Article by Michael Ellenberger
Hylo Impact ($165, £150, €170)
Introduction
The Hylo Impact is Hylo’s latest entry into the sustainable performance trainer category, and while it isn’t brand new, I (finally!) got around to testing a shoe that’s caught my eye for months . Designed as a daily road running shoe with a serious focus on eco-conscious materials and production, the Impact doesn’t scream “green shoe” (or have the often higher weights of such shoes( when you’re out running, and that’s part of its strength. Instead, it fits right in with the everyday trainer crowd - think Brooks Ghost, Nike Pegasus, or Saucony Ride - but adds a unique value proposition in its materials story and clean, street-ready design.
Of course, as a trainer, the Impact checks a lot of boxes: sub-10 oz weight in US9, a 33/25 mm stack of nitrogen-infused bio-EVA, and a knit upper made from castor beans. Forty percent bio-based content by weight, including a natural rubber outsole and recyclable construction, rounds out the mission. Even so, in my books the Impact’s biggest win is that it doesn’t feel like a sustainability experiment - it just feels like a solid running shoe.
Pros
• Smooth, soft ride with a stable toe-off platform
• Exceptionally comfortable knit upper made from 100% bio-based material
• Aesthetically one of the best-looking trainers out there
• Serious sustainability credentials with 40% bio content by weight
• Recyclable design with integrated NFC chip
Cons
• Lacks some pop or snap on toe-off, especially in the forefoot
• Heel could benefit from firmer rubber or slightly more structured geometry
Stats
• Weight: Men’s 9.65 oz / 273g (US9)
• Stack Height: 33 mm heel / 25 mm forefoot (8 mm drop)
• Platform Width: 90 mm heel / 70 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot (US9)
• Available: Since March 2024
First Impressions, Fit & Upper
Let’s start here, because it’s hard not to. My “Sand” (beige? off-white?) colorway is understated and sleek, with subtle two-tone hues that somehow stand out more than most of the louder palettes we’re seeing lately. The Impact is also available in Undyed White, all Black, and Black/White for those who want something… well, equally un-flashy.
The upper is made entirely from a castor bean-based knit (“Rilsan”), and it feels premium: soft, stretchy, and surprisingly secure. There’s an extended toe bumper that gives just enough structure to the forefoot, and while the fit is accommodating through the toe box, the midfoot is lower volume, so very high-volume feet may need to test fit.
The gusseted tongue is dialed in just right; moderately padded and paired with a lace system that holds without needing constant readjustment. In an odd “touch of innovation,” there’s an NFC chip embedded in the lace keeper that provides recycling info, and is integrated subtly enough that it doesn’t affect lockdown. A nice bit of function meets form, and definitely something I’ve never seen. Is it critical? No - I suspect most folks, whether they recycle or not, will just…. Google it. But! Cool to have, I think.
For those with Achilles soreness, the heel counter itself has sort of a progressive firmness - there’s no rigid cup, but still gives the rearfoot some needed stability. It worked well enough for me, certainly on the gentler end (but not super-soft).
Fit is true to size for me in both thin and slightly thicker socks.
Midsole & Platform
The midsole uses Hylo’s proprietary HyperBolt foam, a supercritical nitrogen-infused EVA with bio-based inputs, including sugarcane. The feel is on the softer side - Sam likened it to the original ZoomX (think Invincible 1 or 2) - but with more composure. I’m not sure I’m reading it as quite that soft, but it’s definitely a smooth ride; I’d analogize it to something like ReactX? It doesn’t feel squishy or marshmallowy, and it has a clean, consistent rebound that doesn’t ask much from the runner.
The geometry here is interesting; in 2025, the Impact is considered a relatively low stack (33 mm heel / 25 mm forefoot) on a broad platform, which provides plenty of stability.
There’s also a subtle medial sidewall pod and forefoot flare that offer a touch of guidance - more like a wide base than any true posting or correction. Neutral runners will feel at home, but the extra structure makes it surprisingly accommodating for light pronators too.
Outsole
The outsole is 60% natural rubber and follows a race-tire inspired striping layout. It’s quiet on pavement, grips well on dry roads, and has a bit of give that complements the softness of the midsole.
I like the aesthetics of the outsole, too, to the extent that matters at all! I didn’t have any issues on the treadmill or outdoors, but it’s only been dry.
Flexibility is excellent, which makes for an easy, flowing transition and helps the Impact feel more natural on foot than some other max-stack contemporaries.
Ride, Conclusions & Recommendations
The Hylo Impact delivers a pleasant, easy ride with just enough energy return to keep things interesting. It doesn’t push you forward with aggressive rocker or plate dynamics, but lets you move through your gait without getting in the way. If you’re looking for fireworks underfoot, this won’t be it.
But if you want a smooth, friendly, and comfortable daily ride that does a lot of things well - and genuinely looks good doing it - then the Impact may be the right fit. Ultimately it sits in a similar ride category to a Pegasus or Ghost: consistent, predictable, mildly energetic. But it outpaces both in looks, sustainability story, and materials innovation.
As a fan of new brands and up-and-comers, though, Hylo deserves real credit here - not just for pushing the sustainable shoe conversation forward, but for doing it in a way that doesn’t feel like compromise. The Impact is a modern, clean, capable road trainer with a strong identity. It’s one of the best-looking running shoes on the market, and also one of the more thoughtfully constructed. I’d even recommend it as a hybrid shoe for those who want one pair for running, walking, and everything in between.
Also please check out RTR Sam's 2024 review of the Impact HERE
Michael is a patent attorney and graduate of Northwestern University Law School. Prior to law school, he competed collegiately at Washington University in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs include a 67:43 half-marathon (Chicago Half-Marathon) and a 2:20:41 marathon PR at the 2025 Houston Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ in the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment