New Balance Rebel v5 vs Brooks Hyperion Max 2

Comparison Overview

Both are top contenders in the speed training category. The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 edges out as our pick.

How the New Balance Rebel v5 and Brooks Hyperion Max 2 differ

The New Balance Rebel v5 and the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 sit in the same speed training bucket, so the question isn't what you'd use them for — it's which one matches your stride, your weekly mileage, and your budget.

Where they actually differ: the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 comes in roughly 0.1 oz lighter (7.9 oz vs 7.8 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (6mm on the New Balance Rebel v5, 8mm on the Brooks Hyperion Max 2) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 rides on the taller stack (32mm/26mm vs 36mm/28mm), giving it more under-foot cushioning at the cost of a slightly less stable platform; and the New Balance Rebel v5 is $40 cheaper at MSRP ($140 vs $180).

Head-to-Head Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is lighter, the New Balance Rebel v5 or the Brooks Hyperion Max 2?

The Brooks Hyperion Max 2 is the lighter shoe at 7.8 oz versus 7.9 oz.

Which costs less?

The New Balance Rebel v5 is the more affordable option at $140 compared to $180.

Do they have the same heel-to-toe drop?

No. The New Balance Rebel v5 has a 6mm drop and the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 has a 8mm drop, which can change how each shoe loads your calves and Achilles.

Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?

Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.

Read the full reviews

• New Balance Rebel v5 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
• Brooks Hyperion Max 2 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
• Browse the full running shoe database
• See more shoe comparisons