Mizuno just dropped not 1, but 3 new racing shoes as part of the Hyperwarp series. Whilst to the untrained, or, let’s be honest, even the well trained eye, the 3 shoes look very similar, all offer significantly different specs. The vision : to meet the racing needs of every runner. The Hyperwarp Pro is the ‘entry’ level racing shoe and the most versatile and stable of the 3. Has Mizuno created a racing shoe with the perfect combination of stability and speed?
Upper and Fit of the Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro
What works for me
Mizuno pretty much nailed the upper and fit of the Hyperwarp Pro. The monofilament woven upper has been designed by Mizuno exclusively for this model. It offers a breathable and structured fit, without feeling rigid. The non gusseted tongue is super soft and thin. Admittedly, a little fiddly to get it to lay just right. That said, I had no issues with comfort or pressure once I got there. It has a well padded and comfortable heel counter for a racing shoe. For someone who has had serious issues with racing shoes rubbing and causing discomfort in the past, this is a big win for me. No rubbing or blistering issues, even over longer marathon sessions.
The fit is also wonderful and true to size. As soon as I took it out of the box and saw the width of the midsole into the toe box, I knew it was going to be a perfect match for me. It tucks in with comfortable snugness around the midfoot, with plenty of room around the toebox.
What doesn’t work for me
Not very much! If I am being really critical, heel lockdown of the Hyperwarp Pro is in need of slight improvement. I experienced a small amount of slippage as some of my toughest runs progressed and the speed picked up. However, this was fairly minor and not a deal breaker for me. Equally, I am really not a fan of the perforated laces. But hey, that’s a personal thing!
Midsole and Ride of the Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro
What works for me
I have run enough marathons to know that chasing a fast shoe can sometimes mean sacrificing stability. My poor ankles and tendons have lived to tell the tale…just! With the Hyperwarp Pro, Mizuno have aimed to counter this and offer a racing shoe with a more structured and stable ride. Mizuno racing shoes have intimidated me a little in the past. My calves and ankles wince just looking at the Wave Rebellion Pro. I am a 3:30 marathoner, not the elite runner Mizuno usually designs shoes for. So I wasn’t convinced a Mizuno racing shoe was really going to work for me. Until I ran my first session in the Hyperwarp Pro.
The midsole is where the magic happens. It honours the Rebellion Series and features a dual layer of Mizuno Enerzy XP TPEE. The midsole provides an ideal blend of cushioning and structure. In comparison to the Elite and Pure, the other 2 shoes in the series, the Hyperwarp Pro has a firmer foam offering a responsive and grounded ride.
Mizuno have also enhanced the Smooth Speed Assist (SSA) structure throughout the entire sole, to support a smoother stride. To make the benefits of the SSA work for a wider range of runners, in the Hyperwarp Pro Mizuno has adjusted the angle and expanded the contact area of the SSA. Again supporting enhanced stability and making it more suitable for a wider range of runners. The full length carbon-infused wave plate is also more ‘entry’ level friendly, as far a carbon racing shoe can go. The plate covers the full width of the midsole and can be seen on both sides of the midsole, between the dual layer foam. The width of the plate also contributes to the more stable feel of the shoe.
The combination of the above gives a smooth, responsive and very enjoyable ride across paces. The rocker geometry really shines during longer efforts, transitions feel smooth and it really helps to keep a steady rhythm. The Hyperwarp Pro doesn’t have the same ‘pop’ or really aggressive propulsion that some carbon racing shoes offer, but for me, that is really the whole point and USP of the shoe.
What doesn’t work for me
I haven’t got any complaints, as I really do love the ride of the Hyperwarp Pro. Nevertheless, I can’t not mention the weight. At 200g, it is certainly not the lightest racing shoe on the market, far from it and is the heaviest of the Hyperwarp series. With the Pure and Elite coming in at 137g and 165g respectively. However, they aren’t meant to be a light shoe, the focus here is its functionality, versatility and stability for racing. For what it’s worth, in my opinion, it runs lighter than it looks. Overall, it still feels relatively light and effortless on foot.
