Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 Review: Brooks' Best Marathon Super Shoe Yet?
- FORDY RUNS
- Aug 4
- 5 min read
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 is the biggest overhaul we've ever seen in the Hyperion Elite series. After several versions that struggled to compete with the very best carbon-plated race shoes, Brooks has gone back to the drawing board and completely redesigned its flagship racer. With a new DNA Gold midsole, a redesigned carbon plate and updated geometry, the Hyperion Elite 6 finally feels like Brooks has built a shoe capable of taking on the leading marathon super shoes. But is it good enough to earn a place on race day? After testing it on long runs and marathon-paced efforts, here's my full review.
Key Specifications
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 has an expected UK retail price of around £240 and weighs approximately 224g in a UK size 9.5.
It features:
Weight: 224g (UK 9.5)
Price: Approximately £240
Stack Height: 40mm heel / 33mm forefoot
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
Midsole: DNA Gold (new PEBA foam)
Plate: Redesigned SpeedVault+ Carbon Plate
Upper: Flat knit upper with TPU reinforcement
Outsole: Lightweight rubber coverage
Fit: True to size
Design & Build Quality
Brooks hasn't simply updated the Hyperion Elite 6—it has rebuilt it from the ground up. According to Brooks, there are six major changes to this shoe, including a redesigned geometry, an all-new carbon plate, revised toe spring, updated plate construction, new upper and an improved version of its DNA Gold PEBA foam. Visually, the shoe looks much more modern than previous Hyperion Elite models. The flat knit upper feels lightweight while the TPU coating adds structure without making the shoe feel restrictive. One of my favourite additions is the heel lockdown system. Brooks has added silicone grip pads inside the heel, which really help lock your foot into place without creating discomfort. Combined with the gusseted tongue, the shoe feels secure from the moment you lace it up. The toe box is also surprisingly roomy for a race shoe, making it more accommodating than many carbon-plated competitors.
Ride & Performance
The biggest improvement comes underfoot. The new DNA Gold PEBA foam delivers a ride that's significantly more refined than previous Hyperion Elite models. It's soft enough to provide excellent protection over marathon distances but doesn't collapse under your foot like some softer super shoes. The redesigned SpeedVault+ carbon plate also feels much smoother than before. Rather than aggressively throwing you forward, it provides a controlled, natural transition that works exceptionally well over longer distances. What impressed me most was just how comfortable the shoe remained during a 20-mile long run. Even when mixing marathon pace with easier miles, the Hyperion Elite 6 never felt awkward or unstable. That versatility is something I really value in a marathon shoe. Not every mile of a marathon is run at exactly the same pace, so having a shoe that still feels comfortable during steadier sections is a huge advantage.
Comfort & Fit
For a racing shoe, comfort is outstanding. The shoe fits true to size and offers more room in the forefoot than many modern super shoes, which will be welcome news for runners who don't enjoy extremely narrow race-day shoes. The heel lockdown is excellent thanks to the combination of the silicone grip pads and gusseted tongue, while the upper strikes a nice balance between lightweight performance and long-distance comfort. Even after a 20-mile run, I had no issues with rubbing, movement or discomfort.
Stability
One of the biggest surprises is how stable the Hyperion Elite 6 feels. Despite using a full PEBA midsole and carbon plate, Brooks has created a shoe that feels planted throughout the stride. The platform inspires confidence, particularly during slower marathon-paced efforts or when fatigue begins to creep in during longer runs. For runners who find some super shoes overly aggressive or unstable, the Hyperion Elite 6 offers a much more forgiving experience without sacrificing speed.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 vs Hyperion Elite 5
This isn't a small update—it's a complete transformation. The Hyperion Elite 6 features a significantly improved foam, a redesigned carbon plate, revised geometry, a better upper and a much more refined overall ride. Where the Hyperion Elite 5 often felt better suited to shorter races such as the half marathon, the Hyperion Elite 6 finally feels purpose-built for the full marathon. It's easily the best Hyperion Elite Brooks has ever produced.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 vs New Balance SC Elite v5
The closest comparison I kept coming back to throughout testing was the New Balance SC Elite v5. The Hyperion Elite 6 delivers a remarkably similar experience underfoot. Both shoes offer a softer, more forgiving ride than many aggressive carbon racers while still providing plenty of speed for race day. Like the SC Elite v5, the Hyperion Elite 6 feels equally happy running marathon pace or slightly slower during long training runs. That versatility is one of its biggest strengths. Personally, I actually prefer the upper on the Brooks, although I still think the SC Elite v5 has the slightly better outsole.
Value for Money
At around £240, the Hyperion Elite 6 sits firmly in the premium super shoe category. While it isn't cheap, Brooks has delivered a shoe that genuinely feels capable of competing with the best marathon racers on the market. Considering the dramatic improvements across the foam, plate, geometry and upper, the price is much easier to justify than previous Hyperion Elite models.
Who Should Buy the Brooks Hyperion Elite 6?
The Hyperion Elite 6 is ideal for:
Marathon racing
Half marathon racing
Fast long runs
Marathon pace workouts
Runners who want a stable carbon-plated shoe
Anyone who enjoys the New Balance SC Elite series
Brooks runners looking for a genuine race-day option
