Today, more and more brands are making strides in reducing their carbon footprint and protecting the planet we live and run on. From bio-based materials throughout the midsoles to more sustainable packaging processes, sustainability has been a key focus throughout the running shoe world.
But no shoe brand has gone quite as far when it comes to reducing environmental impact and maintaining environmentally friendly business and design practices than the brand Hylo.
Hylo hasn’t been around as long as some of the top brands in the running shoe market. In fact, the company was only founded back in 2020. But in just a short time, the brand’s strong environmental mission – along with a comfortable, high-quality running shoe line – has made a major impact in the running shoe game.
Unlike the other major running shoe brands, Hylo only has one running shoe line – the Hylo Impact. And with only one model, the brand is focused on making this shoe as comfortable, effective, and sustainable as possible.
So was Hylo successful in this mission? And how does this newcomer in the running shoe world stack up against renowned and long-standing favorites among runners?
At Marathon Sports, we want to know every shoe inside and out, from the most popular models to the underdogs in the market. We laced up the Hylo Impact for a variety of runs to put Hylo’s claim – that nature can perform just as well as synthetic materials – to the ultimate test.
Our Review Process
Our Marathon Sports review team is dedicated to getting every runner in the right pair of shoes to help meet all their needs and goals. And after spending time around countless runners and running shoes, we know that these needs and preferences look very different for every runner.
That’s why we do a deep dive into each new shoe to get a solid understanding of exactly how it fits, feels, and performs. From long runs on pavement to workouts at the track to snowy trail runs, the shoes we review are put to the test on every surface and type of run.
Armed with the knowledge about how each shoe performs on different types of runs, we’re ready to make the best recommendations possible and help you decide if a shoe is right for you.
In this review, we’ll cover everything we learned about the Hylo Impact throughout our rigorous testing, highlight some of the key features of this shoe, and go over how it stacks up compared to other established running shoes.
Hylo Impact: A Brief Overview
Before we can dive into all the features that make or break the Hylo Impact, there are a few key details and specs to keep in mind when deciding if the Impact is the right type of shoe for you:
- High-cushion, neutral shoe
- Unisex sizing
- Stack height: 33 mm/25 mm
- 8 mm heel-to-toe offset
- Weighs 9.8 oz
- Midsole is made up of Hyperbolt foam, a bio-based, nitrogen-injected supercritical EVA foam
- Pureglide rocker geometry promotes smooth transitions
- Innovative Cleantech design incorporates bio-based, renewable materials throughout the entire shoe
- Water-repellent DWR coating on the upper keeps your feet dry
- 60% natural rubber outsole adds traction and durability
- Fits true-to-size
- Price: $165
A Deep Dive into the Hylo Impact
Hylo’s goal is to help you “run like the world depends on it”. And with their innovative and green Impact shoe, the brand is truly taking a groundbreaking step towards sustainability in the running community.
Here’s a closer look at how the Impact combines sustainability, functionality, and performance in a shoe that you can feel good about spending your money on.
HyperBolt Cushioning
The Impact is advertised as a high-cushion shoe perfect for daily training and long runs. With that, our reviewers expected plenty of soft, plush cushioning when we slid a pair of Impacts on for the first time.
Fortunately, Hylo delivered in this area. While the shoe has less cushioning than some other shoes in the high-cushion category – 33 mm of foam in the heel and 25 mm in the forefoot – the HyperBolt foam delivers a soft and plush underfoot experience.
This nitrogen-infused, supercritical EVA foam is lightweight and bouncy, and despite how soft it is, maintains plenty of responsiveness and energy return. This plush yet responsive foam offers a balanced feel that can easily carry over from shorter, uptempo runs to longer recovery runs.
In sticking with Hylo’s ultimate mission, this foam is made up of bio-based materials, contributing to a more sustainable and renewable production process.
Lightweight Knitted Upper
Just like the cushioning, Hylo’s light and soft knit upper is a huge step forward in sustainable and environmentally friendly running shoe designs. The company uses a unique, 100% nylon made from castor beans to create a comfortable, soft, and secure knit upper.
When you slide the shoe on your feet, it’s evident that Hylo didn’t sacrifice comfort when creating this green, eco-friendly knit design. The upper is designed to comfortably wrap the foot, while the light padding around the ankle and gusseted tongue keep everything securely in place throughout runs.
The upper also features a durable water-repellent coating, making the Impact a great option for runs in slushy winter months or rainy days. However, while the shoe does a good job of keeping your feet dry and secure, some reviewers did find that it was a bit thicker and warmer than the more traditional, breathable mesh uppers on other running shoes.
Light Guidance and Support
The Hylo Impact is considered a high-cushion, neutral shoe – it offers plenty of padding and cushioning underfoot, but as a neutral shoe, doesn’t offer much corrective support for collapsing arches and excessive overpronation.
However, despite being a neutral shoe, the Impact does offer a touch of extra support and guidance to keep you moving forward on your runs.
The high medial side wall is built up to add some arch support and light stability, offering subtle, unobtrusive guidance and gait alignment for those who need it.
The shoe also incorporates Pureglide technology for a hint of additional guidance. This curved, rocker geometry propels you forward, encouraging smooth and seamless heel-to-toe transitions. Along with aiding in smooth strides, this unique technology helps reduce energy and impact with each step for more efficient runs.
Traction and Durability
Longevity and durability is crucial in any good pair of running shoes. You want a shoe that can handle any type of run you throw at it, and continue to hold up well after miles and miles of wear.
With high-quality materials and a durable outsole, the Hylo impact holds up well when it comes to long-term use and durability. The thick yet lightweight outsole, made from 60% natural rubber, helps expand the life of the shoe and ensure you get your money’s worth.
