Mizuno Neo Zen 2 running shoe review – opinion, price, comparison, who it’s recommended for

What is it like running in the Mizuno Neo Zen 2?

Cushioning and midsole

The midsole of the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 running shoe is 40 mm high at the heel, not excessively soft, providing effective cushioning. The midsole offers good energy return and also supports faster running. Thanks to the Smooth Speed Assist geometry, transitions are quick, and the muscles around the ankle and lower leg fatigue more slowly.

Stability and guidance

The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is a neutral running shoe, with stability that is moderate for this category. The heel area is wider than average, which improves overall stability. The midsole is curved both at the forefoot and the heel, improving transition speed, but it does not start rocking too early, allowing a relatively large ground contact area, which also contributes to better stability.

Upper and comfort

The upper of the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 running shoe is both lightweight and comfortable. The mesh upper material is flexible and offers good breathability. The heel counter is padded and moderately stiff. The tongue is not separate; it is made from a thin, elastic knitted material. The shoe fits true to size, though it runs slightly large, with a medium width.

Ground contact and grip

The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 running shoe has a 6 mm drop, supporting both heel striking and forefoot striking. The outsole covers a large surface area of the midsole, improving traction. The X10 rubber compound used in the outsole is harder than average, offering excellent durability, while grip performance is average.

Pace and dynamics

The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 running shoe is suitable for faster runs thanks to its lighter-than-average weight and a midsole foam with above-average energy return. The secure foot hold and midsole geometry also contribute to its ability to handle higher speeds effectively.

Long runs vs tempo vs training

The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is a versatile running shoe and a good choice for most daily runs and workouts, from long runs to faster sessions. It is also suitable for low-intensity easy runs. While it is not specifically a racing shoe, it is fast enough that recreational runners can race in it as well.

Who is the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 recommended for – and who is it not?

If you are looking for a well-cushioned, versatile, lightweight daily trainer that is also suitable for faster running, the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 running shoe is recommended for you.

If you are looking for a highly cushioned, ultra-comfortable running shoe for low-intensity long runs, or an extremely dynamic shoe specifically for racing, the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 may not be the best choice.

What has changed compared to the previous version? Mizuno Neo Zen 2 vs Mizuno Neo Zen

The Neo Zen 2 has changed significantly compared to the previous version. Mizuno addressed the shortcomings that runners mentioned with the first Neo Zen version. The most common criticisms were weaker stability and insufficient upper lockdown.

Previously, the upper material was a flexible knitted fabric, but the Neo Zen 2 received a stiffer mesh material that holds the foot more securely, while only the tongue remained elastic. The heel collar became stiffer and received thicker padding, providing a more secure heel hold.

The midsole is made from a new foam and is also 1 mm higher. Previously, the midsole was made from a very soft nitrogen-infused Enerzy NXT foam, but the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 midsole uses non-nitrogen-infused Enerzy NXT foam, which is denser and less soft, offering better stability while maintaining the same level of responsiveness.

The outsole material remains the same X10 rubber compound as in the first version, but the outsole layout has changed, receiving more crosswise segmentation to keep the slightly firmer, denser foam flexible.

Mizuno Neo Zen 2 running shoe alternatives – comparison

In terms of character and purpose – lightweight, fast, versatile, non-plated running shoe – there are many alternatives, but in terms of ride feel, the Azura offers a very unique experience.

• The ASICS Novablast 5 running shoe is similar but slightly heavier, a bit softer and more forgiving in the midsole, less stable, and the Azura feels faster
• The Adidas Adizero Evo SL running shoe is similarly fast but achieves this differently; it is slightly more responsive with a softer midsole, but stability is significantly weaker
• The Hoka Mach 6 is mainly similar in its intended use, but it is still worth listing among comparable shoes. It is fast, has a similar weight, and comparable midsole softness
• The Puma Magnify Nitro 3 appears here mainly due to its similar price and versatility; it is a more flexible, softer running shoe, but can be an alternative to the Azura
• The Saucony Endorphin Azura running shoe also belongs to this category but has a more aggressive rocker geometry and a firmer midsole foam

Is there a difference between the men’s and women’s Mizuno Neo Zen 2?

Based on the data, the women’s Mizuno Neo Zen 2 running shoe is lighter only due to size differences. The men’s model is officially sold as a unisex model.

Mizuno Neo Zen 2 running shoe upper

The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 running shoe upper is made from a more flexible mesh material that is lightweight and offers better-than-average breathability. The upper is both comfortable and lightweight, supporting faster running, aided by secure foot lockdown. The tongue is made from an elastic, thin knitted material and is integrated into the upper rather than being a separate tongue. Because it is elastic, the shoe is easy to put on, assisted by the pull tab on the heel collar. The tongue is thin and not padded, but as with the Neo Vista 2, there is a small elastic pad where the laces are tied to prevent irritation or pressure on the instep. The heel collar is moderately stiff and padded, conforming well to the foot, providing secure lockdown and comfort. At the top of the heel collar there is an elastic knitted material, with a pull tab at the back, and the tongue originates from this material at the front. The upper fits true to size, but it is worth noting that Mizuno running shoes tend to run slightly large; for example, while most brands’ EU 42 corresponds to 26.5 cm, Mizuno running shoes in EU 42 have an internal length of 27 cm. The upper is medium width but adapts well; it may feel slightly narrow for wide feet.

Mizuno Neo Zen 2 running shoe midsole

The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 running shoe midsole is made entirely from Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam, which is a supercritical EVA foam. It is important to note that Mizuno has two foams called Enerzy NXT: one nitrogen-infused and one non-nitrogen-infused. The first version of the Neo Zen used the softer and lighter nitrogen-infused Enerzy NXT foam, while the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 uses the non-nitrogen-infused version. As a result, the Neo Zen 2 midsole is more stable, firmer, and denser, while retaining similarly good responsiveness. Even with the firmer Enerzy NXT foam, the shoe still feels softer than average. As with the previous version, it supports faster running, aided not only by the foam but also by the geometry. The Smooth Speed Assist geometry provides smoother and faster transitions, reducing strain on the ankle and lower leg muscles and delaying fatigue. The Neo Zen 2 midsole remains slightly wider than average, and combined with the firmer foam, stability has improved significantly. Overall, it has become more stable and structured, bringing it closer to the ride experience of the Neo Vista 2, which is well above average.

Mizuno Neo Zen 2 running shoe outsole

The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 running shoe outsole is made from Mizuno’s proprietary X10 rubber compound, which offers average traction (slightly weaker on wet surfaces) and better-than-average abrasion resistance. The outsole is also thicker than average, making it particularly durable. The outsole is segmented into multiple parts, with one full-length and two smaller longitudinal grooves, improving the torsional flexibility of the midsole. There is no continuous crosswise segmentation, which helps maintain stability and support.