The first generation of the Mizuno Neo Zen earned acclaim for its exceptionally soft and springy cushioning. In the second iteration, however, the producer focused not only on enhancing these features but also on improving stability and refining the upper’s fit. The result is a shoe designed to compete with models such as the adidas Adizero EVO SL, Asics Novablast, and NB Rebel. I’m taking a closer look at what Mizuno’s latest training shoe has to offer and which runners it’s best suited for.
Basic Info
Tech Specs
Best For
The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is a model designed for everyday running on hard surfaces, such as road or concrete sidewalks. The thick midsole makes for a high level of cushioning and comfort. Additionally, the geometry and resilience of the foam support a smooth foot roll and deliver pleasant performance. This model is intended for runners with a neutral foot strike who are looking for a well-cushioned and versatile training shoe.
Pros
- very high cushioning
- springly ride
- lightweight, modern construction for a high-stack shoe
Cons
- limited width and a narrow fit
- may not be wide enough for runners with very wide feet
- although more stable than the Neo Zen 1, it still isn’t outstanding in this area
Key Features – What’s New in the Latest Edition
| NEO ZEN 2 | NEO ZEN 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stack height | 40/34 mm | 40/34 mm |
| Drop | 6 mm | 6 mm |
| Weight men’s | 245 g | 235 g |
| Weight women’s | 205 g | 200 g |
| Upper | knit mesh | knit mesh |
| Midsole | Mizuno Enerzy NXT Dual: a nitrogen-infused top layer and a more stabilizing bottom layer | Mizuno Enerzy NXT (nitrogen-infused) |
| Outsole | X10 Carbon Rubber | X10 Carbon Rubber |
Mizuno Running Shoes – Lineup
The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is one of the most modern training shoes in the brand’s lineup, combining high cushioning with a smooth and dynamic foot roll. Unlike most “Wave” models, this shoe does not use a stiffening plate; instead, its design is based on a thick midsole featuring two layers of Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam and Smooth Speed Assist geometry.
In the Mizuno lineup, the Neo Zen 2 sits alongside the classic training model, the Wave Rider, and below the more advanced Neo Vista with a nylon plate. It offers softer cushioning than the Rider but is significantly less stable. It is also a more stable and versatile model than the Neo Vista. As a result, it performs well during daily training sessions.
You can find all of these running shoes in the shoe guide for Mizuno running models.
| BOUNCY TRAINING | NEUTRAL TRAINING | STABILITY | |
|---|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Neo Vista 2 |  Wave Sky 9 |  Wave Horizon 8 |
| very high cushioning |  Neo Zen 2 |  Wave Rider 29  Wave Skyrise 7 |  Wave Inspire 22 |
| high cushioning |  Wave Ultima 17  Revolt 4 |  Wave Equate 9 |
Role in the Running Shoe Rotation
The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 can be part of your running shoe rotation alongside the well-known Rider models. Neo Zen 2 is perfect for most of the week when you want comfort and cushioning without a heavy shoe on your foot. However, when you need a more reliable performer, the classic “workhorse” – the Wave Rider 29 – steps in: a durable shoe for racking up kilometers on long runs and steady runs at a moderate pace. For your fastest runs, the Wave Rebellion Flash is the way to go – it’ll hold up during intense training sessions, perform well at the starting line, and deliver wherever pace matters most.
| WAVE RIDER 29 | NEO ZEN 2 | REBELLION FLASH 3 |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| easy, long runs | more energetic, daily running | tempo runs, race day |
Similiar to Mizuno Neo Zen 2
The Mizuno Neo Zen is one of the Japanese brand’s newest lines of running shoes, designed for runners seeking maximum cushioning without sacrificing responsiveness, lightness, and performance. As such, it competes with models like the adidas Adizero EVO SL, Asics Novablast, and NB Rebel – which are currently (rightly or wrongly) the most sought-after running shoes on the market. What sets Mizuno apart in this group is definitely the upper and its fit – it’s very good and fairly narrow. For runners with narrow feet, this may be a better choice than the models mentioned above.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Adizero Evo SL | 36/26 | 5 | 224 | 188 | 150 |
| Asics Novablast 6 | 41.5/33.5 | 8 | 253 | 214 | 150 |
| Mizuno Neo Zen 2 | 40/34 | 8 | 245 | 205 | 150 |
| New Balance Fuelcell Rebel v5 | 36/30 | 6 | 225 | 164 | 160 |
| Nike Zoom Fly 6 | n/a | 8 | 265 | 214 | 170 |
| Saucony Endorphin Azura | 40/32 | 8 | 240 | 212 | 160 |
| Puma Deviate Nitro 4 | 39/29 | 10 | 280 | 236 | 170 |
Cushioning That Gives You a Floating Sensation
In the Mizuno Neo Zen 2, the producer has incorporated a new, two-layer Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam construction. The top layer is made of lightweight, nitrogen-infused foam that provides a soft landing and high energy return. The bottom layer is made of a more stable, EVA-based version of Enerzy NXT. This design offers both high running comfort and a significant improvement in stability compared to the first generation of the model.
