Mizuno Neo Zen 2

Believe in the Run finds that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 feels more stable and less mushy than the first version, while still providing a fun, bouncy ride.

MidLife Runner finds that the Mizuno Neo Zen 1 is still softer and the Neo Zen 2 is still more supportive.

MidLife Runner states that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is not a firm shoe.

MidLife Runner finds that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 midsole uses nitrogen-infused EVA instead of the V1's nitrogen-infused ATPU, giving it more support and feeling less soft.

MidLife Runner finds that the magic of the Mizuno Neo Zen 1's softness is a little bit lost in the Mizuno Neo Zen 2.

jogoncrago finds the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is an update that took something fun, dynamic, and bouncy and made it more bland and watered down for the general public.

jogoncrago finds the Neo Zen 2 is not a bouncy shoe and is not gooey, squishy, fun, or radically rebounding; it feels more muted and in line with shoes like the Vomero Plus, the Puma Magnify line, and the Wave Sky 9.

jogoncrago finds the midsole of the Neo Zen 2 has completely changed the attitude of the shoe from a fun, versatile all-rounder into a 'sole jogger' — a cruisy, easy-day, tick-the-legs-over kind of shoe.

jogoncrago finds the original Neo Zen was maybe a little too soft for all-out sessions and too compressive to go long, but it had an any-kind-of-day feel where you could chuck it on whether sore or feeling good, and it would give you juice if not feeling it or reward you if you put pace through it; the Neo Zen 2 has lost that.

Sagasu Running states the first version of the Mizuno Neo Zen was a very soft, very bouncy shoe.

Sagasu Running tried on the first version of the Mizuno Neo Zen but found it too soft and too over the place to want to run in.

RoadTrailRun observes that the Neo Zen 2 is a little bit more stable than the Neo Zen 1.

Sagasu Running finds the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 a very bouncy shoe, with a little sink in the foam but a lot of resilience and forward propulsion.

Sagasu Running finds the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 disappears on the foot, feels very natural, is plush, protective, cushioned, and soft without being mushy.

MidLife Runner finds that when running in only the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 (both feet), it is still an enjoyable ride.

EDDBUD observes that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 has loads of cushion.

EDDBUD observes that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 provides 'loads of fantastic energy return cushion' under foot.

EDDBUD describes the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 midsole as having 'really nice plush cushion, lots of compression there.'

EDDBUD describes the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 as 'certainly one of the more compressive and sort of forgiving daily midsoles out there and very often overlooked.'

Sagasu Running states the Mizuno Neozen 2 is the more comfortable, more cushioned shoe compared to the ASICS Nova Blast 6.

EDDBUD finds that some people said the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 was ruined by being made less soft and firmer; the reviewer comments that if this is firm, there is still plenty of cushion and a lot of stack for a daily shoe.

EDDBUD finds that the ENERZY NEXT midsole material in the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 delivers lovely cushion.

jogoncrago finds the Neo Zen 2's foam is still quite plush with a bit of squish and a smooth compression from heel to toe, and has a nice plush rebound.

Sagasu Running finds the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 disappears on the foot, feels very natural, is plush, protective, cushioned, and soft without being mushy.

MidLife Runner finds that when running in only the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 (both feet), it is still an enjoyable ride.

RoadTrailRun finds that the Mizuno Energy Next midsole has very nice cushion and response and contributes to the lightweight feel.

kofuzi states that the Energy NXT foam in the Neo Zen 2 is a super-critical EVA and that this is the only foam used in the shoe (unlike the dual-density setup of the Wave Rider 30).

jogoncrago observes the Neo Zen 2 still carries the label 'Enzy NXT', but notes that this time it does not mean the Nitro TPU from the original Neo Zen; it means a Nitro EVA similar to Skechers Hyper Burst, Puma Nitro foam, and Brooks DNA Flash V2.

Mizuno states that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 uses a one-piece midsole of a new super critical EVA foam called Enerzy Next, with no carrier foam, no plate, and nothing else in the midsole.

