Brooks Hyperion Max vs New Balance Rebel v3: Comparing Tempo Shoes
The Brooks Hyperion Max and New Balance Rebel v3 are both non-plated trainers that approach the task of speed from two different angles. Here's how they compare.
The uptempo shoe plays an important role in a runner's rotation. It's that fast but comfortable training shoe that chews through the toughest workouts in a training block. Not as aggressive as a carbon-plated racer, yet not as plush as a daily trainer, it occupies the hallowed middle ground of running shoes. In a world of PEBA foam, plastic-plated tempo shoes, there are still a few non-plated diamonds in the rough serving up fast training rides. Here, we compare two of those shoes, the Brooks Hyperion Max and New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3, to see how they stack up.
Overview: Brooks Hyperion Max vs New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3
The Brooks Hyperion Max is a non-plated neutral shoe that slots into the Brooks lineup as their moderately cushioned speedy trainer. With a lightweight construction and aggressive rocker, it has a fast and firm ride designed for workouts and racing. At $170, it's more expensive than other non-plated tempo shoes like the Hoka Mach 5 ($140) and New Balance Rebel v3 ($130), but on par with plated tempo options like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 ($170) and Adidas Boston 12 ($160).
Brooks Hyperion Max Specs
- Weight: 7.8 oz
- Stack: 26mm heel, 18mm forefoot
- Drop: 8mm
- Price: $170
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3 is also a non-plated neutral shoe designed for speedy efforts. It's the lightweight, energetic training option in the New Balance lineup, slotting in below the classic 1080 and 880 shoes which are designed for everyday running and durability. The Rebel comes in at $130, which makes it one of most affordable tempo shoes, especially given the FuelCell midsole foam.
New Balance Rebel v3 Specs
- Weight: 7.1 oz
- Stack: 27.5mm heel, 21.5 forefoot
- Drop: 6mm
- Price: $130
The Brooks Hyperion Max and New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3 are both designed to offer a faast ride for speedy workout days. However, they approach non-plated speed from two different angles. While their specs and tech are similar on paper, it all comes down to the execution, where their foam, rocker geometry and upper provide two contrasting experiences.
Midsole: DNA Flash vs FuelCell
The Brooks Hyperion Max uses a full-length bed of DNA Flash foam, the same compound used in the Hyperion Elite marathon racing shoe. DNA Flash is a supercritical EVA—meaning it's been injected with gas to make it lighter and more responsive—that skews firm and rigid. In the Hyperion Max, the firmer foam is paired with an aggressive rocker to create a platform that puts you on your toes and promotes an efficient stride.
The New Balance Rebel v3 has a full-length midsole of FuelCell foam, which is a supercritical TPU and EVA blend that's also found in shoes like the SC Trainer, SC Elite and SC Pacer. In the non-plated Rebel, the foam is soft and cushioned while also providing a bouncy and responsive ride. The rocker on the Rebel is minimal, providing a more planted, flat feel on step-in. With the 6mm drop, the Rebel feels more natural when walking and standing than any tempo shoes.
Ride: Firm and Rockered vs Soft and Flexible
The Hyperion Max almost rides like a plated shoe. The supercritical EVA DNA Flash foam is stiff and firm, providing similar rigidity as a carbon plate. The firmness helps the shoe feel stable for a neutral shoe, but it also makes the ride feel uncomfortable at slower paces. On warm up and cool down paces of workouts, the Hyperion Max can feel harsh and awkward. It's most at home at half marathon race pace and faster, where you can leverage the firm foam and rocker to create a planted, powerful toe-off.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3 has a ride that's flexible and snappy. Underfoot, the FuelCell foam is soft at slower everyday running paces and responsive for faster workout paces, making it a good option for runs where you'll be alternating between paces. It feels easy to pick up the pace given the lightweight and low profile feel. The sub-30mm stack height is a welcome change from max cushioned shoes, which can feel unwieldy and controlling.
Both the Brooks Hyperion Max and New Balance Rebel v3 feel best at faster paces, but the Rebel v3 is much more comfortable for everyday aerobic running efforts. Whereas the firm foam and rocker of the Hyperion Max prevent it from being comfortable for relaxed running, the compliant FuelCell foam and flexible platform make the Rebel a more versatile option. However, the Brooks Hyperion Max is a slightly better option for overpronating runners with stability needs, as the firm foam provides stable landings.
Upper & Fit: Hyperion Max vs Rebel v3
The Brooks Hyperion Max has a breathable woven mesh upper with a slightly long fit. In our normal shoe size, the toe-box feels long, as if there's an extra quarter inch of room upfront. It doesn't affect the ride much, but if you have a narrow foot, you could get away with sizing a half size down. Standard and wide-footed runners will want to keep their normal size, as the width of the toe-box isn't overly generous. The Hyperion Max also requires the laces to be tied tighter than some other shoes, or else the lockdown feels loose and sloppy.
The New Balance Rebel v3 has a mesh upper that's lightweight and breathable. The width of the toe-box is more generous than other tempo shoes, allowing a bit more lateral room for the toes than is typical for the class. If you like that roomier fit, consider going up half a size, as the lacing system allows for a good lockdown through the heel and midfoot. If you like a snug fit, keep your normal size.
The Rebel v3 is the more comfortable of the two shoes. The upper of the Hyperion Max is a stiffer, less adaptable material. It's not noticeable on the run, but when stepping into the shoe, the Hyperion Max feels more structured and less natural. Because of this, the Hyperion Max is closer in feel to a race-day upper, while the Rebel v3 is more like a stripped-down daily trainer. Neither have an excessive amount of padding in the upper, which helps keep the weight below 8 ounces.
Outsole & Durability
The Brooks Hyperion Max has a two-piece outsole, with rubber strategically placed on the heel and forefoot to protect the foam and provide traction. The tread of rubber is quite thick, which will extend the life of the shoe by dozens, if not hundreds, of miles. Brooks is known for their durability, and the rubber application of the Hyperion Max should help it last 300+ miles for most runners.
The New Balance Rebel v3 also has a two-piece rubber outsole. The forefoot has a full pad of rubber with strategic cutouts to save weight. The rear of the platform has a J-shaped covering which protects the foam from scuffing when heel-striking. The rubber coverage is right in the sweet spot, enough to protect the platform without deadening the ride. Most runners can expect 300+ miles from the Rebel v3, though heavy scuffers may see the rubber wear through to the foam before then.
Who They're Best For
The Hyperion Max is a great option for a bigger or taller runner who finds most cushioned shoes too soft. It's also a great race-day option for runners who don't want to use a plated shoe. Some runners who prefer the feeling of a cushioned shoe may find the DNA Flash foam too firm underfoot, especially at everyday running paces.
Brooks Hyperion Max
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If you prefer a softer feeling shoe, the Rebel v3 is a great non-plated tempo option. It's also a good choice for runners who like to feel more connected to the ground with a lower-profile, more flexible shoe. The Rebel v3 can also pull double-duty as a workout shoe and daily trainer, so if you want a lightweight, do-it-all workhorse, the Rebel v3 is a great choice.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3
Final Thoughts
The Rebel v3 and Hyperion Max are two great uptempo running shoes that fulfill the needs of different runners. For runners who like a firm, structured platform, there's the Hyperion Max. Runners who prefer a softer, more flexible shoe will do well in the Rebel v3. To get matched with the best shoe for you, head to our shoe matcher tool where we'll pair you with a running shoe based on your goals and preferences.
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