Hyperwarp Pure 2, Elite 2 and Racer: Mizuno’s racing lineup steps up the pace

Mizuno is moving fast, very fast. In late 2025, the Japanese brand completely overhauled its racing lineup with the launch of the Hyperwarp series. Less than a year later, the range is already entering its second generation with the Hyperwarp Pure 2, Hyperwarp Elite 2 and all-new Hyperwarp Racer. The DNA remains unchanged: these three carbon-plated shoes are designed to meet the needs of runners chasing performance, from 5K to marathon. The Hyperwarp Pure 2 remains the flagship, with Mizuno Enerzy XP+ foam and an ultralight weight of 135 grams. Marathons.com takes a closer look at one of the biggest launches of the year.

A second generation in record time

The turnaround is remarkable. While it took more than two and a half years to see the Nike Alphafly 4 and two years to test the new adidas Adios Pro 5, Mizuno needed barely ten months to release the second version of its Hyperwarp lineup. Announced in Japan on October 8, this second generation arrives in Europe on November 3. It is an impressive development effort focused on performance innovation, resulting in three pairs built for breaking records.

The lineup has also been reshuffled. The Pure and Elite move to version 2, while the Hyperwarp Pro makes way for a new model, the Hyperwarp Racer. For the first time, all three models share the same underfoot platform: Enerzy XP+ foam and a full-length carbon plate.

Almost lost in the shuffle is the Hyperwarp 96, the brand’s ultimate carbon-plated shoe, unveiled at the Berlin Marathon in late September. At just 96 grams, one gram lighter than the adidas Adios Pro Evo 3, it confirms the arrival of “hypershoes” on the market: racing shoes weighing less than 100 grams. A technological showcase and performance jewel produced in just 696 pairs, it sits at the top of Mizuno’s performance range. But it remains in a category of its own, clearly aimed at elite runners. It was also the shoe that introduced Enerzy XP+ foam, in a specific version, before the compound spread across the entire second-generation Hyperwarp range.

Mizuno accelerates with three new carbon shoes built for performance, including the 135 g Hyperwarp Pure 2, from the 5K

Hyperwarp Pure 2: lightness in the service of performance

The Hyperwarp Pure 2 remains the most radical model in the lineup. The first version made an impression with its bounce and light weight, at just 137 grams, but also with a firmness many runners found demanding. It was primarily aimed at runners with highly efficient mechanics. For the second iteration, Mizuno has corrected course without sacrificing what worked: the Pure 2 drops to 135 grams while gaining stack height, with 38 mm at the heel and 35 mm at the forefoot, compared with 34 and 30.5 mm on version 1.

The secret lies in the midsole, which gains 3.5 mm of additional foam. This time, there is also a new technology: Mizuno Enerzy XP+. Found in the Hyperwarp 96 as well, this foam sits both above and below the plate. It is the only model in the lineup to use this configuration, and Mizuno claims 14% more energy return. The result is also explained by a change in material: Mizuno has opted for A-TPU foam. Between the two layers sits the Smooth Speed Plate, the brand’s distinctive 3D carbon plate, extended 8 mm toward the toe to make the propulsion phase more efficient. The concept recalls the PUMA Fast-R 3 and Nike Apex. The drop is low at 3 mm, the outsole remains G3 rubber, and the upper has been completely redesigned to cut weight even further.

Mizuno positions it for runners looking for a lightweight, responsive racing shoe. While the first Pure was mainly aimed at demanding runners, this second iteration appears more accessible, notably thanks to foam that is a little less taxing on the legs.

Hyperwarp Elite 2: built for the marathon

While the Pure 2 goes all in on low weight, the Hyperwarp Elite 2 takes a more balanced approach. It shares the same extended carbon plate and the same upper layer of Enerzy XP+ as its bigger sibling. The key difference lies beneath the plate: Mizuno retains a lower layer of Enerzy XP, a denser and firmer foam designed to maintain stability when fatigue sets in late in the race. A more comfortable sockliner completes the package.

The result is a 160-gram shoe, still remarkably light, and around ten grams lighter than the first version. It has a 39 mm heel, 36 mm forefoot and 3 mm drop. The G3 rubber outsole is retained, keeping the focus on low weight.

