Hyperion Elite 6 vs Endorphin Pro 4

Brooks rebuilt the Hyperion Elite for version 6, with new DNA Gold foam, a stiff SpeedVault+ carbon plate and a wider midfoot, and the early reviews are the warmest the line has had. This is a carbon racing shoe for the half and the full marathon, and at 192g on our spec sheet it's properly light. Fordy Runs rates it the best Hyperion Elite so far and a shoe built for 26.2 miles. RTINGS likes it for marathon racing too, and less so for 5k and 10k. Two complaints come up again and again. The forefoot is so stiff it barely bends, and the heel collar is lined with separate pads that can rub your Achilles. It lines up against the SC Elite v5 and the other big-name marathon shoes, and £240 is a lot of money, so check the price table before you pay RRP.

Saucony softened the Endorphin Pro for version 4, and most reviewers think it was the right call. The Pro 3 was quick but harsh by the second half of a marathon; this one gives up a little of that snap for a ride that stays comfortable over the full distance. Women's Running UK rated it highly and recommends it for marathon and half marathon runners who care more about finishing strong than about the last few seconds. The trade-off is weight, since two reviews found it heavier than the Pro 3. It's a carbon racing shoe with an 8mm drop and a stable, wide base, which makes it one of the easier super shoes to run a whole marathon in if you land on your heels. The Endorphin Pro 5 has since replaced it at a lower RRP, so the Pro 4 makes most sense when a retailer is clearing it well below £230.