ASICS Superblast 3 vs Brooks Hyperion Max 4

Superblast 3 or Hyperion Max 4? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want a light, max-stack trainer that can do it all? Get the Superblast 3.

Want a cushioned, plated trainer for long training runs? Get the Hyperion Max 4.

Get the Superblast 3 if

• You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe
• You need a touch more room than the Hyperion Max 4 gives
• You want the lighter shoe, by about 1.7 oz
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 6mm)

Get the Hyperion Max 4 if

• You want a nylon plate for faster running
• You prefer a lower drop (6mm vs 8mm)

On the run

Superblast 3: The do-everything super trainer. Very soft and protective, with a full stack of foam that still feels light. Bouncy enough for tempo days and long runs alike, though the FF Blast+ base keeps it from being as springy as the softest top layer suggests.

Hyperion Max 4: Brooks’s plated super trainer. Very soft and protective with good energy return and a nylon SpeedVault plate. Stable for midfoot and forefoot strikers, and a great long-run trainer.

Specs side by side

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Superblast 3. True to size with a normal width. The toebox mesh isn’t very breathable.

Hyperion Max 4. True to size with a secure, comfortable upper and excellent midfoot hold. Not for wide feet.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the Superblast 3 · Shop the Hyperion Max 4 · Compare other running shoes