Mizuno Hyperwrap Elite ($275)
Introduction
Mizuno submits its latest entry to the super-shoe arms race with the tremendous gentle Hyperwarp Elite, a dual-foam carbon racer positioned between the lighter Pure (RTR Evaluation) and the extra secure, higher-stack Professional.
With a PEBA high layer, a firmer TPEE base, and a full-length Easy Velocity Plate, the Elite sits closest in idea to ASICS Metaspeed Edge and Sky Tokyo, that are two of the most well liked and quickest racers available on the market right this moment. At 165 g / 5.8 oz (US9) and with a 38/34.5 mm stacked platform, it’s a featherweight, low-drop (3.5 mm) choice constructed for runners who like aggressive, snappy forefoot mechanics and a slender, speed-minded geometry – however might come throughout a tad aggressive for many runners.
Even so, if you happen to benefit from the Metaspeed line, however desire a Mizuno various with barely extra aggressive geometry, however comparable plate habits, and forefoot roll, the Hyperwarp Elite could also be value a legit look. Mizuno’s reinvention continues!
Execs
Extraordinarily gentle and nimble for a carbon racer
Very quick, with sturdy snap and forefoot engagement
PEBA over TPEE layering offers a clear mix of rebound up high and management underfoot
Safe, breathable monofilament higher
Glorious step-in really feel
Cons
Harsher experience than anticipated; not as protecting because the spec stack suggests
Feels lower-stack on the run regardless of 38 mm heel
3.5 mm drop feels too low; I would favor 5–8 mm in a marathon-oriented racer
Slim, lean platform not an ideal match for heel-strikers or anybody with stability wants
Higher is ok however not distinctive; I desire the knit higher of the Neo Vista, particularly given the minimal heel counter
Tester Profile
Michael is a patent lawyer and graduate of Northwestern College Legislation Faculty. Previous to regulation college, he competed collegiately at Washington College in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs embody a 66:46 half-marathon and a 2:20:41 marathon PR on the 2025 Houston Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ sooner or later.
StatsSpec Weight: 5.8 oz / 165 g (US M9)
Pattern Weight: 164g / 5.78 oz US8.5
Stack Top: 34.5 mm forefoot / 38.0 mm heel (3.5 mm drop)
Platform Width: 89 mm heel / 70 mm midfoot / 114 mm forefoot
Most comparable footwear
ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ – closest in experience persona, equally low-drop with snappy, quick turnover; ASICS is extra cushioned.
ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ – comparable plate really feel, barely extra roll, ASICS is extra cushioned.
Mizuno Revolt Professional 3 – additionally agency and quick; the Professional is much less harsh on foot for me, however has Achilles-irritation points in my expertise.
First Impressions, Match and Higher
The step-in really feel on the Elite is superb: cushioned, locked in, and notably extra refined than what Mizuno presents on the Revolt Professional 3 (with the caveat that I’ve not worn the Professional 3 Low).
The monofilament higher is gentle and breathable with a race-day maintain, and the midfoot/forefoot form ought to work for neutral-to-narrow ft. This looks like a typical Mizuno match, with a barely extra plastic-y really feel than I desire.
That’s to say – Mizuno has accomplished some nice work previously few years to enhance the match and end of their efficiency footwear, and I might personally desire the knit higher that Mizuno makes use of on the Neo Vista, each for consolation and for higher heel construction, than what we now have right here.
Even so, the Elite’s heel counter is kind of minimal, and I efficiently prevented absolutely the shredding that my Achilles obtained in each my 8.5 and 9.0 sizes of the Revolt Professional 3 (the previous which very practically despatched me to the hospital!). So, yeah – this isn’t my favourite higher ever, however not a number of particular complaints. It additionally appears (for my part) very cool within the all-white.
Midsole & Platform
Mizuno has packed the Elite with fairly an attention-grabbing midsole stack:
Mizuno Enerzy XP PEBA mix (high layer)
Easy Velocity Plate 100% Carbon Fiber
Mizuno Enerzy XP TPEE (backside layer)
The midsole follows what we’ve seen from different manufacturers in a dual-foam strategy: softer, lighter, extra explosive PEBA on the highest layer, for rebound and luxury; and firmer, extra structured TPEE beneath for stability, rigidity, and sturdiness. The plate is positioned very equally to the ASICS Sky – barely larger within the midsole, creating each snap and roll. You could really feel the plate in these – it’s not problematic, and it’s not just like the Metaspeed Ray (the place the froth is so tender I believe you may draw the precise form of the carbon fiber!) however it’s notable as you step by means of and push off.
On the run, I discovered the Elite to really feel decrease, and extra minimal than its 38 mm heel stack suggests (3.5mm drop within the combine as properly), which was mildly disappointing for me. It’s quick and aggressive, rewards a forefoot strike, and feels extraordinarily nimble – however it is usually firmer than I anticipated and fewer protecting for longer distances.
The Revolt Professional achieved what may be very practically a “trick” to succeed in its stack peak, counting on loopy geometry and minimize outs to remain beneath the World Athletics restrict but nonetheless loading up cushion. Right here, Mizuno takes a extra conventional tact, and it feels it – that is undoubtedly a modern-day tremendous shoe, however it’s not a loopy tender racer like we’re seeing; it nonetheless tends in direction of that firmer, extra aggressive platform. This can be a shoe I’d confidently race as much as half marathon, however I’d personally desire a barely larger drop for the total marathon distance.
Outsole
Mizuno makes use of its acquainted G3 outsole, offering simply sufficient tack with out including weight. Grip is strong on the highway, and the skinny layer retains the shoe fast and near the bottom. I solely did 2 runs open air in these (with 3 on the treadmill), however each runs outdoors have been very slick and icy (and darkish!), so I do really feel assured that grip right here is at the very least satisfactory, if not good, all issues thought-about.
As a result of the outsole is minimal and the bottom layer of froth is firmer TPEE, the experience stays snappy but in addition contributes to the general harsher really feel. You get pace and precision, however not an opulent, forgiving sensation underfoot.
Trip, Conclusions and Suggestions
The Hyperwarp Elite is a lean, imply, get-on-your-forefoot-and-go racer. Had been it allowed by my group, I might have undoubtedly used them in my latest 10K Turkey Trot – I believe they’d make an superior shorter distance highway racing shoe. In what we’ve come to count on from Mizuno previously couple years, the Elite actually is premium – extremely gentle, very secure for its weight, and mechanically geared towards quick turnover.
Nevertheless, it is usually firmer and fewer cushioned than anticipated, particularly when I’ve change into so spoiled by the ultrasoft, mega-stack footwear of the day. The three.5 mm drop is noticeable – unusually so for an excellent shoe – and particularly for my mechanics and always-questionable Achilles, I’d desire 5-8 mm. Runners who love low-drop carbon footwear will get pleasure from it; runners who need extra safety over 26.2 miles might desire the forthcoming Mizuno Hyperwarp Professional or perhaps a competitor just like the Nike Alphafly 3, ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo, or Adidas Adios Professional.
Michael’s Rating: 9.1/10.
😊😊😊😊/5
5 Comparisons
New Stability SC Elite v5 (RTR Evaluation)
Michael: As a runner on a New Stability group, that is my go-to racer. And you realize what? Regardless that it’s most likely the least “cool” of the current-gen tremendous footwear, it really works very well – with a extra snug and managed really feel than the others, however remains to be tender, propulsive, and interesting. I’ve run in footwear that really feel wilder – however (particularly for longer efforts) I actually benefit from the SC Elite v5. Right here, I might break it down primarily by distance; I just like the Mizuno for 5K/10K however above that I desire the extra even-keeled experience of the NB.
ASICS Metaspeed Edge (RTR Evaluation) and Sky Tokyo (RTR Evaluation)
Michael: The Metaspeed Tokyo sequence has change into my go-to advice for runners asking me for a racing shoe. It was the Vaporfly, so what offers? I believe the tender platform and accessible experience of the ASICS simply make them (I’m treating the Sky and Edge collectively right here) actually approachable to a number of runners with out sacrificing any efficiency – these are class-leading footwear. I desire them to the Mizuno throughout just about all distances; I simply discover them to be extra snug and usable and whereas they don’t really feel as aggressive, I might nonetheless really feel lots assured with a Metaspeed underfoot at nearly any distance.
ASICS Metaspeed Ray (RTR Evaluation)
Michael: The Metaspeed Ray is the softest and lightest marathon tremendous shoe I’ve ever tried, and I’m an enormous fan – however as I put within the evaluation, they’re not for everybody (they usually’re not for each course!). Tremendous squishy, practically ankle-breaking, I might be hesitant to take these on a turn-y course or something with uneven terrain. However, if you happen to’re operating on paved roads in a (largely) straight line, I believe the Ray is about pretty much as good because it will get. I discover them lots springier than the Mizuno, they usually’re an ideal mix of squishy and aggressive.
Mizuno Wave Revolt Professional 3 (RTR Evaluation)
Michael: As I wrote above, I used to be an early fan of the Revolt Professional 3… till they sliced my ft open so badly I used to be placed on antibiotics (I’ll prevent the photographs). Yikes! It’s a testomony to how enjoyable they’re that I went out and purchased the half measurement up… solely for a similar factor (albeit to a lesser diploma) to occur once more. Double yikes. So whereas I actually just like the geometry, cushion, and total experience of the Revolt Professional 3, I can’t wholeheartedly advocate it as a result of, frankly, it didn’t work for me. Possibly it’ll give you the results you want!
Index to all RTR evaluations: HERE
Newest Critiques-Chronological Order HERE
The Hyperwarp Elite will launch early 2026
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