MidLife Runner observes that the foam in the Neo Zen 2 is a nitrogen-infused EVA and is curious whether it will change over time, similar to the foam in the Neo Vista V1.

MidLife Runner finds that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 midsole uses nitrogen-infused EVA instead of the V1's nitrogen-infused ATPU, giving it more support and feeling less soft.

Yowana observes that Mizuno is putting Super Critical EVA foam in the Mizuno Neo Zen 2.

Sagasu Running claims Mizuno says they put a new midsole foam in the Neo Zen 2, moving away from the super critical TPU foam in the last version that was too bouncy and too over the place.

Sagasu Running claims Mizuno says the Neo Zen 2 uses a super critical EVA foam that brings some of that feel but is focused on controlling where the bounce is and making it forward motion.

RoadTrailRun reports that the Neo Zen 2 midsole is a one-piece midsole using a premium material called Mizuno Energy Next, which is a nitrogen-infused EVA material.

RoadTrailRun reports that the Neo Zen 1 midsole used a TPU compound, while the Neo Zen 2 uses a special nitrogen-infused EVA (Mizuno Energy Next).

EDDBUD observes the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 has really nice comfortable upper materials.

jogoncrago observes the Neo Zen 2 has a proper heel counter with extra material and foam on the inside rim, acting as a heel bumper, and it feels like a more traditional fit when stepping into it.

jogoncrago observes the Neo Zen 2 has a proper eyelet chain on the outside of the sock tongue that holds the foot nicely with the extra security of laces, and there is no weird bunching at the bottom of the toe box; it fits more like a traditional daily trainer.

Sagasu Running describes the Mizuno Neo Zen 2's upper as a hybrid upper: a traditional engineered mesh for the bulk, with a knit gaiter tongue that wraps around the ankle collar and Achilles flare, and a gusset connection that locks the foot in and pulls it into the heel, giving good lockdown.

Sagasu Running finds the Mizuno Neo Zen 2's upper very comfortable, combining the benefits of a traditional running shoe upper with a sock-like fit from a booty upper without the midfoot and forefoot fit problems a wide booty can have.

MidLife Runner observes that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 has an engineered mesh upper that is more structured than the previous version.

MidLife Runner observes that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 has padding in the heel collar.

MidLife Runner finds that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 holds the foot better than the previous version.

MidLife Runner observes that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 upper uses an engineered mesh combo with a booty knit upper, which is much more structured than the V1.

MidLife Runner observes that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 has a heel counter that is more reinforced than the V1.

MidLife Runner observes that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 has padding in the heel collar, which is not present in the V1.

Sagasu Running observes that Mizuno really redesigned the heel in the Neo Zen 2, which can be seen when looking inside, and it should lock you in quite well.

RoadTrailRun observes that the Neo Zen 2 has more padding and a heel counter to make a more secure fitting.

RoadTrailRun reports that the Neo Zen 2 uses a combination upper: the tongue area is knit material, while the entire body is made with engineered mesh.

RoadTrailRun finds that the engineered mesh upper on the Neo Zen 2 creates more breathability and a nice soft fitting.

EDDBUD finds the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 great for a daily shoe or to handle lots of different things.

EDDBUD finds the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 'easily capable of doing some of those longer runs' within half-marathon training.

Sagasu Running finds the Mizuno Neozen 2 is a little bit more geared towards comfort and cruising, but it is a shoe you can pick up the pace in and does have performance in the foam.

Sagasu Running places the Mizuno Neozen 2 on his performance matrix as a shoe focused on steady and easy running, but notes the high top end is probably just a little bit more than that category suggests.

Sagasu Running says the Mizuno Neozen 2 is not a shoe he would pick for max effort running, but if he needed to do it, it could do that.

Believe in the Run says they could use the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 for a lot of different applications.

Sagasu Running finds that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 may be a little more focused around overall comfort than speed and being a dedicated workout shoe, but can definitely do workouts.

EDDBUD finds that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 does 'a lot of the things that the NovaBlast shoe does for some people,' keeping weight nice and low while delivering versatility.

