BROOKS Hyperion Elite 2

Pro: I like the midsole. It is wider than some of other carbon plated shoes, and thus more stable. I use it for faster 10-20km training runs on slightly uneven dry gravel or grass tracks and roads, and/or runs in the dark with headlamp, where I would hesitate to wear narrower, less stable shoes like Nike Zoom Fly 3. The cushioning feels good, not too soft, but soft enough for me (76kg, US size 13), even on downhill asphalt runs. The grip of the outsole is O.K. for me, durability is so far O.K., minor dents visible from moderate gravel tracks, but no real damage yet.

Con: The tongue moved a bit laterally during my longer runs. Not dramatic and still acceptable at least after 20k, but maybe Brooks could change it to a sock-like design like Zoom Fly 3 or Endorphine Pro that prevents this. After longer runs, or several subsequent runs, the inward-bent heel collar irritated my Achilles a little bit. For me still acceptable up to 20km runs, but I hesitate to wear the shoe on a marathon. I also avoid wearing the shoe on several subseqent training runs, and mix it with other shoes. I wish Brooks would change the heel area for the next version, with an outward-bent higher heel collar at the back like some other carbon racers, where I my heels feel fine even after very long runs. Brooks should also try to avoid the wrinkles in the cushioning of the present heel collar, that may also add to irritations.

Conclusion: I like the shoe for fast 10-20km runs where I need speed but also some stability. For alsphalt runs beyond 20km, it may work (I did not try yet ...), but is not my 1st choice due the heel collar design.