Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 Running Shoe Review

by Niels Oomkes · November 10, 2025 , 12:32 pm

Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

I have run in just about all of the Brooks shoe models over the past 20+ years, since I’ve become a “real” runner. Without question, I have to say that they are the best fitting and performing shoe for me over that timeframe. With that in mind, I have certainly tried many of the other mainstream brands. Of those, a select few have worked quite admirably as well. In the end, there’s something familiar and comforting every time a Brooks shoe testing possibility comes around. Thus, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 is just what the Ironman Training Doctor ordered. This shoe fits into the super shoe category with its technological material advances, and of course, the carbon plate outsole. The task to train and ultimately race in these shoes for my Ironman is something I look forward to, and is the ultimate goal.

Technical Specifications

Neutral shoe
Midsole Drop: 8mm
Weight: 6.9oz/195.6g
Feel under Foot: Light and springy cushioning that propels you forward.

Midsole on the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5

In all honestly, the midsole is where the magic happens for the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5. This new DNA Gold foam cushioning is really light. I am totally serious about that! When I pick these up, they literally float when I toss them up in the air. The foam is supposed to have a super responsive quality as well, and within all that lovely foam is the Arris Carbon Fiber Speedvault+ plate which is stiff, but bend-able to propel any runner forward. The stack height for the heel is 38-40 mm, and 30-32 mm for the forefoot. I’m guessing the differences are for smaller vs larger sizes. Anyway, I like the 8mm drop; less than the old school 12mm, but not completely flat either. I favor the 4-8mm shoes, so this should be just fine for my body and running form.

What is unique and/or innovative are the orb-shaped cavities that are cut out of the midsole. This allows for the foam pods to independently spread and react back to aid in each and every stride to propel the body forward. Plus, it plays a role in reducing the midsole weight while still providing stability for the runner.

Upper

The lack of material for the upper is almost silly at this point. This Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 has a see-through mesh with various support pieces in several critical places around the heel, sides, and the toe. It is very minimal as they only come up just enough to give the upper its form, plus the support to nestle the foot without movement. In its lack of bulk it does provide the basis to become part of the entire upper.

Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 Outsole

This Hyperion Elite 5 has an outsole equipped with a SpeedTack Rubber compound. Again, also designed to be lightweight, yet have a grip that provides confidence with every step. The rubber is certainly looking like a very minimally thin layer on the entire front portion, along with a couple of strips on the back. 1.5 mm thickness is all we get here, so strength and durability will play a role. Not much else to say here except to see how the Elite 5 runs as a trainer and racer.

Training and Racing In The Brooks Hyperion Elite 5

From a visual standpoint, I like the aggressive side profile that looks shark-like. A motivating image as I chew up the pavement! The first few times wearing these, I went easy. Once the fit became dialed-in it was time to get serious, and use these for a few speed sessions. For additional training and confidence building, a longer 12 mile run was in order. It went really well. I ran probably 5 or 6 more times in these shoes, and decided to commit these my Ironman race.

When running, I can truly zone-out to a good playlist, or get lost in the beauty of my surroundings. In that vein, I really have been focusing on the mechanics of the shoe. With the midsole, there is an inherent force that pushes you. It’s definitely a high performance racing shoe. Now, “racing” a marathon in an Ironman can arguably be labeled as anything but racing. However, I intend to go hard with the hopes that the racing profile, midsole, carbon plate, light upper, etc. provides me with that extra little boost. That said, the cushioning is also there to provide the necessary support as well as comfort when coming off a 112 mile bike ride.

This is a new upper and is ridiculously light weight. It’s literally just a mesh upper as I can see my socks underneath. Technically, it’s silicone lace-sheaths, and full TPU pressed upper that seamlessly makes the connection from the shoe, foot, and body. That TPU wrap is basically a plastic framework that gives it the lightweight, but also the structure for support. There are no fabric layers or traditional overlays which can cause rubbing and irritation, so this in theory, is a way more comfortable solution.

Many shoes have a significant heel cup, but in this case, there is just a small bracket-like piece that goes up to the cuff. The eyelets are positioned and fastened using reinforcements that are integrated into the upper. Ventilation is obviously amazing. My race wasn’t super hot, but the ventilation that is always flowing through the shoes keeps my sweaty feet at bay, and minimizes any kind of rub.

The very thin layer of SpeedTack on the forefoot and in the back performs amazingly. These photos show about 60 miles on the shoe. Time will tell if I can get to some decent mileage, upwards of 300-400 miles. I suppose I am not expecting it really, because it is now been dubbed as purely my racing shoe. It’s worked once, and I will keep these to minimal training miles to get a few more races out of them. No extra material applied anywhere provides for a sleek racing shoe while still giving all the support I need at this point.

Even though it is really light, the density of the midsole is quite adequate in providing me all the support I need. I used to run in Brooks Pureflow which were also light, but a lot more minimal, I have definitely appreciated the extra cushioning. I aimed to use this shoe to give me quicker turnover due to its aggressive nature, and it totally did that. At mile 18 of my Ironman, that dreaded ‘wall’ certainly tested both my mind and body, but I managed to find and get back to my pace and rhythm.

I always use the “runners lacing and knot.” This tightens the heel cuff while also providing a good lock-down knot that rarely comes loose. It truly worked like a charm as I barely had any after effects on my feet after a long day.

Final Thoughts On The Brooks Hyperion Elite 5

Super shoe, super performance, super results. I am really impressed by the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5! The midsole support has terrific cushioning without feeling squishy and too soft. The carbon plate does it’s job to provide good return with every step. I honestly think I gained an advantage over the marathon distance. An ironman marathon is obviously not the fastest I can go, but the support and return helped make my race a success. From a value standpoint, this is not the cheapest running shoe you can buy. That said, I do put value in performance and the ability to provide me with the support to go mile after mile. All said, I am truly loving my experience thus far, and hope to get many more dedicated and solid miles out of the Hyperion Elite 5. For more information and purchase, please visit brooksrunning.com or amazon.com.