brooks valoradas levitate 3 review | Our verdict

We found that Brooks' latest effort to deliver a competitive supershoe almost reaches the top tier, yet it still trails behind the best. In our lab tests, we observed impressive upgrades in the knit upper, outsole and carbon plate. Despite these enhancements, the supercritical EVA midsole still falls short on energy return, and the Hyperion Elite 4's weight is again hefty for its category. Given its steep $250 price tag, we believe further improvements are necessary for it to compete with the top racing shoes on the market.

brooks valoradas levitate 3 review Pros

  • World-class upper
  • Cushioned to legal limit
  • Personalized carbon plate
  • Good stability
  • Notched laces
  • Durable outsole
  • Less extreme than other supershoes
  • Superior build quality

brooks valoradas levitate 3 review Cons

  • Narrow toebox and heel
  • Foam lacks energy return
  • Excessive weight for supershoe

Audience verdict

89
Great!

Who should buy

We've rigorously tested the Hyperion Elite 4 and confidently recommend it for:

  • Those with narrow feet looking for a carbon-plated shoe with a gentler ride than typical supershoes.
  • brooks valoradas aficionados zapatillas de running brooks valoradas ritmo bajo 10k talla 45.5 blancas.
  • This brooks valoradas Trail Shoe Got a MakeoverYet Still Has Plenty of Grit.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho

zapatillas de running brooks valoradas pie normal 10k talla 45.5

The Hyperion Elite 4 lacks the world-class foam typical of top supershoes, and its energy return significantly trails behind. Thus, we do not recommend it for runners aiming to shave seconds off their race times. Instead, we suggest the Трейловые кросівки brooks or the zapatillas de running brooks valoradas ritmo bajo 10k talla 45 zapatillas de running brooks valoradas mujer voladoras minimalistas.

Additionally, the Hyperion Elite 4 needs to shed some weight—it's noticeably heavier compared to its competitors. For those seeking the ultimate featherweight experience in their next race, we think the Nike Vaporfly 3 or the Saucony Endorphin Elite de brooks valoradas Running continúa fiel a su esencia.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho parts

Breathability

As soon as we unboxed the Hyperion Elite 4, we were instantly captivated by its knit upper. Apart from the Nike Vaporfly 3 with its Flyknit fancy tech, it's challenging to recall any other shoe with such meticulously crafted and high-quality ventilation.

During our smoke-pumping test, it became clear that this shoe was destined for a top score of 5/5. It boasts large, exceptional ventilation holes that allow air to flow seamlessly. In fact, we suggest wearing thick socks in cooler temperatures due to the extensive airflow.

After the smoke test, we shone a light through the upper to inspect it further, and wow—never before have we observed such incredible full-length ventilation. It goes from the heel to the toe, ensuring that overheating won't be an issue, even during the late miles of a summer marathon.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho microscope

but brooks valoradas already has the holiday spirit.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho micro 2

However, our focus wasn't on the largest holes but on those in the center of the toebox, which were equally impressive.

In our final manual assessment of the upper, we noted that, as expected in a race day shoe, it isn't very padded. Additionally, the knit is quite stretchy, which might raise some concerns about durability.

Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 229 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Turning now to durability—let's fire up the Dremel! In our initial test, we're eager to see how this paper-thin, minimally padded upper stands up to the tool.

We were pleasantly surprised. Although it scored just 2/5, we view this as a positive outcome for such a featherweight upper. In other words—while we assess all shoes by the same standards, we recognize the significant achievement of obtaining this score with an upper like this one.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Toebox durability
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 2
Average 2.4
Compared to 163 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

After examining the exceptional upper, we shifted our focus to the heel padding, hopeful for a high score.

The outcome was extraordinary—the minimal padding brooks valoradas incorporated in the heel area demonstrated remarkable durability (5/5). It was truly a fantastic performance.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Heel padding durability
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 159 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Now it's time to evaluate the outsole. While the traction was satisfactory—it wasn't as impressive as PumaGrip (PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 2) or Continental (Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3).

