Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB Introduction
Should you can’t beat them, be part of them. For years, Brooks resisted incorporating PEBA (polyether block amide) foam into their operating shoe midsoles. Whereas most rivals had been fast to undertake PEBA expertise, Brooks remained dedicated to their conventional, supercritical EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) midsoles.
This stubbornness resulted in Brooks lagging behind its rivals within the quickly evolving market of high-performance racers, each by way of technological efficiency and general gross sales.
When I reviewed the Hyperion Elite 4 final yr, it felt like extra of a coaching shoe than a racer. It had a flat journey with out a lot power return. It didn’t present a excessive degree of velocity help like the opposite flagship racers and I by no means used it for any races. This was particularly disappointing as a result of its higher was unimaginable: gentle, breathable and cozy.
The Hyperion Elite 4 PB is the primary Brooks operating shoe to get a PEBA-based midsole. DNA Gold is marketed to be 100% PEBA. In response to their stats, it’s 11% lighter and has 14% extra power return than DNA Flash v2.
The Brooks elite athletes have been utilizing the Hyperion Elite 4 PB because the Olympic Trials final yr. All of us thought they had been nonetheless utilizing the EVA model of the Hyperion Elite 4. It’s because with out having it in your toes or in your fingers, it’s unattainable to inform the distinction. It has precisely the identical design because the Hyperion Elite 4.
The Hyperion Elite 4 PB weighs 7.2 oz (205 g) for a males’s US9. This can be a substantial weight discount of 0.6 oz (17 g) in comparison with the EVA model, the Hyperion Elite 4. It nonetheless has the identical 40 mm/32 mm stack peak and $250 worth.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB First Impressions
My first run was a 33 kilometre steady-paced run. I used to be relieved that the Hyperion Elite 4 PB delivered the efficiency I anticipated from a high-performance racing shoe.
Whereas the higher maintained the consolation and match of its predecessor, the journey felt utterly reworked. The midsole exhibited a energetic responsiveness that made it easy to extend my velocity.
Nonetheless, I didn’t understand a pronounced forefoot rocker to advertise a smoother transition and sooner toe-off. Regardless of this, the general really feel of the shoe instilled confidence that it was appropriate for racing.
The racer that it jogged my memory of most was the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris. Each have comparatively agency rides in comparison with the competitors however the Elite 4 PB has a barely softer journey than the Sky Paris. Each of them don’t have distinguished rockers.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB Higher
The knit higher of the Elite PB is probably the most breathable and well-ventilated of any operating shoe in the marketplace. The holes within the knit are phenomenally giant they usually lengthen all the way in which to the rear of the higher.
The tongue is semi-gusseted on one facet, and it has a lace loop in the midst of the tongue, so it stays in place throughout runs. It has notched laces (first seen on the Nike Alphafly) that grip fantastically nicely.
There’s a strip of padding on the within of the collar and heel tab to supply consolation and to make sure that your heel is locked in. It’s a remarkably comfy higher design and I skilled no irritation throughout runs.
The Elite 4 PB has a real to measurement, cosy, racing match nonetheless, it’s designed for runners with slim toes because it has a slim forefoot and toe-box. Runners with vast toes may have the ability to get away with going up a half measurement.
The Elite 4 PB lacks reflective parts, a design alternative that underscores its supposed use for aggressive racing moderately than on a regular basis coaching runs in low-light situations.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB Sole Unit
The earlier model didn’t really feel like a $250 tremendous shoe however the Hyperion Elite 4 PB positively does and it feels simply as quick as different flagship, long-distance racers. It not has a flat journey because of its new DNA Gold midsole foam which feels much more springy.
I raced a 10K in it and though it wasn’t my absolute quickest time, the shoe’s design and expertise undeniably contributed to a velocity enhance. The Elite 4 PB’s light-weight development, stiff carbon plate, and power return properties all labored collectively to supply a superb degree of velocity help. Based mostly on this 10K race, I wouldn’t hesitate to make use of it once more for future races.
Coming in at 7.2 oz (205 g), the Elite 4 PB is now a aggressive weight. It’s roughly in the identical vary because the Alphafly 3, Adios Professional 4 and Endorphin Elite 2. I can positively really feel the load distinction on foot and the Elite 4 PB feels extra nimble than its predecessor.
The Elite 4 PB additionally has much more long-distance consolation. The longest run I did in it was a 40 km regular effort run. It felt comfy all through your entire run and and I used to be pleasantly shocked by the minimal influence on my legs- they felt nice the following day.
The Elite 4 PB is a flexible operating shoe that excels at marathon tempo however comfortably accommodates a variety of slower speeds as nicely. This adaptability is because of a number of key options, together with a secure journey, a midsole with ample cushioning, and a geometry that’s designed for consolation, with out an aggressive rocker. These parts work collectively to supply a easy and supportive expertise for quite a lot of runners, from elites to mid packers.
The one factor that’s lacking within the Elite 4 PB is a distinguished forefoot rocker. Which means that you gained’t expertise an intense forward-tipping sensation as you transition from midfoot to forefoot. This design noticeably impacts the shoe’s efficiency throughout toe-off.
In comparison with footwear just like the Hoka Rocket X 2 or the Saucony Endorphin Elite, which incorporate a extra pronounced forefoot rocker, the Elite 4 PB doesn’t ship the identical degree of “punch”.
I used to be amazed with how sturdy the outsole and midsole of final yr’s Elite 4 had been. The uncovered EVA foam was extremely resilient and proof against scratches or chips. This made it glorious for rigorous coaching in addition to racing.
I can verify that the Elite 4 PB’s outsole isn’t fairly as powerful because the Elite 4 however continues to be extra sturdy than different racers just like the Vaporfly 3, Cloudboom Strike, and Metaspeed Paris sequence. Traction is nice in moist situations as I didn’t expertise any slipping points.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB Conclusions
Brooks has lastly jumped on the PEBA bandwagon and the result’s a long-distance racer that may now compete with the opposite manufacturers. We must be seeing much more Brooks racers on the beginning line of marathons.
Whereas the Hyperion Elite 4 PB is undoubtedly a aggressive racing shoe, its design feels considerably outdated. It ought to have been launched final yr as a substitute of the Hyperion Elite 4.
Brooks has already offered a preview of the Hyperion Elite 5, and most runners will want to attend for this newer model, which boasts a recent and progressive design.
If you would like a whole Brooks solely rotation, now you can use Brooks footwear for all of your coaching and racing wants. Beforehand, Brooks had good trainers however lacked a robust presence within the racing division.
The Hyperion Elite 4 PB fills that hole and is the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle.