Outsole of the Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro
Grip and Traction
Mizuno use the same G3 outsole across the Hyperwarp series. A lightweight and high grip rubber compound that offers impressive traction. The Pro has more rubber coverage than Elite and Pure, another factor contributing to the higher weight but it does equate to a solid grip across terrains. We have had a recent cold snap here in the UK and I even dared to take them out on a few icy days. Something I would never dream of doing in some of my other carbon shoes. They performed very well and I had no issues with traction or slipping.
Durability
So far the durability of the Hyperwarp Pro seems very good. As the grip and outsole is a bit more robust that other racing shoes so far it is showing minimal, if any wear at all. I haven’t got enough miles in yet to comment on its long term durability, but initial findings are good and I feel pretty confident it will be much longer lasting compared to other racers I have tested.
Conclusion
Value for Money
Coming in at £220, I can’t deny that the Hyperwarp Pro is a pricey shoe. Still, when you consider what it offers, you get a good bang for your buck. Most of my high end racing shoes sit on a shelf, in a box or in an (admittedly beautiful) branded bag and I reach for them a few times a year on race day. The versatility of the Hyperwarp Pro means it offers a lot more than that. I feel happy and confident in both racing and training in it.
So yes, £220 is a lot of money, but you get a lot for it and it does still come in quite a bit lower than many carbon running shoes on the market. It could be a perfect option for someone who is keen to venture into spending a bit more for a pair of carbon racers, but isn’t keen for an exclusive and expensive ‘race day only’ shoe.
Fitting it into a shoe rotation
The Hyperwarp Pro has slotted into my rotation really nicely over the last few weeks. I am currently in a marathon training block and it has been a delight to wear for my interval and tempo sessions. It also fairs very well over structured long runs and makes marathon pace sessions feel dreamy (well, as dreamy as they can). Unlike other carbons, it feels just as good during the warm up and cool down and at slower paces, so I haven’t felt the need to change into it for the paced sections – it copes well with it all.
Final Verdict
Overall the Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro has been a big hit for me. As a runner who prefers (and to be honest needs) that extra bit of stability it really is a match made in heaven. If you are after a really aggressive, super lightweight race day shoe, there are other shoes that should be at the top of your list, the Elite and Pure for a start. But if you are after a more versatile shoe that will work for racing and that will also cover your speed sessions with ease this may be what you are after. The Hyperwarp Pro has slotted wonderfully into my shoe rotation, and will be staying there for the foreseeable.
Comparisons Against Similar Shoes
Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro vs. Tracksmith Eliot Racer
No contest on this one for me – the Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro offers a lot more. It is a firmer and more responsive ride, than the Tracksmith Eliot Racer. The fit and comfort of the Hyperwarp Pro is also much better; I had significant comfort and ‘squeak’ issues with the Eliot Racer! Overall, the Hyperwarp Pro feels more performance focussed, with better spec for the price tag.
Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro vs. Nike Alphafly 3
This is a similar comparison to the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4. The Hyperwarp Pro offers a versatile training shoe that is also able to progress into racing. If you are after an all out explosive race shoe, the Alphafly 3 is better suited for the job. It offers a much softer and bouncier ride, with the real ‘pop’ and propulsion you’d expect from a more aggressive carbon plated shoe . Having said that, the Alphafly 3 isn’t going to suit all runners, especially those who are after a more stable ride. The Hyperwarp Pro is a good ‘gateway’ into carbon racing shoes, whereas the aggression propulsion of the Alphafly 3 could be intense for some! The Hyperwarp Pro is also going to offer significantly more durability.
Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro vs. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
The Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro offers a stable and firm ride, which works well over a range of paces and sessions. The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, on the other hand, offers a softer, less stable but more aggressive experience. If you are looking for an uptempo shoe that offers versatility for workouts, the Hyperwarp will be a good match. Whereas if you are after a more explosive racing shoe for PB efforts, the Adizero Adios Pro 4 offers a better match.
Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro vs. Brooks Hyperion Max 3
The Hyperion Max 3 also offers good durability and a relatively stable ride. However, it is significantly ‘bulkier’ compared to the Hyperwarp Pro and is not as responsive. The Hyperwarp Pro is significantly lighter underfoot and is better suited for uptempo sessions, speed work and racing. As a high-stack super trainer the Hyperion Max 3 is better suited for banking longer sessions and long runs vs speed work and racing, due to its heavier and more cushioned ride.