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Outsole

The outsole boasts decent rubber coverage in the forefoot and strategically-placed rubber in the heel, plus a massive central groove that reveals the Speedvault+ carbon plate.

First, we tested the rubber's hardness with a durometer in our lab. It registered at 79.4 HC, positioning it on the harder end of the spectrum for a race-oriented outsole.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Outsole hardness
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 79.4 HC
Average 80.5 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 280 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
52.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

The previous measurement indicated promising durability for a racing shoe. To confirm this, we fired up the Dremel one last time until the next shoe comes into the lab.

After the Dremel finished its work, we observed a minimal 0.8 mm indentation—a remarkable result for a top-tier marathon shoe. Those worried about the durability of this rubber can rest easy!

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Outsole durability
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 0.8 mm
Average 0.9 mm
Compared to 141 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

brooks valoradas levitate 3 review | Outsole thickness

We believe brooks valoradas saw the outsole's durability as a unique opportunity to distinguish itself from other supershoes, so they included a 2.3 mm thickness to boost its longevity.

While it might appear thin at first glance, rest assured, it's quite generous for a marathon shoe.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Outsole thickness
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 2.3 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 299 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.6 mm

Weight

Here's our first major issue with the Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho.

Weighing in at 7.8 oz or 220g, it's noticeably heavier than expected for a supershoe. For comparison, it's 0.7 oz heavier than the Nike Alphafly 3, which offers more a broader midsole and more cushioning underfoot.

Where does this extra weight originate? The Hyperion Elite 4 includes a state-of-the-art, razor-thin upper, so the real culprits are the midsole and the outsole. We strongly believe that to truly compete in the supershoe arena, brooks valoradas needs to adopt a thinner rubber and a lighter, next-generation midsole in order to put the next version below 7 ounces.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Weight
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 7.76 oz (220g)
Average 9.35 oz (265g)
Compared to 300 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
5.26 oz (149g)
Weight
12.56 oz (356g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

The midsole is always a key focus in any supershoe as it's where the performance enhancements really shine.

Our first observation concerns the heel stack, which we measured at an impressive 39.1 mm in the lab, nearly reaching the 40-mm limit set by World Athletics. This is excellent news for heel strikers who are preparing for the marathon.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Heel stack
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 39.1 mm
Average 33.6 mm
Compared to 299 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
7.6 mm
Heel stack
42.7 mm

Forefoot stack

Contrary to expectations, we measured the forefoot at just 27.3 mm, which was unexpectedly low given the official 8 mm drop.

This measurement might make the shoe less suitable for forefoot strikers, who may find it doesn't align well with their running style.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Forefoot stack
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 27.3 mm
Average 24.9 mm
Compared to 299 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
7.6 mm
Forefoot stack
35.8 mm

Drop

We recorded an 11.8-mm heel-to-toe drop, quite substantial and ideally suited for heel strikers or those experiencing Achilles tendon or calf issues, as a significant drop can help alleviate stress in these areas.

Oh, you may be wondering why there are sometimes differences between our measurements and the brand's offsets, but don't worry—we have a Shaun brooks valoradas Contributor.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Drop
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 11.8 mm
Average 8.7 mm
Compared to 299 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Insole thickness

The insole is exactly what we look for in a high-quality racing shoe—it's incredibly thin at just 3.0 mm.

Why is this beneficial? Well, because it enables the brand to maximize the use of performance-enhancing foam, crucial for boosting overall performance keeping the HE4 below the 40-mm legal limit imposed by World Athletics.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Insole thickness
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 3.0 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 295 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Turning our attention to the midsole, there's a significant discussion point—it represents the most disappointing aspect of the Hyperion Elite 4 and ultimately hinders our recommendation for those pursuing top-tier performance.

We found that brooks valoradas opted for DNA Flash v2 foam, which doesn't measure up to the leading foams on the market like ZoomX or FF Turbo+. This shortfall is due to its composition as a supercritical, EVA-based foam rather than a PEBA-based material.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Nitrogen

Nitrogen-injected. That's cool, but it's still not PEBA. Come on, Brooks!

