I was excited to try the Mizuno Neo Vista. Mizuno has made some fun shoes lately, and this one seemed like it would be just as fun to run in.
The Mizuno Neo Vista is designed to be a top-tier, max-cushioned trainer, perfect for runners seeking a super soft, comfortable ride. Before trying the Mizuno Neo Vista, I had a few questions:
- Does the Mizuno Neo Vista fit true to size? No, but also kind of? I found it extremely small for a women’s size 11. It actually took me a few minutes to get one on the first time. The upper isn’t as accommodating as a traditional upper, but after a few runs, it felt fairly fine. The shock factor of the first time I put it on, though, was crazy.
- Is the Mizuno Neo Vista fast? It can be. I think it’s one of the faster Mizuno shoes I’ve tried.
With that, let’s get into an honest Mizuno Neo Vista shoe review.
Mizuno Neo Vista Quick Facts
- Brand: Mizuno
- Weight: 9.4 oz
- Cost: $180.00
Mizuno Neo Vista Fit
The upper of the Neo Vista is designed to provide a secure, sock-like fit. I’ve never really had a shoe with this type of upper that I love. I’ve always found them to fit kind of tight or just not be comfortable. Maybe it’s because I have wider feet.
The stretchy material hugs the foot, offering excellent lockdown. However, the upper material does lack breathability, which might make it feel warm during longer runs. I’ve used the Neo Vista during the Mojave Desert summer, and my feet have gotten hot a few times during long runs. Not hot enough that I decide against wearing the shoe.
The lacing system, which runs inside the shoe between the first and second eyelet, can create pressure points if the lace twists. Despite these issues, the snug fit works well for those with narrow, low-volume feet. I also find the shoelaces incredibly long. I almost trimmed them because they were all over the place. Seriously, you don’t think shoe laces are weird until they almost touch the ground.
The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and the first few times I ran in the Mizuno Neo Vista, they did not. As mentioned above, it took me a few minutes to even put the Neo Vista on my foot. There was a brief moment I didn’t think my size would even fit me. But after a few runs, it became easy to put them on, and I haven’t had any issues. I still do wish the Mizuno Neo Vista had a traditional upper. So long story short, they are probably your size, but they may take a few runs to feel comfortable.
I typically wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I found the size 11 to be my correct size, but it was rough cramming my foot in the first few times. All I have to say about that is don’t judge a book by its cover and do give the Mizuno Neo Vista a few runs to mold to your foot. This coming from someone who rarely thinks you need to break in any shoe.
Mizuno Neo Vista Ride
The Enerzy NXT midsole is the highlight of the Mizuno Neo Vista, providing a super soft, squishy ride. This foam compresses significantly, resulting in a cushioned experience that’s ideal for easy and recovery runs. The flexible glass fiber plate offers propulsion. I actually found the glass fiber plate to provide more stability than anything. The midsole’s geometry, with Smooth Speed Assist technology, promotes a midfoot strike.
Where does the Mizuno Neo Vista fit into my rotation? The Mizuno Neo Vista just looks fast. I’ve found it to be a high-cushioned but faster speed trainer (similar to the Hoka Skyward or ASICS Superblast). It feels fast, and it’s a lot of fun to run in. For speed workouts, I do prefer something with less shoe, but I’ve done a lot of daily running in the Mizuno Neo Vista. It’s become a staple for my longer, faster runs. I really like the ride of the Mizuno Neo Vista, probably more than any other Mizuno shoe lately.
Outsole
The outsole of the Neo Vista features a full-length layer of soft rubber, enhancing durability and providing a padded landing. However, the traction on wet surfaces is below average due to the flat and smooth design of the rubber. This is the case with any shoe built like that. I’ve used the Mizuno Neo Vista on the local sandy trails and on rainy days. It performs fine, but I would likely choose something else if I was racing in inclement weather so I’m not slipping around.
Another thing to note is the central channel on the outsole is deep and wide. This means it will collect big rocks. If you hear a clink, clink, clink, and your shoe becomes an ounce heavier, it’s probably the rocks.
Mizuno Neo Vista Conclusion
The Neo Vista is an excellent max-cushioned trainer for runners who prefer a soft, comfortable ride. It is definitely one of my top 5 shoes of 2024. The super soft midsole and durable outsole make it a reliable option for those looking for a shoe for medium to faster easy and long runs.
Who Should Buy the Mizuno Neo Vista?
- Runners who enjoy a marshmallow-like ride with a sinking-in feeling.
- Those looking for a plated shoe that isn’t overly stiff.
Who Should Not Buy the Mizuno Neo Vista?
- Runners seeking a racing shoe may prefer something with less shoe.
- Those running in inclement weather frequently or on trails will prefer something with more traction.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Neo Vista, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, New Balance 1080v13 Shoe Review , Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future 1.5 Shoe Review Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Nike Alphafly 3
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future 1.5 Shoe Review Hoka Cielo X1, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro ,Nike Vaporfly 3 , ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Neo Vista?
What is your favorite running shoe?