I’ve been running in the fastest Brooks running shoes for weeks – here’s why it might be an Alphafly killer

Brooks’ super shoes lag behind the competition when it comes to popularity. While many runners will opt for carbon racers from Nike and Adidas, fewer will choose the Brooks Hyperion Elite series. This is something the Elite Hyperion Elite 4 PB might change soon.

I’m a big fan of the Brook Hyperion Tempo, another underrated model from the brand. I used them a lot for tempo sessions back in the day, thanks to the nitrogen-infused midsole's softness and energy return prowess.

The Hyperion Elite 4 PB uses the same principles as those shoes but takes them to the next level. The biggest (and only, really) update since the shoes’ predecessor is the inclusion of 100% PEBA DNA Gold cushioning, which replaces the DNA Flash v2 found in the Hyperion Elite 4.

Otherwise, the shoes are more or less the same as they were. Does the foam make a difference? I took the shoes to the streets to see how they performed and if they were worth the upgrade.

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB review

Price and availability

The Hyperion Elite 4 PR was launched in January 2025 and is available to buy now at Books US, Brooks UK and Brooks AU for a recommended price of $250/ £200/ AU$349.95, which is the same price as the Hyperion Elite 4. It’s currently only available in one colour: Bluewash/Green Gecko/Cobalt. It’s a unisex model, so make sure you check sizing before ordering.

Specifications

• Best for: tempo runs, racing (HM & marathons)
• Weight: XXX
• Drop: 8mm
• Stack height: 40mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot)

Design and materials

Brooks’ latest marathon shoe is a thoroughbred in the super shoe category. As such, it uses a combination of soft foam, rigid carbon plate and lightweight, breathable upper to propel runners forward mile after mile.

Of these, the carbon plate and the upper are the same as they were on the Hyperion Elite 4. Developed in collaboration with ARRIS Composites, the 3D-printed SpeedVault+ plate’s stiffness is tailored to each shoe size and incorporates strategic cutouts to reduce weight while maintaining rigidity.

I reached out to Brooks to get some clarification on this, and they said that ARRIS "uses a process called additive moulding, which builds the plate layer by layer, allowing for the plate to be stiffer or more flexible consistently across all sizes. This process is also why there is less material is needed."

Brooks also said that if they were to use a traditional carbon plate, it would be stretched or shrunk to the size, meaning there would be the same stiffness throughout, offering no custom tuning per size.

The upper is the same, too, in all its holey glory. The Hyperion Elite 4 features a knitted upper with quite sizeable holes in it, improving ventilation in the shoes. It’s not quite the same level of breathability as those carbon-plated NIRUN Race Sandals the Kenyan runner won the 2025 Khon Kaen Marathon in, but it’s remarkably aerated nevertheless.

The RapidRoll Rocker also makes a return, which refers to the shape of the foam under the forefoot. The steepness is not quite the same as in some other shoes – like the ASICS Metaspeed series or Hoka’s carbon shoes – but it does help you roll forward more easily.

The big update is the new DNA Gold midsole foam. Brooks claims this 100% PEBA cushioning is the lightest, softest, and highest energy return foam the company has ever made. Many running shoe brands use PEBA in their midsoles, including Nike (ZoomX), Adidas (Lightstrike Pro), Asics (FF Turbo+ Foam) and Saucony (PWRRUN HG).

Brooks puts a spin on the PEBA concept by adding nitrogen to the mix (similar to Puma’s Nitro foam), which the company has been doing for years. Adding nitrogen is said to enhance energy return, softness, and durability while keeping the foam lightweight.

Speaking of weight, my UK size 10 (US 11) Hyperion Elite 4 PB comes in at XXX – maybe not the lightest super shoes, but light enough for most purposes. The maximum stack height is at the World Athletics’ limit (40 mm); the shoes have an 8mm drop, which means there is 32 mm of foam under the forefoot.

Performance and comfort

Running in the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB feels energetic and fast. The Hyperion Elite 4 was fast, but the new PEBA foam enhances energy return and, therefore, reduces fatigue in the lower body, enabling you to run faster for longer.

The stiffness of the plate works beautifully to stabilise the foot. Some, especially beginner runners, might find shoes such as the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 slightly unstable; the Hyperion Elite 4 PB doesn't feel quite as unwieldy.

The forefoot curve could be a bit more pronounced. I love the Hoka Cielo X1 (and most Hokas, for that matter) for their aggressive geometry that almost makes you tip forward when standing still. Hoka’s early-stage rocker kicks in much sooner than Brooks’, making the Hyperion Elite 4 PB feel more stable – for better or worse.

The upper provides a snug and supportive experience (maybe too snug sometimes). I like the knitted material, even though I feel something might get caught in those holes, ripping the upper wide open. This is yet to happen, so for now, I'm just enjoying the increased breathability it provides.

The heels are supported well enough, and I appreciated the softness of the heel counter, too. The padding feels solid around the ankles – another brownie point for the Hyperion Elite 4 PB.

Verdict

Brooks finally caught up with the competition and released a truly exciting super shoe that looks good and performs well. The DNA Gold foam is brilliant, and so are the SpeedVault+ plate and the knitted upper. The Hyperion Elite 4 PB is a solid racer that's versatile enough to be used for both training and racing.

The reason why it's not getting the five-star treatment from me is because it simply isn't the best super shoe. There are many alternatives, and each of them is good on its own terms. If the Hyperion Elite 4 PB undercut them in price, that might be a different story. It might not be the best carbon-plated running shoes, but it's on par with the Alphafly and Adios Pro, that's for sure.

Also consider

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3: Equipped with Nitro Elite foam and a carbon composite plate, this model offers a lightweight and responsive experience for competitive runners.

Saucony Endorphin Elite: With its aggressive forefoot rocker and PWRRUN PB cushioning, the Endorphin Elite is designed for runners aiming for speed and efficiency.