hyperion Max 4 only enjoyable for easy paces. He noted it's designed for individuals who prefer to roll through their foot strike and enjoy a very rigid shoe, rather than one with a bouncy, foam-compressing feel. It felt overly thick, dense, and hard even at easy speeds.
The reviewer found the Hyperion Max 4 fits really well and is true to size. He wore his regular running shoe size, which worked out great, and noted the fit is very similar to the Hyperion Max 3, so no sizing changes are recommended.
The Hyperion Max 4 has a 45mm heel stack height and a 39mm forefoot stack height, resulting in a 6mm heel-to-toe drop, which is 1mm shorter than the previous model. The midsole comprises a top layer of Brooks' PEBA material (DNA Gold) and a bottom layer of DNA Flash v2, with a forked plastic Speed Vault stability plate between them. The shoe weighs 10.1 oz (288g) for a US men's size 9.
The reviewer strongly prefers the Brooks Hyperion Max 3, noting its more pliable and agreeable ride, but it currently retails at the same $200 price. He also highly recommends the Brooks Glycerin Flex, which costs $170 and provides a cushioned yet somewhat speedy experience that he had hoped for from the Hyperion Max 4. Outside of Brooks, the New Balance SC Trainer v3 is mentioned as a similar super tall, jumbo stack shoe, also priced at $190, popular among runners seeking support for marathons.
The reviewer specifically tested the Hyperion Max 4 on up-tempo long runs and threshold repeats, finding it difficult to maintain speed, energy-sapping, and resistant to bending. He noted the shoe felt sluggish and did not provide a propulsive pop, actually feeling like it was working against him, to the point of being unable to finish a workout.
100/100 source quality
Kofuzi reviews the Brooks Hyperion Max 4, detailing its specifications like a 45mm heel stack and 6mm drop, PEBA DNA Gold top layer, DNA Flash v2 bottom layer, and a forked Speed Vault plate. He notes design changes in the upper and tongue for improved comfort. While fitting true to size and weighing 10.1 oz, the reviewer found the shoe excessively rigid, dense, and resistant to bending, especially at faster paces, contrasting negatively with the more pliable Hyperion Max 3. He recommends it primarily for easy paces and runners who prefer a rolling foot strike, suggesting the Glycerin Flex or Hyperion Max 3 as preferred alternatives.
Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.
This page converts kofuzi's review of the Brooks Brooks Hyperion Max 4 into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.
Brand relationship disclosed as: gifted