Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 Review: Lightweight Speed for the Serious Racer

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The Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 is a refined, race-day-ready super shoe aimed at runners tackling distances from 10K to the half marathon. With substantial updates over previous versions—most notably the introduction of Brooks’ DNA Gold PEBAX-based foam—this fifth iteration brings a fresh edge to Brooks' performance line.

Specs & Features

• Midsole: DNA Gold PEBAX-based foam

• Plate: Carbon fiber SpeedVault Race+ plate

• Outsole: SpeedTrack lightweight rubber

• Upper: Full TPU mono-mesh construction

• Stack height: 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot (8mm drop)

• Weight: Approx. 216g (UK 9.5)

• Price: $275 (launching July 1)

This shoe is built for performance. The midsole is springy and responsive, the plate provides efficient propulsion, and the stripped-back rubber outsole keeps things light while still offering solid grip.

First Impressions

One standout feature is the ultra-breathable upper. The engineered mesh is full of ventilation holes, making the shoe exceptionally light and airy. Combined with a snug race-day fit and quality laces, the lockdown is superb—no heel slip or hot spots after a tough half marathon test. The design is also noticeably modern, with exposed midsole cutouts along the arch to reduce weight without sacrificing stability or energy return.

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On the Road: Hackney Half Test

The Hyperion Elite 5 was put through its paces at the Hackney Half Marathon and delivered a solid performance with a finishing time around 1:38. On the undulating city course, the shoe excelled in responsiveness, comfort, and grip.

Despite its 40mm stack, the shoe feels low-slung and close to the ground—a bit deceiving in appearance, but appreciated in terms of ground contact and stability. The ride is smooth and fast, especially at tempo pace. The faster you go, the more this shoe rewards you. The outsole provided excellent traction, even on crowded corners and varying terrain, and the snug fit meant there were no issues with rubbing or blisters—impressive for a brand-new shoe fresh out of the box.

Is It a Marathon Shoe?

For many runners, this might not be the go-to option for the marathon distance. While it delivers on responsiveness and comfort over 13.1 miles, the lower-profile, aggressive geometry feels more suited to shorter racing—like 10Ks, half marathons, and even 5Ks. It has a more traditional, firm-riding super shoe feel, as opposed to the pillowy comfort seen in some of the newer carbon racers. That’s not necessarily a drawback—it will appeal to runners who prefer a more connected feel to the road.

Comparison & Value

At $275, it sits at the premium end of the market alongside shoes like the Nike Vaporfly 4 and Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4. It may not carry the same marathon pedigree as those models, but as a racing shoe for faster sessions and shorter races, it holds its own. The DNA Gold foam offers excellent bounce and energy return, and the new plate and geometry provide a smoother, snappier ride than the Elite 4 PB.

Final Thoughts

The Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 is a significant upgrade from the previous version. While it may not be the ideal marathon shoe for every runner, it absolutely shines in the half marathon and below. For runners seeking a lightweight, responsive, and race-tuned shoe, the Elite 5 is well worth a look. It combines modern super shoe tech with a traditional racing feel, and for those who value turnover and lockdown over squish and stack, this could be your new race-day favourite.

You can get discounts on your next running shoe purchase at Sportsshoes.com by either becoming an affiliated club member with FORDY RUNS Running Club where you will get 15% off or you can join the club for free and get 10% off your next purchase by getting our latest discount code from our website

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