Sagasu Running finds the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 works for everything from easy, steady, threshold into a little tempo, though the sweet spot is easy and steady running.

Sagasu Running finds the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 versatile across a long range of paces, from easy into steady, pushing into threshold, and also works well for some 200 and 400 meter reps, with the reviewer attributing that versatility to it being just a piece of very resilient foam with no other technology.

Sagasu Running finds the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 protects the foot, is very cushioned, gives some feel for the ground (proprioceptive feedback to know where the foot contacts), and can do a lot of different paces and things.

The Run Testers does not consider the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 a more versatile shoe than the Wave Rider 30.

Sagasu Running finds the ASICS Nova Blast 6 is probably the more versatile all-rounder compared to the Mizuno Neozen 2.

EDDBUD observes the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 has 'very reasonable weight and good perceived durability from that outsole so far at least for me.'

EDDBUD finds the outsole of the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 to be 'pretty special' — really tough despite lacking super thick ridges; the material works well despite its smooth nature.

Sagasu Running finds the Mizuno Neozen 2 outsole 'fine' but 'nothing special' and observes it is wearing a lot quicker than he would want it to.

Sagasu Running observes that the ASICS Nova Blast 6 has a better outsole overall than the Mizuno Neozen 2, preferring the materials and toe-off grip of the ASICS Grip rubber.

EDDBUD finds that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is available at Decathlon for £80, which is £50 off the retail price, and he considers that a great deal.

kofuzi notes that the Neo Zen 2 retails for $160, which is more expensive than the Wave Rider 30 ($150).

Believe in the Run notes that the Mizuno Neo Vista has a $200 price tag, while the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is $160.

Believe in the Run finds the Mizuno Neo Zen 2's $160 price hits a really nice spot.

EDDBUD speculates the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is a shoe that has been slept on, like a few other Mizuno shoes, and recommends giving Mizuno a chance, suggesting viewers will be impressed with the quality and performance for the price.

RoadTrailRun reports the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 price is $160 in the US.

jogoncrago measured the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 at 262 g, up from about 248 g in the original Neo Zen.

MidLife Runner measured the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 at 8.4 oz in his US men's size 9.

RoadTrailRun reports that the Neo Zen 2 is slightly heavier than version 1, weighing 8.3 oz in a US size 9.

Believe in the Run measured their women's size 7.5 Mizuno Neo Zen 2 as 7.5 oz.

Believe in the Run measured their size 10.5 Mizuno Neo Zen 2 as 9.3 oz.

Sagasu Running measured the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 as about 20 g lighter than the Neo Vista 2, and states that is enough weight difference to be noticeable.

The Run Testers characterizes the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 as maybe a bit narrower and nimbler than the Wave Rider 30.

Sagasu Running considers the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 on the narrower side, with a longer and more narrow fit than the Neo Vista 2, giving a more performance-oriented training fit.

Sagasu Running wore both shoes in US men's size 9 and reports that the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 fits true to size; the reviewer loves the fit and would not go up or down half a size.

Sagasu Running recommends true to size for the Mizuno Neo Zen 2.

MidLife Runner states that for the Mizuno Neo Zen 2, you do not have to half-size down, unlike the Zen 1 or Neo Vista; the reviewer wears a US men's size 9 in the V2.

MidLife Runner finds that the upper fit of the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is still just a little bit long, but the difference is much more marginal than before.

kofuzi notes that the Neo Zen 2 has no plate — it uses all super-critical EVA with the plate removed entirely.

EDDBUD states the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 has no plates, describing it as a very wearable daily option.

Believe in the Run describes the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 as the essentially plateless version of the Mizuno Neo Vista (which has a plate).

Sagasu Running states the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is the first Mizuno shoe in the modern era without a wave plate, being a one-piece midsole of just foam, and that the engineering team doubled down on bounce and letting the foam give the performance.

Meta Endurance recommends the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 for heel strikers, as they find it super soft in the heel with a very pleasant, very nice transition.

MidLife Runner speculates that if a person liked the Mizuno Neo Zen 1 and is a heel striker, they probably will not get on well with version 2.