Brooks Hyperion 2 GTS Review: Speedy, Stable, Simple

What You Need To Know

Introduction to the Brooks Hyperion 2 GTS

SAM: Bigger isn’t always better — just ask the passengers on the Hindenburg or Titanic. With all due respect to those lost in those tragedies, they often serve as reminders that pushing the boundaries of size often comes at a cost. In a similar vein, we’ve seen so, so many classic running shoes fall victim to the same trap.

Beloved models have tried to reach an elevated plane, only to fly too close to the sun, as it were. Saucony’s Kinvara, Adidas’ Adios, and Nike’s Streak have all gained weight or become burdened by plates in the pursuit of speed, only to lose the simplicity that made them beautiful in the first place. Who hasn’t lost its simplicity just yet? That might be Brooks.

The first edition of the Brooks Hyperion GTS arrived as a low-profile, plate-less trainer suitable for fast efforts on and off the track and daily training for some runners. Now, we’re on to version two, and it has a few changes that make me nervous. The Hyperion GTS 2 has suddenly become a more cushioned shoe, hoping to mimic the success of its neutral-riding sibling. Has the opulence of modern running ruined yet another trainer? Let’s find out.

What we like about the Brooks Hyperion 2 GTS

SAM: I’m going to keep most of this review short because we’ve kind of already reviewed this shoe. If you want an in-depth look at the way that the neutral Hyperion 2 rides, you can show Robbe and Kaleb some love in that review. Otherwise, stick around for some stability talk.

To be super straightforward, the Hyperion 2 GTS survived the perils of adding cushion and stack height. Honestly, I love it. By our current measurements, it’s still a low-stack trainer, sporting a 26 mm heel and an 18 mm forefoot (just measuring the midsole), giving it an 8 mm drop.

This shoe has the perfect amount of Brooks’s DNA Flash v2 cushioning to balance daily training and speed work. I used it for efficient training runs and laps around the track, and I loved it for both. It truly feels like the old-school Adidas Adios or Saucony Kinvara did. Brooks claims that this shoe feels “fast every day,” and I think that description is right on the nose. It’s simple, has just enough cushion, and feels fast.

What we don’t like about the Brooks Hyperion 2 GTS

SAM: Usually, I’d have mentioned Brooks’ GuideRails by now. They’re my favorite stability technology in the running world because they’re so simple yet so effective. GuideRails typically add just enough stability to a shoe without making it a bulky mess. This time, however, I’m not sure they’re necessary. In a shoe this simple, they kind of take away from the beauty of letting your foot trust the DNA Flash v2 to carry you through your efforts. The Hyperion 2 GTS is a naturally stable trainer with a low stack, a high drop, and a platform that’s just wide enough to keep you from wobbling, so why add more stability?

In my opinion, the GuideRails add unnecessary weight to a fast and lightweight shoe. Sure, less than 8 oz. is still incredibly light, but I would argue that eliminating the GuideRails allows this shoe to absolutely shine. Besides that, there are no cons. The Hyperion GTS 2 is an amazing shoe and can be even better without the GuideRails — even if it wouldn’t be a GTS anymore.

Final thoughts on the Brooks Hyperion 2 GTS

SAM: In this case, bigger is better. The Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 added some bulk but retained its status as an old-school trainer. It is fast enough for speed work and cushioned enough for daily training. That said, I would argue that anyone considering this shoe, especially the GTS model, should go for the regular Hyperion 2 instead.

I think that it’s a naturally stable shoe, and losing the half-ounce of weight that the GuideRails add-on will just make it lighter, faster, and more fun. If you do feel that you need the GuideRails, though, go for it. This shoe will not do you wrong and is a great choice to get you up and moving fast. Enjoy the miles, friend.

You can pick up the Brooks Hyperion 2 GTS for $140 from Brooks by using the buttons below.