Brooks Hyperion Max 4 vs New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
We haven't tested Brooks Hyperion Max 4 yet, so its role suitability is estimated from published specs.
Brooks
Hyperion Max 4
Check priceReview Pulse · Mixed · 50/100
Reviewers praise the cushioning and durability, criticise the upper and stability and split on the ride and value.
New Balance
FuelCell Rebel v5
Check priceReview Pulse · Strongly positive · 94/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning and split on the upper and stability.
The differences that matter
- New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is 60 g lighter.
- Brooks Hyperion Max 4 has 11 mm more foam under the heel.
- New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 costs $50 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
Brooks Hyperion Max 4
Divisive
The aggressive rocker and PEBA forefoot make faster running fun, but the shoe is heavy, stiff and overly eager at easy paces.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
A light, bouncy and flexible ride that feels fun at easy paces and lively enough for tempo work.
Cushioning
Brooks Hyperion Max 4
Praised
The tall dual-density stack provides exceptional impact protection that holds up over long runs, though it feels firm rather than plush.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
The taller PEBA-blended FuelCell stack adds protection without making the shoe feel heavy or mushy.
Upper
Brooks Hyperion Max 4
Criticised
The knit upper is secure but narrow, low-volume and tapered, and several testers needed a half size up or could not run long in it.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Divisive
A light, secure Fantomfit upper with a roomy forefoot, though the midfoot can feel sloppy and the tongue causes pressure for some.
Durability
Brooks Hyperion Max 4
Praised
Outsole rubber and heel padding resist wear well, but the knit toe box is only average in abrasion tests.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
The outsole rubber and foam hold up well for a light trainer, with better coverage than earlier Rebels.
Grip
Brooks Hyperion Max 4
Praised
Wet and dry road traction is strong, with a lab score above average.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
Traction is reliable on dry and wet roads, with enough grip for light paths.
Stability
Brooks Hyperion Max 4
Criticised
The narrow heel and medial midfoot cutout make the tall platform unstable, especially for runners with pronation or fatigue.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Divisive
A wider platform and sidewalls add composure, but the soft foam and flexible forefoot make it less stable than firmer trainers.
Value
Brooks Hyperion Max 4
Divisive
Reviewers question the $200 price given the weight and instability, though the foam and durability are premium.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
At $140 it is one of the best values in the lightweight trainer category.
Which one to choose
Choose Brooks Hyperion Max 4 if…
- you want more foam under you
Reviewers recommend it for
- Tempo runs and progression long runs
- Runners wanting maximum cushioning with a plate
- Neutral runners with narrow feet
Choose New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
- price matters
- its ride is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Daily training
- Tempo runs
- Easy long runs
Specifications
- Category
- Tempo / workout
- Tempo / workout
- Price
- $200
- $150$50 less
- Weight
- 286 g
- 226 g60 g lighter
- Drop
- 6 mm
- 6 mm
- Stack
- 45 / 45 mm11 mm more stack
- 34 / 28 mm
- Plate
- Not reported
- No plate
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- DNA GOLD / DNA FLASH v2
- FuelCell
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE