Development of Speed Racing Shoes that Provide the Highest Levels of Lightweight Performance, Energy Return , and Stability
In long-distance events such as marathons and ekiden (long-distance relay) races, thick-soled shoes have become the standard. In recent years, shoes that emphasize ultra-lightweight characteristics while maintaining their thick soles have emerged, and the competition in long-distance racing shoes has entered a new era focused on “weight reduction.”
However, simply pursuing weight reduction could compromise the energy return that is the advantage of thick-soled racing shoes. There are also concerns that stability may be compromised. This time, Mizuno engaged in material development and technological innovation, building on the technology and knowledge we have cultivated over the years. As a result, we developed our proprietary high-rebound midsole material “MIZUNO ENERZY XP” and an advanced carbon fiber plate. Using this innovations, we created the top-tier racing shoe “HYPERWARP PURE,” which weighs approximately 137g per shoe*1 while achieving the highest levels of energy return and stability.
*1 For size 27.0cm
Key Points of Development
Based on running market research and feedback from top runners, Mizuno decided to pursue thorough weight reduction while maintaining balance among three key aspects—lightweight performance, energy return, and stability—rather than specializing in lightweight performance alone.
The key to this was “co-creation.” Through collaboration among Mizuno’s internal design, materials development, planning, research and development, and sales and marketing teams, we developed Mizuno’s proprietary midsole material “MIZUNO ENERZY XP” and a 3D-shaped carbon fiber plate, while also achieving improvements in development precision and speed.
Co-creation Process 1: Midsole Material Development
In developing the midsole material, the design staff and materials development staff traveled to overseas production sites in pursuit of both lightweight performance and energy return. As a result, we developed a new lightweight version of Mizuno’s proprietary midsole material “MIZUNO ENERZY XP,” which offers both lightweight performance and high energy return. This led to the development of the significantly lighter shoe “HYPERWARP PURE.”
Furthermore, we developed “HYPERWARP ELITE,” a shoe that achieves high levels of both energy return and stability, by incorporating the lightweight version of “MIZUNO ENERZY XP” in the top midsole and a softer version of “MIZUNO ENERZY XP” in the bottom midsole.
Co-creation Process 2: Carbon Fiber Plate Development
We also initiated the development of a new carbon fiber plate through collaboration between the design team and the Research and Development Department. Leveraging the carbon technology expertise cultivated through the development of competitive prosthetic legs , we realized 3D molding technology for carbon fiber plates, which is generally considered difficult, and developed the “SMOOTH SPEED PLATE.”
Additionally, by carefully arranging carbon fibers to leverage the functions required for racing shoes, we achieved approximately 240% greater rigidity compared to our conventional plate*2 while simultaneously reducing weight.
*2 Compared to the WAVE REBELLION PRO LOW
Co-creation Process 3: Improving Development Precision and Speed
From the planning stage, the design staff visited top runners multiple times, together with the planning staff and sales and marketing staff, to conduct extensive interviews. They converted feedback and comments into design elements, clarifying development priorities. To quickly verify development priorities, we produced and tested prototypes at the innovation center “MIZUNO ENGINE,” followed by additional interviews with top runners. As a result, the precision and speed of product development improved significantly.
Commercialization and Launch of Product Lineup
The three items developed this time—“HYPERWARP PURE,” “HYPERWARP ELITE,” and “HYPERWARP PRO”—were commercialized as the “HYPERWARP” series and released on December 19, 2025. They are being offered as Mizuno’s new racing shoes for speed runners.
Moving forward, Mizuno will continue to engage in cross-departmental co-creation while conducting product development that values athletes’ opinions, thereby providing better sporting goods and supporting sporting activities across all scenes.
