A Super Lightweight Plated Model Weighing Approx. 137g! Unveiling the Power of Mizuno's Next-Gen Racing Shoe Series, 'HYPERWARP'

To answer the call of runners wanting to shave even a single second off their time, Mizuno poured its efforts into research and development. The outcome is a super lightweight shoe weighing in at approximately 137g (for a single 27.0cm shoe) that boasts a full-length carbon plate while maintaining excellent stability. This next-generation racing shoe is a culmination of its technological prowess, born from genuinely listening to the voices of athletes. So, what exactly is this shoe all about?

When it comes to Mizuno's premier racing models, the "WAVE REBELLION" series immediately comes to mind. It features Mizuno's proprietary sole structure, SMOOTH SPEED ASSIST, designed to achieve a smoother, faster run.

SMOOTH SPEED ASSIST is a patented sole structure that also incorporates insights Mizuno has gained from developing short-distance track spikes. It's effective in reducing strain on the calf area while running.

Leveraging the knowledge gained from developing the "WAVE REBELLION" series, Mizuno took a fresh look, carefully considered athlete feedback, and built the new "HYPERWARP" series from the ground up.

A New Series Pursuing Lightness, Responsiveness, and Stability

"While we always prioritize on-the-ground feedback in product development, sometimes a brand's own ideas can take over. This time, we made a point to listen more deeply and in greater detail to the voices of top athletes as we moved forward with development.

When we distilled what athletes truly seek in a shoe, it came down to three core features: being lightweight, having high responsiveness, and providing stability. The Hyperwarp series is laser-focused on these three keywords," explains Shingo Sudo of the Global Footwear Product Headquarters at Mizuno Corporation.

Embodying this trifecta of lightness, responsiveness, and stability, the "Hyperwarp" series is composed of three shoes: the "HYPERWARP PURE," which hits a super lightweight mark at approximately 137g (for a single 27.0cm shoe); the "HYPERWARP ELITE," which strikes a high-level balance between responsiveness and stability; and the "HYPERWARP PRO," which features the SMOOTH SPEED ASSIST system.

"Of course, the ideal shoe varies depending on the running distance, but it also changes with the runner's condition on any given day. To meet the diverse needs of top athletes and runners around the world, we developed this three-model lineup. For runners who want lightness and quick response for a high-cadence run, the Pure is ideal. For those looking for high rebound to extend their stride, we recommend the Elite. And for runners who need the powerful support of SMOOTH SPEED ASSIST, the Pro is the perfect choice."

The Debut of a Lightweight Version of MIZUNO ENERZY XP

One of the secrets behind the "Hyperwarp Pure's" astonishingly low weight is the newly developed lightweight version of MIZUNO ENERZY XP. This material manages to be lighter while delivering superior responsiveness and cushioning.

"The world of midsole foam development is a battleground right now. You have materials based on TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), and TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), but the lightweight version of MIZUNO ENERZY XP is built on a nylon base. The result is a material that's not just lightweight but also exceptionally responsive and stable."

The "Hyperwarp Pure" features this material across its entire midsole, whereas the "Hyperwarp Elite" uses it in the top layer of its midsole. The "Hyperwarp Elite" itself weighs in at about 170g (for a single 27.0cm shoe), making it another incredibly light option for a carbon-plated shoe.

A Revamped Carbon Plate Design

The "Hyperwarp Pure" and "Hyperwarp Elite" feature a full-length carbon plate called the SMOOTH SPEED PLATE, crafted using 3D molding technology. It delivers approximately 240% more rigidity than the plate in the "WAVE REBELLION PRO LOW." By wrapping the medial side of the midfoot in a 3D configuration, it significantly enhances both rebound and stability while keeping the shoe remarkably lightweight.

 "We have advanced plate-processing technology, exemplified by our Wave Plate. Leveraging that expertise, we arrived at this final shape through repeated lab testing and fine-tuning."

The "Hyperwarp Pure": A Feel That Encourages Faster Leg Turnover

We took the "Hyperwarp Pure," the top model in the "Hyperwarp" series, out for a run. You can feel its lightness the moment you pick it up, but you'll be truly amazed by its featherlight feel once you slip it on.

 As soon as you start running, its incredible responsiveness stands out. There's no harsh impact from the pavement, and none of the instability often found in high-stack shoes. Your stride feels exceptionally stable, likely thanks to the wide ground-contact area in the forefoot and the grippy outsole. The shoe is easy to control, giving you the sense that your cadence naturally picks up.

With a stack height of 34.5mm in the heel and 31.5mm in the forefoot, the design isn't excessively high. This makes it a worthy contender even for runners who typically shy away from high-stack models.