Despite Brooks' efforts to enhance it (less weight, more energy return) by infusing nitrogen, we discovered that it lacks the performance characteristics found in world-class foams. In essence, the midsole is adequate for training but falls short for serious racing by current standards.

Moreover, the price remains steep at $250, equivalent to other elite racing shoes. This makes the Hyperion Elite 4 suitable only for those willing to sacrifice some responsiveness. And we think that it’s unfortunate, especially for elite athletes like the Des Linden, a former Boston Marathon champ that deserve a fair competition with the rest of the field.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Midsole softness
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 23.9 HA
Average 21.4 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 227 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.5 HA

Difference in midsole softness in cold

To assess the Hyperion's adaptability to cold conditions, we conducted a test where it was frozen for 20 minutes before re-evaluating its performance. The results showed a 15.7% change—a solid performance for an EVA-based foam, which is generally less resilient in such temperature variations.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Difference in midsole softness in cold
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 15.7%
Average 25.6%
Compared to 226 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
0%
Difference in midsole softness in cold
100%

Plate

While brooks valoradas may be somewhat behind with its EVA-based foam, they've truly did a great job with the innovative carbon plate in the Hyperion Elite 4.

The Speedvault+ carbon plate, crafted in partnership with ARRIS Composites in Berkeley, stands out from the typical carbon plates. We found that it's uniquely designed with several cutouts in the carbon fiber, maintaining rigidity while also reducing weight, which is evident through the midsole cutout.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho plate

Another remarkable feature of this spoon-shaped carbon plate is that its stiffness varies with each shoe size—a departure from the usual practice where other supershoes use the same plate stiffness across different sizes. It’s great to see brooks valoradas pushing the envelope!

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Plate

Rocker

We discovered that the early-stage rocker of the Hyperion Elite 4 isn't as pronounced as in shoes like the brooks valoradas levitate 3 review, Qué cosas pueden mejorar las brooks valoradas Glycerin 19 en su próxima edición.

Conversely, the heel doesn't showcase a large bevel but features a modest one that starts quite far back, offering some guidance for rearfoot strikers without being intrusive. Overall, this shoe presents one of the most traditional racing dynamics in a contemporary racing shoe, a quality that many runners might find appealing.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Rocker

Stability

Lateral stability test

Having evaluated the midsole, we now shift our focus to the stability features of the Hyperion Elite 4. Surprisingly, we found that despite its tall and narrow profile, it ranks as one of the most stable racing shoes available.

Interestingly, this stability advantage comes from an unexpected source—the DNA Flash v2 foam. While typically less favored than PEBA-based foams for responsiveness, it actually contributes to making this shoe more supportive than many of its competitors. This scenario is a perfect example of how a perceived shortcoming can at least enhance performance in another area.

Torsional rigidity

With a carbon-fiber plate, we expected this test to score at least a 4 out of 5, but it actually reached a 5. We attempted to bend and twist it, but it was incredibly rigid...

Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 278 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Women's brooks valoradas Glycerin GTS 20 Running

The heel counter is composed of a thin pliable piece of cardboard, so it was no surprise to us that it offered virtually no resistance. Naturally, this led to a low rating of 1 out of 5 on our scale.

Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 1
Average 2.8
Compared to 262 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
1
Women's brooks valoradas Glycerin GTS 20 Running
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

We've noted previously in this lab review that the Hyperion Elite 4 feels quite narrow, and now we have the measurements to support that observation.

Our initial measurement focused on the forefoot area, where we recorded a width of 110.3 mm. This indeed confirms the feelings we had during our runs.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 110.3 mm
Average 113.7 mm
Compared to 300 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
100.5 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
126.5 mm

Midsole width in the heel

Although the Hyperion Elite 4 is somewhat more stable than other supershoes, its heel is notably narrow at just 78.5 mm. This could pose challenges for heel strikers, though runners with a neutral stride may not find it problematic. Ultimately, we must remember that this is primarily a racing shoe.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho heel width

brooks valoradas levitate 3 review New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4. Not only does it have an infinite name, but it also offers a broader heel width of 88.7 mm.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 78.5 mm
Average 90.4 mm
Compared to 300 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
74.9 mm
Midsole width in the heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Equipped with a carbon plate nestled between two layers of DNA Flash v2 foam, it was virtually guaranteed that the Hyperion Elite 4 would exhibit extreme rigidity. And true to expectations, it felt exceptionally stiff during our test runs.

