Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 | $250

Fit: ★ ★ ★ ★ | Cushion: ★ ★ ★ ★ | Performance: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Weight: 7.6oz | Offset: 8mm

Basics

This is Brooks’ updated carbon-fiber-plated super shoe with more resilient, durable foam. The second version has a slightly different midsole foam and shape, giving it a noticeably springier feel than the original. The nitrogen-infused DNA Flash cushioning dampens impact forces and smooths the ride without excessive squishing or bouncing.

Pros Balance of super shoe performance and comfort Update retained its semi-firm feel and smooth ride Upper is smooth, simple, and true-to-size Moderate, unobtrusive rocker accelerates your cadence without rearranging it Cons Not as snappy as some other super shoes on the market HOKA Rocket X | $180

Fit: ★ ★ ★ ★ | Cushion: ★ ★ ★ | Performance: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Weight: 7.4oz | Offset: 5mm

Basics

Playing off HOKA’s firmer, lower Evo Carbon Rocket and wider, softer Carbon X2, the Rocket X is the brand’s sleekest lightweight carbon fiber racing shoe, using a new lightweight compression-molded EVA midsole and a 1mm curved carbon-fiber plate for a responsive, firm, relatively low-profile performance shoe. At $180, it is also relatively affordable as a carbon-plated super shoe.

Pros Speed, speed, speed Cons Could be hard on tired legs after the bike Not for everyone; doesn’t kick into gear until well forward in the gait Female testers found the fit bigger, especially in the toe box Nike Vaporfly Next % | $250

Fit: ★ ★ ★ ★ | Cushion: ★ ★ ★ ★ | Performance: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Weight: 6.6oz | Offset: 8mm

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