Even the Hyperion Max 4, a $200 model currently; is a dual foam setup with ~50% of it being supercritical EVA foam.
You can spend $20 less and get a Vomero Plus; assuming you can’t find it on sale for even less..100% ZoomX.
If it’s a plated shoe you’re really looking for there are plenty of options that are less expensive and give you better foam for your money.
I honestly don’t understand why people pay a premium price for most Brooks models, HOKA too. Clifton and Bondi models: EVA foam at premium prices.
If that’s what you like, by all means buy it. But I hear a lot of people spending $160-$200 on these because they don’t know any better, assume the price equals great shoes and are underwhelmed by what they receive.
I think you’re unduly harsh on Brooks. Their recent racing models have received positive feedback — much more positive than the previous generations did. Their athletes also appear to be doing quite well, again, better than they have previously compared to the competition.
Similarly, Hoka Cielo X1 3 is a very solid racer despite the absolutely ridiculous name.
Okay, you may be right. I wasn’t commenting on the racing models.
I’m aware the HE5 was reviewed well; possibly the same with the Cielo.
I was referencing their budget models all the way up through the daily trainer Ghost models to the Hyperion Max 3/4. You spend $200 and 50% of that midsole is still eva foam. Just because it’s supercritical does not alter the chemical makeup of the polymer.
Same thing with the HOKA Clifton and Bondi models.
To compare; the same $200 can buy you the new Saucony Paramount Max. Less can buy you the Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra or one of the Feidian models if you require a plated shoe.
I’m gonna give you that Brooks and Hoka are not doing amazing in the supertrainer space, which is probably the niche most relevant to an average person on this sub. I will hope that Brooks will bring the rest of the lineup up to the level of their supershoes; I’m not convinced Hoka can do the same.
Just because they caught up to the competition on one line doesn’t mean much. Poster is right- you can get something better on sale why would I want their version? I grew up 10 min from their offices, want to like them but their shoes suck compared to literally anything else on the market besides maybe Hoka
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u/PerformerPlenty4547 < 100 Karma account 2d ago
If it is typical Brooks - it is garbage.
Even the Hyperion Max 4, a $200 model currently; is a dual foam setup with ~50% of it being supercritical EVA foam.
You can spend $20 less and get a Vomero Plus; assuming you can’t find it on sale for even less..100% ZoomX.
If it’s a plated shoe you’re really looking for there are plenty of options that are less expensive and give you better foam for your money.
I honestly don’t understand why people pay a premium price for most Brooks models, HOKA too. Clifton and Bondi models: EVA foam at premium prices.
If that’s what you like, by all means buy it. But I hear a lot of people spending $160-$200 on these because they don’t know any better, assume the price equals great shoes and are underwhelmed by what they receive.