Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 Introduction
Hyperion GTS is one of four “Hyperion” running shoes: Hyperion, Hyperion GTS, Hyperion Max, and Hyperion Elite — all designed for lightweight performance.
Hyperion GTS 2 is the regular Hyperion beefed up with GuideRails for stability. These are 5k/10k training and race day shoes, with just the right amount of cushioned “give” in its firm midsole for comfort and responsiveness.
The line also includes mid and long distance track spikes: Hyperion MD and Hyperion LD respectively.
Weight is light and lively: 7.6oz / 215.5g men’s size 9; 6.9oz / 195.6g women’s size 8.
Hyperion GTS is a needed addition to the Brooks stability line up — GTS stands for Go-To-Support. The shoe joins Launch GTS, Adrenaline GTS, and Glycerin GTS, built for speed through comfort, respectively, and the maximum support shoes Ariel GTS (women), Beast GTS (men), and Addiction GTS.
This shoe combines the quick ride of Launch GTS with added cushion for a streamlined trainer built for speed that also protects the foot over long runs.
The ride reminds me a lot of reminds me of the PUMA ForeverRun Nitro, which was also super fun to run in!
Other comparable shoes include Nike Streakfly, Adidas Adios, Saucony Guide, and Brooks Adrenaline. The major difference between Hyperion GTS with the Adrenaline and Guide is that Hyperion’s upper is more streamlined and adaptable while the other two have a more traditional fit. Hyperion’s foam is also more speed-oriented and lighter.
My son chose Hyperion GTS for his first cross country season this year and loved the shoe for both training and racing.
Halfway through the last cross country season my daughter, running varsity, had some foot pain. Our podiatrist suggested a more narrow heel than her HOKA Arahi‘s, for less torsional force placed on the forefoot, so I got her into Hyperion GTS, right away—pain was gone! (She also has custom inserts for a related issue.)
In ancient Greek mythology Hyperion was a Titan, one of twelve pre-Olympian gods—so wear this shoe for your pre-Olympic runs!
Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 First Impressions
Opening the box, the neon accents on Hyperion GTS made this shoe look like a racer, which set the stage well for its performance. I was excited because I now had the same shoe my 12-yr-old son chose for his first cross country season!
Because of the streamlined look, Hyperion GTS felt surprisingly wide when I slipped it on. Pulling the laces tighter snugged up the forefoot and heel for me, with only slight room left midfoot.
This variability in upper fit allows Hyperion GTS to adapt to medium to narrow aspects of foot width and provide a secure fit.
Length is true to size.
The first run felt freeing: a light step with just the right amount of guidance and stability.
Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 Upper
The upper mimics a premium racer’s: thin but strong, breathable, and form-fitting. The tongue is thin but with firm pads that do a decent job of minimizing hot spots from the laces.
One difference from most racing shoes I have tried is that it allows for a slightly wider foot. The medium fit can be “snugged in” by customizing the laces, so this works well for wider feet or those with unique foot shapes.
The fit of Hyperion GTS works great for me because I need more room in the forefoot to accommodate my slight bunion but have a more narrow heel.
Walking in the shoe with laces loosely-tied I can feel my foot shift awkwardly over to the inner heel, but tightening the last few laces brings the fit in enough to feel comfortable on the run.
The serrated laces are top notch and allow for this customization. The laces are built to grab with a better hold and make it less likely to untie or leave unwanted space.
The extra-wide tongue is partially gusseted, attached to the inside base of the shoe with a smooth, sturdy strip of material
Lace holes are well-supported by neoprene, and the slightly offset angle of the laces contributes to the excellent lock-down. A well-crafted Achilles groove minimizes irritation at the heel.
The lowest point in the upper (in the shoe) comes in the heel with its small heel counter. It has more of a heel counter than most racers, but since this is a training shoe – and a stability shoe – Brooks could spend half an ounce on more robust support along the sides of the heel, in this key location.
Sock liner is thin and basic.
Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 Sole Unit
The Hyperion sole is exciting and sets this line of shoes apart from the rest. The Nitrogen-infused foam, DNA FLASH v2, is lighter with more energy return than previous nitrogen-infused foams: the EVA Nitro foam in PUMA ForeverRun Nitro and Brooks’ first nitrogen-infused foam, DNA LOFT v3, in Glycerin 20.
The ride is firm yet cushy enough to provide comfort and spring for excellent responsiveness.
GuideRails extend up from the lateral heel and line the medial heel into arch area to direct the foot toward a more effective forward role.
RoadTack Rubber is a strategically placed outsole that covers the high contact areas of the heel and forefoot, with a strip cut out of the heel and checkered coverage under the lateral forefoot, leaving the medial forefoot with full coverage to handle grip and protect the midsole in toe-off.
I didn’t have any problems with grip for treadmill, track, or road running in the rain, but it would not be my first choice in snow.
Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 Conclusions
This shoe is built for sustained speed over long intervals and 5k/10k daily training and possibly races, and it delivers. My kids in middle and high school loved this shoe for their cross country season.
The responsive ride with just enough comfort makes the run feel great!