With a dual-foam setup that balances responsiveness and stability, Mizuno designed this model for runners chasing performance but wanting a little more reassurance underfoot. Its specs make it an ideal choice for a marathon personal best, a demanding distance where shoe stability can help you hold form as fatigue builds in the closing miles.

Hyperwarp Racer: an entry point into carbon

This is the real newcomer in the second generation. The Hyperwarp Racer replaces the Hyperwarp Pro with a clear ambition: to bring carbon-plated shoes to more runners. While the Pro used a carbon-infused nylon Wave plate, Mizuno is going all the way this time. The Racer features a true full-length carbon plate. Crucially, however, the plate has deliberately been made less rigid than those in the higher-end models, making it easier to get used to. It is a little like PUMA’s approach with the Deviate Nitro franchise. A less rigid carbon plate allows the foot to do more of its own work and smooths out the transition through the stride.

Underfoot, Mizuno combines a soft outer layer of Enerzy XP+ with a denser, more responsive Enerzy NXT+ core for a more controlled ride. The X10 rubber outsole, thicker than the G3 material, adds a little more protection and durability. The whole shoe weighs around 200 grams, which is still fairly light, with a 37 mm heel, 34 mm forefoot and 3 mm drop.

By developing a more balanced shoe combining speed, control and stability, Mizuno is targeting everyday runners, including those aiming for a three- to four-hour marathon. It also caters to runners who have never used a carbon-plated shoe. This will likely be the best fit for them and for a large share of runners, much like the new Nike Swooshfly.

A racing lineup that keeps growing

With this second generation, Mizuno’s competition range takes another step forward in performance. At the top, the Hyperwarp 96 serves as a showcase reserved for a handful of elite athletes and shoe enthusiasts. Just below it comes the ultralight, responsive Pure 2, followed by the more balanced Elite 2, ideal for longer distances. The Racer opens the door to a wider audience with a blend of stability and speed. With three clearly differentiated models, the lineup should become easier for runners to navigate.

In Japan, Mizuno also offers a fourth model: the Hyperwarp Pacer. Developed from feedback from athletes who wanted to recapture racing sensations and speed during training, it forgoes a plate and puts all its focus on Enerzy NXT foam, weighing around 205 grams. It is another sign that the Japanese brand never stands still and always seems to have a head start. The Pacer’s European release, however, has not yet been confirmed.

Key specs

	Hyperwarp Pure 2	Hyperwarp Elite 2	Hyperwarp Racer
Weight (men’s 27 cm / US 9 / UK 8)	135 g	160 g	Approx. 200 g
Stack (heel / forefoot)	38 / 35 mm	39 / 36 mm	37 / 34 mm
Drop	3 mm	3 mm	3 mm
Foam	Mizuno Enerzy XP+ in a dual-layer setup (A-TPU)	Mizuno Enerzy XP+ (upper layer) and Mizuno Enerzy XP (lower layer)	Mizuno Enerzy XP+ (outer layer) and Mizuno Enerzy NXT+ (core)
Plate	Smooth Speed Plate, 3D carbon, extended 8 mm toward the toe	Smooth Speed Plate, 3D carbon, extended 8 mm toward the toe	Reduced-stiffness carbon plate
Outsole	G3 rubber	G3 rubber	X10 rubber
Best for	Fast, demanding runners, from 5K to marathon	Fast marathon runners	Three- to four-hour marathon goal, first carbon-plated shoe
Price	€310	€280	€240
Release date	November 3, 2026	November 3, 2026	November 3, 2026

Less than a year after completely overhauling its racing lineup, Mizuno is back and has done more than make a few tweaks. With new Enerzy XP+ foam and the new Racer model, the Hyperwarp range has improved across the board: performance, clarity and accessibility. The Pure 2 is more responsive and delivers a better ride without giving up its lightness. The Elite 2 establishes itself as the ideal marathon performance shoe. And the Racer reflects the rise of a new market: carbon-plated shoes designed for three- to four-hour marathoners. With slightly higher prices and the Hyperwarp 96 as its showcase, the Japanese brand now positions itself as a premium performance player in running. Whether you want to run a very fast marathon or are an everyday runner lining up for your first, there is a Mizuno Hyperwarp for you.

The new Hyperwarp lineup will be available on November 3 at mizuno.com.