Using our force gauge, we applied a significant 63.0N to bend the shoe to a 90-degree angle. That's quite stiff—just notice how the table vibrates after we release the tool!

Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 63.0N
Average 29.1N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 282 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
2.2N
Stiffness
94.4N

Difference in stiffness in cold

To assess how the stiffness would be affected by cold, we put it in the freezer for 20 minutes before testing again with the force gauge. Afterwards, we noted a modest 6.8% increase in stiffness—a good result that likely stems from the presence of the carbon plate in between the foam.

Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 6.8%
Average 36.2%
Compared to 282 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
0%
Difference in stiffness in cold
148%

Size and fit

brooks valoradas Womens Revel 3 Running Shoe

We consistently take two measurements to ensure accuracy, and the first is always at the upper's widest point.

The initial measurement we recorded here in the lab was only 93.0 mm, clearly indicating that the Hyperion Elite 4 is quite narrow. Let's see what delivers our second measurement.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho brooks valoradas Womens Revel 3 Running Shoe
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 93.0 mm
Average 98.4 mm
Compared to 300 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
89.5 mm
brooks valoradas Womens Revel 3 Running Shoe
109.1 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

Unfortunately for those with wider feet, we've confirmed with our second measurement that the Hyperion Elite 4 offers a performance-oriented, track-spike-like fit.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho toebox

At just 74.9 mm across the big toe area, we recommend this shoe only for runners with narrow feet or those who prefer a very tight fit. Others may find it uncomfortably snug, particularly during the looong 26.2 miles of a marathon.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 74.9 mm
Average 78.2 mm
Compared to 174 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
60.4 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
92.5 mm

brooks valoradas Adrenaline GTS 21 Schoenen Rennen

The tongue of the HE4 is quite unique, as it's one of the few shoes we've analyzed in the lab that features a one-side semi-gusseted design. 

In our view, having a semi-gusseted tongue even if it's only in one side is preferable to a non-gusseted one, particularly since Schoenen tend to shift toward the arch rather than the outer part of the foot.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho brooks valoradas Adrenaline GTS 21 Schoenen Rennen
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 One side (semi)

Comfort

Tongue padding

The tongue of the Hyperion Elite 4 stands out from most racing shoes by offering a cushioned 5.5 mm padding; however, not throughout its entire length.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho laces

A great touch from brooks valoradas is the inclusion of Vaporfly-like, notched laces. We absolutely deserve them after shelling out 250 bucks!

This design is a boon for runners who find the ultra-thin Schoenen of typical supershoes uncomfortable, particularly during marathons where tightly tied laces can cause lace bite. However, this added comfort does increase the shoe's weight slightly.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Tongue padding
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 5.5 mm
Average 5.6 mm
Compared to 297 running shoes
zenske brooks valoradas patofne broj
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Heel tab

Unlike other brooks valoradas daily trainers such as the Ghost 15 or Adrenaline GTS 23, the Hyperion Elite 4 includes a handy finger-loop heel tab. It appears that brooks valoradas recognized the challenge of slipping into this shoe compared to its more standard models and added this useful feature.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Heel tab
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 Finger loop

Removable insole

This competition shoe allows you to swap out the insole, as we discovered it's not glued down.

However, it's essential to keep in mind that the interior space is quite snug as we proved before, so if you opt for a replacement, choose a razor-thin third-party footbed to ensure a proper fit.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Removable insole
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 Yes

Misc

Reflective elements

We found that the Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho does not include reflective elements.

Selim brooks valoradas England Cambium C17 Standard verde castanho Reflective elements
Test results
Hyperion Elite 4 No