Brooks Hyperion 3

The Brooks Hyperion 3 is a daily trainer designed for speed and versatility. Priced at $140, it competes with shoes like the Adidas Adizero SL2 ($130) and Puma Velocity Nitro 4 ($140). It retains the same EVA/TPEE blend midsole compound, DNA Flash V2, that was in the Hyperion 2, but this version has a slightly higher stack of foam and is a bit heavier. The fit is a little snug and it has a low volume, narrow toebox. If you have a slightly wider or higher volume foot, you might want to consider going up a half size. We were pleasantly surprised by the ride. The foam feels comfortable, soft and cushioned in the heel, but it has a firmer feel in the forefoot, which results in a smooth ride and quick toe-off. It reminds us of a budget ASICS Megablast—it has the nice cushion in the back, a smooth rocker, and a foam that is not too soft in the forefoot, but is super lively, fun and quick when you start picking up the pace, all in a light weight package. It also stood up well to higher mileage training—we took it for a 12 mile run right out of the box and the foam did not fatigue or bottom out. If you are looking for a flexible, lower stack, fun daily trainer that has the versatility to pick up the pace, the Hyperion 3 is a great option at $140.