I was super excited to try the Mizuno Neo Vista 2. The original Neo Vista is one of my favorite shoes of 2024. If you’ve been watching Mizuno quietly move into the super trainer scene, you probably already know the Neo Vista was a surprising hit. Now the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is here and rather than reinventing the shoe, Mizuno made some smaller updates. The result? A lightweight, high-stack, bouncy ride that hits the sweet spot for long runs, easy days, and even uptempo efforts.
The original Neo Vista made headlines as a surprising performance-forward shoe from a brand often associated with firm midsoles and conservative design. It introduced a more fun, bouncy side of Mizuno. Now with version two, Mizuno keeps the heart of the shoe intact but adds extra energy and a few key improvements.
Before trying the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 I had a few questions:
- Is there a big update with the Mizuno Neo Vista 2? Not really, they opted to keep it fairly similar so if you liked the original version, you’ll likely like this version too.
- Does the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 fit true to size? Yes. The sock-like fit can feel a little weird at first, but for the most part, it does fit true to size.
- What is the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 made for? It’s a great daily run option doing the meat and potatoes of your training.
Now let’s get into an honest Mizuno Neo Vista 2 shoe review.
Quick Facts
- Weight: 266g (Men’s) / 223g (Women’s)
- Stack Height: 44.5 mm heel / 36.5 mm forefoot
- Drop: 8 mm
- Price: $160
- Best For: Easy runs, long runs, tempo workouts
Key Updates from Version 1
Mizuno didn’t completely overhaul the Neo Vista, but they made a few smart refinements in version 2. The upper is now an engineered knit that’s more breathable and flexible. They also added structural overlays through the midfoot and heel for better lockdown. The outsole cavity that caused some stability issues in version 1 has been partially filled in, helping the shoe feel more stable on uneven roads. Otherwise, the ride and midsole formula stay largely the same, which is a good thing because version 1 was already a hit.
Mizuno Neo Vista 2 Upper and Fit
Mizuno swapped out the original mesh upper for a new engineered knit, and the change is immediately noticeable. It’s more flexible, molds better to the foot, and feels less restrictive overall. The stretch-knit bootie fits like a sock, though some runners might find it slightly loose if they prefer a more dialed-in feel. Many of Mizuno’s original customers have narrow feet and the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 stays true to the more narrow last but it is wider and more forgiving.
To counterbalance the flexibility of the knit, Mizuno added additional structural overlays through the midfoot and heel. These help create a more locked-in fit where you need it, especially on turns or during uptempo work. It’s a smart balance between comfort and support.
The best running shoes disappear off your feet and I think the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 does just that. The first time I put the shoe on, it felt comfortable and I didn’t have any issues (I do have a wider foot). I appreciated how it breathed, especially because we’ve entered the Mojave Desert summer. I can’t deal with any running shoes that don’t have breathable materials. Those go on the shelf until October.
In running shoes I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I found the women’s size 10.5 to fit the best. The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 does run slightly long and some may prefer to go down a half size.
Mizuno Neo Vista 2 Ride
The magic of the Neo Vista 2 lies in its midsole. Mizuno uses a dual-layer foam setup: a base of ENERZY nxt and a top layer of nitrogen-infused ENERZY foam. The combination is soft yet energetic, offering a plush feel without the mushiness that sometimes plagues high-stack shoes.
In between the foams sits a glass fiber-reinforced plate. It’s not as aggressive as a carbon plate, but it adds snap to the transition without stiffening the shoe too much. That makes it accessible for everything from slower paces to tempo runs.
The Smooth Speed Assist rocker geometry is back and just as effective. It encourages an efficient toe-off that feels natural and quick. During easy runs, I consistently found myself running a touch faster than planned—not because I was pushing, but because the shoe simply moves well.
Where does the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 fit into my rotation? I think it’s been a great easy run, daily run shoe. It’s easy to pick up the pace if you want because that glass carbon fiber plate does add some pop. It’s a shoe I take with me when I don’t know what kind of run I’ll do for the day. It’s great and can handle so many different workouts and runs.
Outsole
There aren’t any drastic changes to the outsole, but Mizuno did fill in the midfoot cavity that caused some stability concerns in version one. That small fix makes a noticeable difference, especially when running on uneven paths or sloped roads. I still don’t love that there is a cavity that can collect rocks because occasionally I’ll hear a click click click and I know I’ve picked up a rock.
The outsole rubber itself is durable and grips well, even in dusty or light wet conditions. After 100+ miles, I’ve seen minimal wear, and I expect these to last far longer than your average high-stack trainer.
Mizuno Neo Vista 2 Conclusion
The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 delivers comfort, performance, and durability. Mizuno has done a great job in this new journey of shoes they’ve created. The updated foam setup adds liveliness without losing stability, and the upper breathes well and feels good on the foot.
The second version is not a radical overhaul, and that’s a good thing. Mizuno took what worked, made it better, and left the rest alone. If you’re looking for a reliable super trainer that can float through your weekly mileage without feeling boring, the Neo Vista 2 is a strong contender worth considering.
Who Should Buy the Mizuno Neo Vista 2
- Runners who want one shoe for everything from easy days to workouts
- Those who love high-stack, plush midsoles but still want a responsive feel
- Fans of Mizuno who are curious about their performance side
Who Should Not Buy the Mizuno Neo Vista 2
- Runners who prefer firmer or more traditional midsoles
- Those who need a highly structured upper for aggressive cornering or races
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
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Questions for you:
What is your favorite daily trainer?
Have you tried Mizuno?