The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 is, quite simply, a fun shoe to run in. The best way I can describe it is smooth-rolling and energetic, with a surprising amount of stability for something sitting on such a large stack. The very first thing I noticed was the secure fit through the upper. Brooks consistently nails their uppers, and this shoe is no exception. The thick gusseted tongue, the sock-like heel cup, and the way the upper wraps the midfoot create a locked-in feel that I really appreciated. I even had this pair half a size too big, which normally would be a red flag for me, but the fit was so secure that I didn’t experience a single issue with sizing or heel slip.
The next thing that stood out was the huge stack height. I’ll be honest — my first thought was that it might feel unstable. It’s a tall shoe, and with that comes the expectation of some wobble. But the Hyperion Max 3 surprised me. The platform feels planted, and the dual-foam midsole setup is genuinely clever: a responsive, springier foam up front for snappy toe-off, and a more stable foam in the heel to keep landings consistent and controlled. That combination works really well. The ride feels smooth, fluid, and surprisingly confident, even when picking up the pace.
Speaking of pace — I found this shoe handled a wide range of running sessions. I’ve taken it out for easy runs, tempo efforts, structured sessions, and even longer runs, and it performed well across the board. For me personally, it feels best around 4:30–5:00 min/km, where the geometry and rocker really start to shine. When I pushed down to sub-4:00 pace, it didn’t quite deliver the aggressive snap you’d want from a dedicated speed session shoe — but that’s not really what it’s built for. It’s more of a highly capable, fun-to-run-in all-rounder than a pure do-or-die speed trainer.
The versatility is definitely one of its strongest qualities. It offers enough cushioning for distance, enough responsiveness for tempo, and enough stability for everyday miles — a rare combination. But it’s worth noting that runners who prefer more ground feel might find the high stack a little disconnected. And if you’re expecting carbon-plated race-shoe levels of speed, this isn’t designed to compete in that category. What it is designed for is enjoyable, dependable, smooth running across lots of different paces and sessions — and it excels at exactly that.
Who This Shoe Is Best For
- Runners wanting a versatile, do-almost-everything trainer
- Those who like a soft, smooth, rockered ride with a touch of propulsion
- Neutral runners who appreciate a secure lockdown in the upper
- Anyone who benefits from cushioning but doesn’t want a mushy feel
- Runners who want one shoe for easy runs, tempo efforts, and medium-long days
Key Features
- Dual-foam midsole system: responsive forefoot foam + stable heel foam for balanced performance
- High stack height with a wide base for a confident, stable ride despite the volume
- RapidRoll rocker geometry for smooth transitions and an effortless rolling stride
- Secure engineered upper with thick gusseted tongue and sock-like heel wrap
- Versatile cushioning profile suitable for a wide mix of paces and distances
- Lightweight for its stack compared to traditional max-cushion trainers
- Excellent step-in comfort thanks to Brooks' refined fit and padded interior
