Mizuno Neo Vista running shoe

The Mizuno Neo Vista Running Shoe is a versatile super trainer. Suitable for almost any type, intensity and length of running. But not only suitable, it’s a typical shoe that is a joy to run in. As you can see from the pictures, the Neo Vista is no ordinary running shoe, it has a lot of great innovations. Coming up with an innovation like this always shows great courage, not only for Mizuno, but for any running shoe brand. Moreover, the innovations in the Mizuno Neo Vista running shoe are very well done, the shoe is very good. Considering that the new midsole foam debuting in the Neo Vista will be partially replaced by the Enerzy NXT in the Wave Rider 28 (based on the specs on Mizuno’s website), we can only conclude that the innovation of the Neo Vista is just the beginning and that more exciting new running shoes and exciting running shoe iteration will soon be coming from the Mizuno brand.

Mizuno Neo Vista Upper

The upper of the Mizuno Neo Vista Running Shoe is made of a knit fabric that stretches well and fits the foot securely. The density of the knit upper varies, so where you need more flexibility, the upper can be stiffer, and where stronger support is more important, it can be stiffer. The knit is thinner than average, allowing the shoe to breathe.

The tongue is one with the upper. The tongue ends high (as does the heel collar), fits snugly around the ankle, and has an elastic pad at the top to prevent the laces from getting caught.

The design of the lacing holes is also not standard. There are two densely stitched lines on the top of the upper through which the laces are pulled. If you have a narrow foot and have to pull the laces tight, the tongue and toe drum can get wrinkled, but since the upper material is soft and thin, this is not a problem when running.

The heel collar is much higher than average, not cushioned, but soft and flexible, holding the foot well. The heel collar is not stiff, but the weave of the knit is tight, so the heel collar does not bend.

Overall, the upper does its job unobtrusively, hugging the foot well and holding it firmly and securely for faster runs.

Mizuno Neo Vista Midfoot

The Mizuno Neo Vista Running Shoe Midsole consists of 3 layers as you can see in the picture. The bottom and top foam, Mizuno’s new midsole foam is Enerzy NXT, which is a lightweight highly flexible foam with high energy return that also contains TPE (aka thermoplastic rubber). Between the two layers of Enerzy NXT is a plastic sheet. Since Enerzy NXT is very soft, the role of the plastic sheet in the middle is not only to improve the dynamics, but also to add some stability and stiffness to the shoe.

The midsole is very versatile. It is noticeably soft for easy runs, but can provide enough dynamics for faster runs thanks to the plastic plate. Running shoes with such soft foam usually have the disadvantage of moderate stability, but the Mizuno Neo Vista has good stability thanks to the aforementioned plate and the shape and geometry of the midsole. The midsole has a longitudinal valley, it’s basically a two-piece midsole that provides support from both sides and allows the foot to lean in and out less.

The midsole is high, 44.5mm at the heel and 36.5mm at the toes. This amount of cushioning makes the shoe suitable for longer distance running.

Because the plastic plate is not as rigid as the carbon plate, the Neo Vista has a flexible, medium-flex midsole. The plastic plate can’t add as much dynamism as a carbon plate, but it doesn’t have the annoying stiffness usually associated with carbon plate running shoes.

Mizuno Neo Vista Outsole

The Mizuno Neo Vista Running Shoe Outsole is made from a softer rubber compound than the Mizuno brand is used to. The outsole covers the entire midsole, but the midsole does not cover the entire outsole surface of the shoe, as described in the midsole review. Because the outsole is softer and more flexible, it does not lose any of the flexibility of the shoe, but it does add a bit of support and stiffness to the shoe. Although the outsole has a large surface area in contact with the ground and is made of a softer material, the grip of the shoe is only average, but it is quite sufficient for what the shoe is designed for. The wear resistance of the midsole is surprisingly good, even though it is made of a softer rubber compound. However, it is worth knowing that wear and tear depends on the runner’s movement, weight and the surface on which the shoe is used, so there can be big differences in durability between runners.

Summary

The Mizuno Neo Vista Running Shoe is a big, bold step from the Mizuno brand. A super trainer that is very versatile, enjoy all types of running in it. The knit upper is very well done, I think even those who don’t like knit uppers that have the tongue in one with the main upper will love it. The highly cushioned midsole is soft, lightweight and flexible, made more stable and dynamic by the plastic plate. The Mizuno Neo Vista has the potential to function as a universal running shoe, meaning if you don’t want to use multiple running shoes for your different runs, the Neo Vista will stand on its own.