Mizuno Neo Zen 2 Review: A Lighter, Cheaper Neo Vista Vibe
- FORDY RUNS
- Jan 26
- 3 min read
Let’s get this out of the way early: this shoe is dangerous for your wallet — in the best possible way. The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is one of those trainers that sneaks up on you, then suddenly you’re wondering why you’d ever pay more for a daily trainer.
I didn’t get on particularly well with the original Neo Zen. The foam felt unstable, especially through the heel, and that instability bled into the overall ride. The good news? Mizuno have clearly listened, because version two fixes every major issue I had with the first shoe — and then some.
What’s New in the Neo Zen 2?
The updates here are not subtle. This is a proper rethink rather than a mild refresh.
Midsole: Energy NXT foam (supercritical EVA), now slightly denser
Stack height: 40mm heel / 34.5mm forefoot
Drop: 6mm
Weight: 278g (UK 9.5)
Fit: True to size
The key change is the foam. It’s still light and bouncy, but now noticeably more stable and controlled, particularly under the heel. That alone transforms the shoe.
Mizuno have also added:
A proper heel counter
Extra heel padding for lockdown and comfort
Smooth Speed Assist, working with the midsole to guide transitions
Increased outsole rubber coverage, especially through toe-off
Removal of the outsole cut-out to improve stability and ride consistency
Yes, it’s slightly heavier than v1 — but honestly, the trade-off is 100% worth it.
Upper: Massive Upgrade
The full knit upper from version one is gone, and that’s a big win.
You now get:
An engineered mesh upper (lighter, more breathable, more “daily trainer”)
A knitted tongue integrated into the upper for a one-piece feel
Excellent midfoot lockdown
Loads of heel padding paired with the new heel counter
It just feels better on foot. More secure, more breathable, and more purpose-built for everyday running.
Ride & Performance
Originally, the Neo Zen was an easy-day shoe — full stop. Version two is far more versatile.
Easy runs: Outstanding. Soft, bouncy, and effortless to tick along in.
Steady & progressive efforts: Surprisingly capable. I’ve comfortably taken this down into the 6:30–7:00 min/mile range without any hint of instability.
Heel strikers: Huge improvement. The denser foam and heel structure make landings far more controlled.
Forefoot runners: Responsive, smooth, and efficient through toe-off.
The biggest compliment I can give this shoe is this:It feels like a lighter version of the Neo Vista, which I absolutely loved. You get that same confidence-building foam and smooth ride — just in a more nimble, stripped-back package.
Stability Without the “Stability Shoe” Feel
Despite the 40mm stack, the Neo Zen 2 feels planted:
Wide base
Better rubber coverage
More controlled foam
Rock-solid heel lockdown
I’ve run in this in wet conditions with zero issues. Grip and confidence are both excellent.
Price & Value
Official retail is £140 — but realistically, many people will be paying £119, which is where this shoe becomes borderline ridiculous value.
At that price point, it’s very hard to find:
40mm stack
Lightweight feel
Stable, modern foam
True daily-trainer versatility
Honestly, there isn’t much out there that touches it for the money.
Final Verdict
The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is a huge step forward and a textbook example of a brand fixing exactly what needed fixing.
It’s:
Lightweight feeling
Stable without being boring
Comfortable at easy paces
Confident when you pick things up
Well priced
And genuinely enjoyable to run in