When you look at the bottom of the shoe, you’ll see that the Impact’s outsole has a distinct, one-of-a-kind design. The unique outsole takes inspiration from Formula 1 tires to increase traction and improve ground contact on wet or slippery surfaces.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices
As the name of the shoe suggests, every element of the Impact’s design is made with the intention of reducing waste, incorporating bio-based materials, and having a positive impact on the earth.
From the castor bean upper to the bio-based EVA foam, Hylo takes countless steps to lead by example when it comes to sustainability and protecting the planet we run on.
And the brand’s sustainability efforts don’t end with shoe designs and production. Through their Hyloop recycling program, Hylo takes back used products and recycles the materials to keep shoes out of landfills and reduce waste.
The Road Test: How Does Nature Truly Perform?
Hylo claims that the Impact is proof that nature can perform. Our reviewers put this claim to the test, taking the Impact out on a variety of different road runs, trail runs, workouts, and more to see how these bio-based materials stack up in a running shoe.
With a brand new shoe model, there’s always some uncertainty and skepticism about how the shoe will compare to long-standing shoe lines. Fortunately, at Marathon Sports, we were pleasantly surprised with how the Impact felt and performed.
When we slid the Impact on for the first time, our reviewers immediately noticed the soft, spongy underfoot cushioning. The cushion offered a luxurious feel, although some reviewers were concerned it may feel too soft for uptempo runs.
However, with each type of run, the Impact proved to offer a balanced ride. Despite the plush initial step-in feel, the nitrogen-infused super critical EVA foam felt responsive and bouncy with every step.
Our reviewers found that the large amount of cushion and luxurious ride served us best on recovery runs or long, easy runs. The moderate-high stack height, secure knit upper, and subtle guidance elements helped the shoe feel natural on our feet, so we could get in the miles without worrying about excess movement or discomfort.
And despite working best as a long run shoe, the Impact is a good option for anyone looking for a shoe that can do it all. We were surprised to find that the bouncy foam didn’t feel too soft underfoot, and the shoe lent itself well to uptempo runs or picking up the pace during workouts.
Winter can be a tough time to get in outdoor runs – slush and puddles quickly soak your feet and leave you feeling cold and uncomfortable throughout the entire workout. This is where the Hylo Impact shines. The DWR coating kept our feet feeling dry even in rain and snow, and the unique, tire-inspired outsole effectively displaced water and offered plenty of traction, keeping us feeling safe and secure on wet and icy pavement or trails.
While the knit upper did feel secure throughout the run, some reviewers did find that the thick material lacked breathability and ventilation. Some runners, especially those in warm climates, may find the shoe feels a bit too warm on longer runs.
Runners with wide or high-volume feet may also want to consider sizing up. While the shoe fits true-to-size when it comes to length, the toe box is a bit shallow and narrow. Those who prefer a roomier fit or have a wider foot should try out the Impact in half a size up.
Pros and Cons
Considering the Impact is Hylo’s only shoe line, the brand has spent some time perfecting the design. With that, the Impact has a lot of positive aspects, along with a few downsides to keep in mind.
Pros:
- Every aspect of the shoe is made with sustainability in mind, perfect for eco-conscious runners
- Super critical EVA foam is well-balanced, offering a mix of softness and responsiveness that works well for a variety of different runs
- Racing tire-inspired outsole offers lots of traction and durability
- Subtle guidance features give a touch of support without overcorrecting or making the shoe feel too stiff
- Water-repellent coating makes the shoe a great option for rainy or snowy runs
Cons:
- Bio-based knit upper and corn-derived lining is thick, warm, and lacks breathability
- Fit isn’t too accommodating – some runners may find the shoe too narrow or shallow
- Priced at $165 – higher cost than comparable daily trainers with similar amounts of cushioning
How Does the Impact Compare to Similar Shoes?
With the Impact, Hylo set out to prove that sustainable, plant-based shoes can perform just as well as traditional shoe brands made from synthetic materials. So how does the Impact stack up to other shoes in the same category?
If you value the balanced, high-cushion feel of the Impact but want some more underfoot cushioning, the Brooks Glycerin 22 might be for you. With a 39 mm/29 mm stack height, the Glycerin has more foam underfoot, with a similar plush yet responsive nitrogen-infused foam. With that extra cushioning, however, the Glycerin is also slightly heavier than the Impact, weighing in at 10.7 oz.
The Saucony Ride 18 also shares many similarities with the Hylo, including an 8 mm drop, mid to high stack height, and responsive underfoot foam. However, at $145, the Ride offers a slightly more budget-friendly alternative to the Hylo Impact.
Despite there being many comparable running shoes out there based on fit and function, the Impact is in a league of its own when it comes to sustainability. While many brands incorporate some recycled materials into their shoes, Hylo is focused on using renewable, green materials in every part of their design. If you’re looking to support a leader in sustainability when you buy your running shoes, the Impact is the best choice out there.
The Hylo Impact: Final Verdict
It’s hard to know exactly what to expect when trying out a new shoe from a relatively recent brand. But with the Impact, Hylo has proven that their sustainable designs can compete with some of the top names in running shoes.
Sustainability has been a hot-button issue in the running shoe game for years, and with the Impact, Hylo has set a new standard for earth-friendly practices.
And not only is the shoe sustainable, but the Impact doesn’t sacrifice any comfort or quality with its unique design and materials. The balanced, bio-based cushioning, mild stability elements, and soft knit upper all come together to create a shoe that can carry you through any long run or workout.
Hylo invites you to “run like the world depends on it”. And as a leader in sustainable running shoes, they continue to play their part in protecting the environment. Ready to join them in making a change? Stop by any Marathon Sports today to try on the Impact and determine if this one-of-a-kind shoe can meet your running needs.
