Brooks Hyperion Tempo Review
July 24, 2020
Cutting-Edge Tech with a Simple Design
Innovative cushioning and comfort in a sleek, lightweight package
Likes
- Lightweight
- Comfortable upper
- Responsive cushioning
Dislikes
- Best for faster paces
- Tongue can shift
What's New
This cutting-edge, new offering from Brooks, the Hyperion Tempo, is a testament to the brand's desire to compete in the light-yet-cushioned racing shoe game. The Hyperion Tempo's simple design features a DNA Flash midsole, which consists of a nitrogen-infused foam for responsive cushioning in an incredibly lightweight package. The rubber outsole is strategically placed in high-wear areas to help keep the shoe's weight down without affecting its durability, and the stretch-woven upper offers a comfortable fit while providing a secure lockdown of the foot. Finished off with a lightly padded heel collar and ventilation throughout the forefoot, the Hyperion Tempo delivers the plush fit that Brooks is known for while boosting the comfort and performance.
The Bottom Line
With some of the best innovations that we've seen from the brand, the Brooks Hyperion Tempo combines lightweight and responsive cushioning with a premium upper to create a high-performance running shoe for anything from uptempo workouts to daily training. The DNA Flash foam offers a soft step-in feel that delivers springy responsiveness as you run, and the woven mesh upper works with the shoe's wider base to provide a stable ride with plenty of comfort. Although some of our testers preferred this shoe for uptempo workouts, those who enjoy slightly firmer cushioning will appreciate the shoe's lightweight design for daily training as well. Overall, the Hyperion Tempo blends performance and a premium fit for a comfortable and fun running experience.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 7.2 oz (size 9) | Women's: 6.3 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 26 mm (Heel), 18 mm (Forefoot) | 8 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
The Hyperion Tempo features the brand's all-new, nitrogen-infused foam, DNA Flash. Designed to be as lightweight, resilient, and responsive as possible, the DNA Flash midsole offers a soft feel that firms for springy responsiveness with each step.
David P: "The new DNA Flash midsole feels soft and comfortable without being mushy. It also offers impact resistance so you can take on plenty of miles during your tempo runs or daily training."
Liz: "The Hyperion Tempo has a soft step-in feel, but the cushioning firms as I pick up the pace. This makes for a responsive ride without the sink-in softness found in some competitors."
Ride/Energy Returni
Considering the amount of cushioning it provides, the Hyperion Tempo boasts surprisingly springy energy return. Our testers felt that it offered an efficient ride that did a good job of giving back the energy put into the shoe.
David P: "Even with a decent amount of cushioning, this shoe is super lightweight and provides a responsive ride. When I wanted to push the pace, it had no problem keeping up."
Derek: "The Hyperion Tempo offers a good level of energy return for a shoe without a carbon plate. However, I think the magic of this midsole is how soft, lightweight, and comfortable the ride is without feeling like it's holding you back."
Underfoot Protectioni
With its stable base and high cushioning-to-weight ratio, the Hyperion Tempo does a great job keeping you comfortable while you run. Due to the firmness of the cushioning, our testers preferred the shoe for shorter, faster runs, but those who like the feel of a traditional trainer may enjoy the Hyperion Tempo up to marathon distances.
David P: "The DNA Flash midsole feels resilient and responsive, while strategic rubber on the outsole adds durability and grip. These shoes really excel at short and fast runs, but my feet felt safe while running on firm roads and pavement, with my longest run being around 10 miles."
Liz: "Thanks to the slightly firmer foam, there is enough underfoot protection for everyday running, but I feel that this shoe is better suited for uptempo days than it is for marathon distances."
Flexibilityi
The Hyperion Tempo's midsole features a flexible forefoot design that becomes more structured through the midfoot and heel. This gives the shoe a smooth and flexible toe-off while keeping the wearer's body aligned throughout the stride.
David P: "While the heel and midfoot hold their structure for a secure landing, the forefoot allows for a natural flexibility that lets me push off with each stride. Also, the forefoot cushioning flares out on either side for a bit more stability and protection."
Derek: "This shoe was very middle-of-the-road when it came to flexibility. It is slightly more flexible in the forefoot and more rigid in the heel. The ride is smooth and comfortable at both slower and faster speeds."
Upper Supporti
The Brooks Hyperion Tempo's upper features stretch-woven mesh with a thinly padded tongue and open ventilation throughout the forefoot. Our testers enjoyed the breathable, accommodating, secure fit that it provided.
Liz: "The upper is one of the things that I enjoy most about this shoe. It has enough room in the toe box for my feet to splay, but the lacing system allows for a very snug and secure fit throughout the heel and midfoot."
Derek: "The upper on this shoe is beautiful and comfortable. It really helped the shoe disappear on my foot while still holding my foot to the platform. My only complaint is with the thin tongue, as it tended to drift around and I would have to stop and adjust it."
Men's Brooks Hyperion Running Shoes
The Brooks Hyperion is a racing flat and performance uptempo running shoe designed for races from 5K to marathon distances.
Women's Brooks Hyperion Running Shoes
The Brooks Hyperion is a racing flat and performance uptempo running shoe designed for races from 5K to marathon distances.
Individual Thoughts
David POverall Score: 9.5/10
I absolutely loved the Hyperion Tempo and ran in it for the majority of my training over a month. It was able to handle my daily runs with ease, which usually hover around 5 miles, and an "uptempo" day sprinkled in midweek. I found that the new cushioning responded really well, and the shoe performed best at faster paces. The upper fit comfortably throughout, with a secure heel and midfoot, and some toe splay in the forefoot. This shoe flexed naturally with my stride and provided an extra smooth transition from heel to toe. Overall, I was really impressed by the Hyperion Tempo and would highly recommend it for the runner looking to pick up the pace in comfort.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
DerekOverall Score: 8.5/10
The Hyperion Tempo became one of my favorite workout shoes, especially for workouts on the track. It has everything I look for in a workout shoe. It's lightweight, responsive, and has plenty of cushioning underfoot to keep me feeling fresh throughout the entire workout. Whether I landed on my forefoot first or my heel, this shoe provided a pleasant amount of softness without compromising the energy return, so it makes running fast both comfortable and enjoyable.
In terms of fit, the Hyperion Tempo fits my narrow foot very well, but it may be a little snug for wide-footed runners. I recommend it to anyone looking for an uptempo shoe that's light, responsive, and comfortable. I wouldn't recommend it for daily training, though, unless you typically train in a more minimal shoe.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
LizOverall Score: 7.5/10
I enjoyed running in the Hyperion Tempo and feel like this shoe is a great direction for the future of Brooks running shoes. Although for personal preference, I wish the shoe was a little bouncier for my uptempo days or had more cushioning for my long run or recovery days.
Regardless, I loved the fit of the shoe and enjoyed the stable ride provided by the wide base and slightly firmer cushioning. The Hyperion Tempo would be great for a runner who wants a lightweight shoe with a bit more protection underfoot for uptempo days or a slightly more minimal option for everyday training.
