Brooks Hyperion Max 4 vs HOKA Mach X 3

Hyperion Max 4 or Mach X 3? 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 cushioned, plated trainer for long training runs? Get the Hyperion Max 4.

Want a plated trainer with deep cushion? Get the Mach X 3.

Get the Hyperion Max 4 if

You want a cushioned, plated trainer for long training runs

Get the Mach X 3 if

You want a plated trainer with deep cushion

These two are close. Fit will decide it, so try both on.

On the run

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.

Mach X 3: The plated Mach for long, fast miles. Deeply cushioned, with a smooth, quick-rolling rocker and a Pebax plate. The forefoot is lively, but the EVA heel dulls the bounce at landing.

Specs side by side

	Hyperion Max 4	Mach X 3
Price	$200	$190
Stack height (heel / forefoot)	Not listed by Brooks	Not listed by HOKA
Drop	6mm	5mm
Weight, men’s	10.1 oz	10.2 oz
Weight, women’s	8.8 oz	8.6 oz
Support	Neutral	Neutral
Plate	Nylon plate	Pebax plate
Widths	Standard	Standard
Built for	Long runs, Tempo & workouts, Easy days	Tempo & workouts, Long runs, Easy days
Expected life	350–450 miles	350–450 miles

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

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

Mach X 3. Runs slightly short and very snug, so go up a half if you’re between sizes. Little room for toes to spread.

Try them on

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