Hyperion Elite 6

The heel lands softly, then the shoe goes very stiff through the forefoot and a late rocker rolls you on to your toes. Reviewers liked it most at marathon and half-marathon pace, where the stiffness gives a tired stride some structure. At 5k and 10k effort it drew more complaints: one grader found it too rigid for short, quick work and felt the plate fought their natural toe-off. Lab testing found it bouncier than the SuperComp Elite v6.

There's a tall stack under the heel, which is what protects your legs in the back half of a marathon. Reviewers describe the foam as much softer and livelier than the Hyperion Elite 5's, and firmness was the main gripe with earlier versions. It still isn't mushy. The softness sits mostly in the heel, and the forefoot feels firm once the plate takes over. If you want a plush, forgiving racer, look elsewhere.

The reviews disagree here. One reviewer called it close to a stable neutral shoe, crediting a wider midfoot than the 5, raised sidewalls on the inside and a platform that resists twisting. A UK reviewer found it planted even on tired legs. Lab testing came to the opposite view: narrow under the arch, with foam that compresses too easily to support an overpronator. Our read is that it's steadier than past Hyperions but still a neutral racer, so it won't help if you need real support.

The upper is thin, see-through and very light, and it breathes well. Silicone sheaths on the laces and a gusseted tongue hold your foot in place, and one UK reviewer preferred it to the upper on the New Balance SC Elite v5. The tongue is thin, though, so you may feel lace pressure if you tie them tight. Then there are the heel pads. Try it on with the socks you'll race in.