Stability is achieved not only through the use of two layers of foam with different characteristics but also thanks to a suitably widened sole profile and a wider platform. The result is more predictable shoe behavior during landing and greater control over foot movement. In this regard, the Neo Zen 2 performs better than its predecessor; however, due to its soft and flexible sole, it is not an exceptionally stable shoe. I do not recommend it to runners who tend toward overpronation – that is, those whose ankles roll inward. I also do not recommend it to heavier runners. The Neo Zen 2 is ideal if you weigh no more than 80–85 kilograms.
The sole geometry is “large and lively.” The Neo Zen 2 features as much as 40 mm of foam under the heel and 34 mm under the midfoot, resulting in a 6-millimeter drop. The Smooth Speed Assist technology ensures a smooth roll, guiding the foot properly from landing through to push-off. It feels very pleasant. Combined with the high sole, this means that although the shoe is a typical everyday running shoe, it retains a dynamic character.
Confidence and Peace of Mind on Every Run
The outsole of the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is made of durable X10 rubber, strategically placed in the areas most prone to wear. The tread elements are flat, and their depth does not exceed 1 millimeter. It’s also worth noting that the rubber surface itself is quite thin. This reduces weight and doesn’t restrict the flexibility of the midsole. As a result, the shoe feels so smooth and effortless.
The outsole design makes the Neo Zen 2 feel most at home on roads and concrete sidewalks. It also handles compacted gravel roads and dry forest trails with ease, though it is definitely not a model designed for trail running on more challenging terrain.
A Better Fit, More Confidence
The upper of the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 combines lightweight technical mesh with flexible panels that mimic a “sock-like” upper. This design makes for good ventilation while also making sure your foot is securely fitted while running. The result is a fairly snug fit and the feeling that the shoe hugs your foot, with the lacing serving more of a symbolic role.
This snug fit also means less toe box space. The forefoot is quite narrow and slender. The width at its widest point is below average and, in my size, measures 101.8 millimeters. The actual feel is similar – the Neo Zen 2 is a shoe that doesn’t make an excessive amount of interior space available. It’s more snug than spacious. Despite this, the upper is flexible enough to make a certain level of adaptability to the foot available, which is pleasant. However, this is not a shoe for runners with wide feet.
Stability in the rear of the shoe is moderate. The heel counter is only slightly stiffened, which feels comfortable but doesn’t hold the heel “like a vise.” There is a wider sole platform under the foot, but its softness makes it unable to provide support in cases of overpronation or outward ankle roll. In fact, the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 might even exacerbate outward ankle roll. For this reason, the Neo Zen 2 is suitable only for runners with a neutral foot type.
245 Grams of Pure Running Pleasure
According to the producer’s data, the men’s version of the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 weighs 245 g, and the women’s version 200 g, placing this model among the lightest training shoes. Its low weight is due to the lightweight sole construction and reduced rubber thickness. As a result, despite the high sole profile, the shoe doesn’t feel heavy or clunky while running.
It compares exceptionally well to competing models. In my size, US 12, it weighs 272 grams, which places it among the top 2% of the lightest training shoes for hard surfaces. And we’re talking about a shoe with a high level of cushioning. In this regard, it offers a very favorable cushioning-to-weight ratio, which certainly deserves attention.
Summary
The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is a model that showcases a new direction in the Japanese brand’s training shoe development. The producer has retained the most important feature of the first generation – very comfortable and springy cushioning – while slightly improving stability, fit, and the versatility of the construction. This is an ideal choice for runners looking for a single model for regular workouts, longer runs, and covering kilometers at a relaxed pace. The Neo Zen 2 doesn’t aim to be the most aggressive or the most specialized shoe in Mizuno’s lineup – its greatest strength lies in its combination of comfort, lightness, and versatility.
