Mizuno has pushed the race-day shoe into almost absurd territory with the new Hyperwarp 96, a carbon-plated racer that weighs approximately 96 grams for a single shoe in size 27 cm. That makes it one of the lightest high-stack racing shoes ever produced and puts it one gram below adidas’ Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 by the manufacturers’ published figures.
The number in the name is no coincidence. Mizuno has stripped away almost everything that does not contribute directly to performance, while still keeping a 39mm heel and 36mm forefoot stack. The resulting 3mm drop stays below World Athletics’ 40mm maximum for road racing, and Mizuno says the shoe is approved for competition.
The midsole is made entirely from a new material called MIZUNO ENERZY XP+ Limited Edition. Instead of molding the foam into its final shape, Mizuno machines the midsole and removes material from areas that are not considered essential. The approach helps explain how the company managed to combine a substantial amount of cushioning with such an extreme weight.
Beneath the foam sits a full-length 3D carbon-fiber Smooth Speed Plate. The unusual three-dimensional construction is designed to provide both propulsion and stability, while a cutout beneath the heel removes additional weight. Mizuno has effectively chosen to keep a full carbon plate while finding other places to save grams.
The upper takes the weight-saving philosophy even further. The Dual Skin Upper eliminates both conventional laces and internal straps, using a precisely engineered TPU-fiber structure instead. Different areas have different fiber densities and orientations, creating a tighter structure around the lower foot and a lighter construction higher up. The result is closer to a fitted shell than a traditional running-shoe upper.
There is also a surprisingly important story behind the development process. Mizuno says improvements to its Osaka research facilities now allow engineers to create a new prototype within roughly 48 hours after receiving feedback from testers. That rapid development cycle helped the company repeatedly refine the shoe while chasing its extreme weight target.
The Hyperwarp 96 will be produced in just 696 numbered pairs worldwide , with each shoe receiving a serial number and a special presentation box. The limited run is another reference to the 96-gram weight. Mizuno plans to release it on December 4, 2026, initially through its own online store and retail locations, with selected running retailers following in 2027. The Japanese price is ¥88,000, while European pricing has been reported at around €500.
For most runners, the Hyperwarp 96 will remain more of a technological showcase than an everyday racing shoe. With fewer than 700 pairs being produced, almost nobody will actually get to train or race in one. That may be the point. Mizuno says the technologies developed for the 96 will influence future Hyperwarp models, meaning the real legacy of this extraordinarily light shoe could be found in the more accessible running shoes that follow it. And don’t forget o check our list of the most expensive shoes ever.
