Brooks Hyperion Elite 4

£220 | brooksrunning.com | Tester Sarah

The fit

These are tricky to get on due to the tight fitting upper, as with most race shoes like this. Once on and running, the fit is good and there’s a roomy toe box. The shoe upper is made from a lightweight but hardwearing mesh. I found that the upper on the heel dug in but I could avoid it by wearing more padded socks. These are a unisex fit; I am usually a women’s UK 7.5 in Brooks – and these shoes fitted as usual in length but were a little wider.

The comfort

Apart from the heel issue, they feel comfortable, albeit different to non-carbon plate shoes. The SpeedVault Race+ Carbon fibre plate engineers the rocking heel-to-toes motion for faster turnover. The upper on these is as minimal and lightweight as possible, but you’ll get wet feet in the rain due to the mesh design.

Who and what are they for?

These road running shoes are designed for PBs – Brooks says they are for distances from 5K to marathon but I wonder how they would last over longer distances. They would be suitable as a race shoe, certainly in the summer months with the added breathability. Carbon plate shoes all sit around the 40mm stack height, which if you’re a more minimal runner or like to have a more stable connection with the ground, may make these a shoe you wouldn’t choose.

On the run

These are light and fast; they feel firm and as a mild overpronator they gave me adequate support. I liked them but did expect more energy return and bounce towards the end of the run (but that may be due to my fatigue!).

Should you buy them?

Yes – if you want a race-day go-to, and like the built-up sole. No – if you don’t want to spend £220 on very lightweight shoes that may not be as durable as you’d like.