The Mizuno Hyperwarp Elite and Hyperwarp Pro are both part of the new Mizuno Hyperwarp series. Together with the Hyperwarp Pure, Mizuno created a new line of lightweight carbon plated race day shoes. I didn’t test or run in the Pure, therefore this comparison will be between the Elite and the Pro.
I wrote reviews of both shoes, where you can find more information about each of the two shoes.
Hyperwarp Elite vs. Hyperwarp Pro upper and fit
Both shoes have the same lightweight and very breathable woven upper. The tongue and lacing system are the same, as is the padding around the heel of the shoe. There is actually only one minor difference. The reinforcement in the toe box runs a bit longer in the Pro and provides a bit more structure in the toe box.
Once you get the tongue in place and lace up, the fit feels secure and comfortable for a race day shoe. But despite the fact, that both shoes use the same upper material and have the same sizing, there is a difference in the length of the two shoes.
For the Hyperwarp Elite, I would recommend you size up half a size and for the Hyperwarp Pro I would recommend going up one size. Especially if you are about to run a marathon or half marathon in the shoes.
The two shoes also feel different because of the different drop. When walking around the Elite can almost feel like a negative drop shoe or at least a very low drop shoe, while the inside of the Pro is sculpt more down towards the toe box and I felt more like standing on the balls of my feet.
Just recently I ran a half marathon in the Elite and I could live with my true to size shoe. But anything longer than 25k is not working for me. As for the Pure, I use it mostly for training runs up to 15-18 kilometers. For anything longer I would need more space in the toe box.
Hyperwarp Elite vs. Hyperwarp Pro outsole
Both shoes use according to Mizuno the renowned G3 outsole rubber. It was designed to provide excellent grip in dry and wet conditions, while also providing an additional element of response to the runner’s takeoff.
The outsole pattern on the shoes is different, more dense and with more rubber coverage on the Pro as on the Elite. To touch, the rubber coverage also feels a bit thicker on the Pro. I ran in both shoes in dry and wet conditions and have to say, that I enjoy the grip in both of them.
However, I think that the outsole rubber in the Hyperwarp Pro will last a bit longer. Till today I ran more than 200 kilometers in each of the models. Both have still excellent grip but the Pro shows less signs of wear.
Hyperwarp Elite vs. Hyperwarp Pro midsole
This is, where the real difference between the two shoes lies. The Hyperwarp Pro uses the same Mizuno Enerzy XP midsole material as the Rebellion Pro. On the other hand, the Hyperwarp Elite has a dual foam setup. The top a lightweight version of the Mizuno Enerzy XP and the bottom part the standard version of the foam.
Both shoes have a dual layer setup with a plate between the two layers of the foam. The Elite a full length 3D shaped carbon plate, the Pro a carbon infused wave plate. Both plates have wings. In the Elite the wing is on the inner side of the shoe, in the Pro on the inner and outer side.
The midsole in the Pro is sculpt slightly to the outside, providing a slightly wider and more stable platform, than in the Elite. There is also a slight heel cut in the Pro, a 5 degree rearfoot angle. No way as prominent as it was in the Rebellion series, but it’s still there. Mizuno calls it the Smooth Speed Assist. It’s there for an efficient transition from rear to toe off.
Performance of the two shoes
According to Mizuno, the Elite was engineered for elite, sub elite and very competitive runners, while the Pro is more versatile for runner of varying abilities, not just competitive runners but also regular runners seeking a high performance race shoe that can also be used for fast training runs.
I would say, that the feel while running is quite different in the two shoes. The Pro is a responsive running shoe with a firmer midsole. There’s a smooth and fast transition and it feels like the shoe propels you forward. On the other hand the Elite with the softer top midsole layer offers a bouncy feeling.
I’m a heel to midfood striker and both shoes work for me. The Elite is the more aggressive one and it makes me run more on my midfoot. At slightly faster paces I can really feel the bounce. But you need some strength, especially in your lower leg muscles.
If you are looking for a more forgiving running shoe, that works well even if your form is breaking apart in later stages of races, or if you are a heel strikes, I think the Pro is the better option of the two shoes. It has a bit more drop, a wider platform, firmer foam and a softer plate. Therefore it is suited for runners of varying abilities.
Both shoes have one thing in common. As soon as you are running at race pace, both feel efficient and both are fun to run in, just in a slightly different way. In the end it’s our personal preference to decide on one of the shoes from the Mizuno Hyperwarp Series.
I am an ambassador with Top4Running, the number one online store for runners in Europe. If you want to buy a pair of Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro or Hyperwarp Elite running shoes (or any other Mizuno running shoes), please use this link to support the Run and Smile community.
Use the code: Roman for an additional 5% discount on most Mizuno items in the store.
