Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure Running Shoes

Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure upper

The Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure running shoe upper is made of a very thin mesh material that is almost see-through, so thin and loosely woven. The material is thin and loosely woven, which makes it breathable. This mesh material is slightly rougher than average in terms of durability. The tongue of the shoe is made of a softer but also very thin material that feels like suede. It has large ventilation holes. The tongue is not fixed, but has a loop through which the lace can be threaded to help keep it in place while running. It’s a good idea to adjust the tongue of the shoe carefully before you run, as it can crease easily. The heel collar is lightly padded and slightly stiff, so it fits the foot well, keeping it comfortable and secure. The upper part of the shoe is moderately wide and smaller than it looks, so it’s better to buy one size larger. The upper part of the shoe has no insole, but there is a midsole lining made of a soft, comfortable material similar to the tongue.

Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure midsole

The Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure running shoe midsole is made from a newly developed Peba foam, which makes its debut in this shoe. The midsole foam is called Mizuno Enerzy XP, but it is completely new and different from the one in the Rebellion Pro 3. It is lighter, more responsive, softer, and more springy. PEBA foam is also much more durable and less likely to harden in cold weather, and it’s more flexible, although this is less important because of the carbon plate. A curved carbon plate called Smooth Speed Plate runs through the midsole foam, making the midsole more dynamic and stable. The midsole is 34 mm at the heel, which is not particularly high compared to current running shoes; the midsole of similar competition running shoes is usually around 40 mm at the heel (World Athletics has set 40 mm as the maximum midsole height for running shoes that can be worn in official competitions). The midsole is 30.5 mm thick at the forefoot because the midsole drop is only 3.5 mm. This is slightly lower than average (32-34 mm). Since running shoes designed for competition are made for runners who strike the ground with at forefoot, I think the lower midsole at the heel is a good idea. This doesn’t affect the performance of the shoe, but it makes it lighter and therefore faster. The lower part of the shoe also makes it more stable. The midsole is very soft, and because it is low, I did not feel the kind of instability that can be felt in many running shoes designed for competition. The midsole is narrower at the heel but wider than average at the front, which makes the shoe more stable.

On my first run, I tried out the Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure running shoe at different paces, and it performed surprisingly well at all speeds. It feels comfortable at lower paces, but when you speed up, it feels very fast. The shoe is very dynamic and bouncy, which makes running in them very enjoyable. I don’t want to exaggerate how important it is to have low weight in running shoes, but with these shoes, you realise what it means because you can feel how they help you run faster. I think this is a great direction!

Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure outsole

The Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure running shoe outsole is also a completely new solution. It does not cover the entire midsole, it is segmented, so it is also lighter. It is made of a softer material to the touch, and this can also be felt in its grip, as softer outsoles have better grip. At the same time, based on my experience so far, it also has good wear resistance, which is usually a problem with softer rubbers. The pattern is also unusual; similar to the Rebellion Pro 3, it has tiny suction cups, but they are positioned differently and are only on the front of the shoe. There are only two smaller outer sole layers with a different pattern on the heel, but this provides sufficient protection against wear on the midsole, and I had no problems with either grip or wear.

Who are Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure running shoes suitable for and what kind of running?

The Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure running shoe (formerly known as the Mizuno Prototype Pure) is primarily a running shoe for racing and fast runs, but thanks to its versatility, it is not stiff or uncomfortable even at slower speeds. It is a completely new direction for the Mizuno brand, and perhaps even in the world of running shoes. Its extremely low weight and low midsole are unusual for today’s racing shoes. It loses none of its dynamics or speed despite not having a 40 mm midsole, while its low weight contributes significantly to its performance. The newly developed midsole is not only faster, but also more durable and lighter. The upper is lightweight, breathable, and not as narrow as most racing day running shoes. The outsole has excellent grip and good wear resistance, supporting fast running. The Hyperwarp is versatile and suitable for running on virtually any solid surface. Due to its high performance, it may be unnecessary for beginner runners to run in such shoes, but there is nothing about them that would prevent me from recommending them to beginner runners. Based on my experience so far, they are a good choice for heavier runners as well, as they are durable and hard-wearing.