Article by RoadTrailRunTeam
Brooks previewed a very solid and significantly updated 205 line up for road and trail at the recent The Running Event. The article covers the Glycerin 22, Hyperion Elite 4 PB, Hyperion Max 3, Ghost 17, Catamount 4 and Cascadia 19.
Glycerin 22 ($165)
Stack Height: 38.3mm /28.2mm
Weight 10.2 oz /288g US8.5 Sample
The Glycerin sees significant changes with the new DNA Tuned midsole technology first seen in the Glycerin Max (RTR Review). 2 nitrogen infused foams are co molded together without glues with softer more rebounding foam in the center and with larger cells at the heel for landings and smaller ones upfront for responsive toe offs. Prior Glycerin had DNA Loft v3 foam.
The double Jacquard mesh upper in my pair is significantly more supportive if not as plush as the G21’s which, even in the support GTS version, was barely adequate.
A GTS version of the Glycerin 22 will also be available but we doubt nearly as many will require it. Sally and my test runs indicate the new Glycerin is now a more inherently stable shoe in the non GTS version than before and for Sam even more stable due to the upper changes than the Gylcerin 21 GTS.
The Glycerin 22 should prove to be a reliable mini max cushion trainer for steady daily training with the Hyperion 2 (and later this year 3) and Hyperion Max 3 for your more uptempo options.
February 2025 release.
Hyperion Max 3 ($200)
Spec. Weight: men’s 9.9 oz / 281g US9.5 women’s 8.8 oz /249g
(prior version 9.1 oz (M US9.5), 8.1 oz (W))
Spec. Stack Height: 46mm/ 40mm (prior version 35.25 / 30.25)
The Hyperion Max, Brooks more uptempo max offering changes foams and moves way up in stack height (about 10mm! ) into supermax territory at 46/40 and with this comes an increase in weight of about an ounce to just under 10 oz. While heavier than before it still is lighter by close to 1 oz than the slightly higher stack Hoka Skyward X or Brooks comparable stack height Glycerin Max
In version 2 (RTR Review) we had an all DNA Flash v2 foam, Brooks' then current top racing foam. In version 3, we see a combination of Flash v2 foam and a new DNA Gold 100% PEBA foam said to be Brooks lightest, softest and most energy returning foam. The prior all Flash v2 midsole was responsive but quite firm.
The plastic SpeedVault plate continues and in our view is essential in such a high stack shoe to aid propulsion.
The new upper is clearly more airy than the prior.
We expect to see a more energetic, more “fun” and more cushioned ride suitable for a wide range of run types although the higher stack likely will make it less suitable for faster tempos than v2 was
July 2025 release.
Ghost 17 ($140)
Stack Height: 36.5mm / 26.5mm, now 10mm drop
Spec Weight: 8.97 oz / 254g (W) 10.10 oz / 286g (M) Prior Version Weight: 9.8 oz / 278g (M)
The venerable Ghost sees an increase of 3mm at the heel and 1mm at the forefoot, moving from a 12mm to a 10mm drop. I will gladly trade the now antiquated 12mm drop for the extra forefoot cushion. The midsole foam remains DNA Loft v3.
While now in mini max stack height territory, the Ghost will remain the more traditional higher drop trainer in the Brooks line up.
May 2025 release.
Hyperion Elite 4 PB ($250)
Stack Height: height 40mm / 32mm, 8 mm drop
Spec Weight: 7.2 oz / 204g believe it is US9.5
The Hyperion Elite 4 PB is Brooks' top long racer. It swaps out nitrogen infused Flash v2 foam for a 100% PEBA compound said to be Brooks softest most responsive foam. Flash v2 foam was comparatively firm to competitors' offerings so this is a welcome change. The Arris skeletal carbon SpeedVault Race+ plate continues and should play better with the new softer foam with a ride with less harshness and firmness but our testing soon will tell.
February 2025
Catamount 4 ($170) January 2025
Stack Height: 34/28mmDNA Flash V2 - nitrogen infused
SpeedVault plate now more speed-oriented
TrailTack Green rubber outsole
TPEE single layer mesh upper
Spec Weight: 9.7 oz (275g)
We see 2mm more stack height up to 34/28 with upgraded more responsive DNA Flash V2 foam as found in Brooks current Hyperion Elite 4 road super shoe. The additional stack height is likely the main cause of in weight gain of about 0.5 oz yet we remain at a very light for substance 9.7 oz / 275g in the spec size US9.5.
A revised SkyVault plate is curved down through the forefoot to provide a more propulsive impulse.
The increased stack height should extend the range of the Catamount to longer races and even ultras for many while providing a bit more cushion for every day any terrain trail running.
January 1, 2025 release.
Cascadia 19 ($150)
Spec Weight men’s 10.5 oz / 297g (prior version spec weight: 11.3 oz / 320g)
Stack Height: 35mm / 29mm, 6mm drop
Brooks’ venerable heavy duty trail runner and hiking favorite sees significant changes for its 19th edition. It gets nitrogen infused DNA Loft v3 foam and the Trail Adapt rock plate and segmented outsole pods technology,
The new foam and new plate system should make the Cascadia softer, more stable and more terrain changes adaptable. The stack height grows 4mm in the forefoot and 2mm at the heel moving to a 6mm drop shoe. Yet it drops a significant 0.8 oz / 23g in weight.
With its increased cushion stack of softer DNA Loft v3 foam, Trail Adapt platform, and drop in weight the Cascadia now becomes a more versatile trail runner, even ultra shoe, while we expect it to also remain a top choice for hiking.
A GTX version at $180 will also be available weighing a reasonable 11.2 oz in the men's.
August 2025 release.
Video: Brooks introduces its 2025 road and trail line up at The Running Event
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