I was so excited to try the Mizuno Neo Zen 2. I liked the original Mizuno Neo Zen a lot, mostly because it was one of the rare “fun daily trainers”. It was light, bouncy, and just fun.
The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 feels like Mizuno looked at the complaints and actually addressed them. The upper is more structured, the platform feels a little more controlled, and the midsole setup is different enough that it’s not just a new color update. Mizuno still calls it a lightweight daily trainer, but the big question for me was whether it kept the Neo Zen vibe.
First Impressions of the Mizuno Neo Zen 2
The first thing I noticed was the upper. The original Neo Zen’s bootie-style knit could feel a little too casual for harder running, like it was comfortable but not always locked down. This version goes more mesh/knit blend and feels more “normal running shoe,” in a good way, with more heel structure and less of that floppy sensation. Mizuno literally calls out the redesigned upper with breathable mesh and stretchy knit, and that tracks with how it feels on-foot.
Underfoot, it’s still a Neo shoe, meaning it wants to roll you forward instead of feeling blocky. Mizuno mentions the “Smooth Speed Assist” geometry, and while I don’t usually buy the branding, the shape does encourage a quicker turnover when you’re cruising.
Mizuno Neo Zen 2 Frequently Asked Questions
What foam does the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 use?
The Neo Zen 2 uses MIZUNO ENERZY NXT, a nitrogen-infused EVA foam. It feels more controlled and stable than the original Neo Zen, with less bounce but smoother, more predictable compression on longer runs.
Is the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 a plated shoe?
No. The Neo Zen 2 does not have a carbon or nylon plate. It relies on Smooth Speed Assist rocker geometry for forward roll rather than mechanical propulsion.
Is the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 good for long runs?
Yes, for steady long runs. The high stack and Enerzy NXT foam provide protection, though it feels more like a daily trainer than a race-focused long run shoe.
How does the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 fit?
It runs true to size with a more structured upper than v1. The heel is more secure, and the midfoot lockdown feels more traditional while maintaining decent forefoot room.
Is the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 a daily trainer or speed shoe?
It’s best described as a lightweight daily trainer. It can handle moderate workouts but lacks the plate and snap of a dedicated speed or race shoe.
Mizuno Neo Zen 2 Quick Facts
Price: $160
Men’s weight: 8.5 oz (US M9)
Stack height: Mizuno lists a 40 mm heel stack
Drop: 6 mm
Intended use: lightweight daily training, easy runs to faster paced runs
Mizuno Neo Zen 2 Upper and Fit
This is the biggest practical change versus the first Neo Zen. You’re still getting that “sock-fit” idea, but with more structure and padding where it matters (especially around the heel). Mizuno has added extra heel padding and a more secure ride, and that’s exactly what it feels like: more held, less floaty.
Breathability seems solid, which I care about when it comes summer time in the Mojave Desert. It’s not the most minimal upper in the world, but it doesn’t feel swampy either. The best running shoes disappear off your feet and the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 does just that which is a different consensus then the original version.
In running shoes I wear between a women’s size 10 and 11 wide. I’ve found the women’s size 11 to fit the best in the Mizuno Neo Zen 2. It is a lot more fitted than the previous version, but that is a good thing since a lot of people found it to be a bit wide and sloppy.
Mizuno Neo Zen 2 Ride
The midsole is the story. Enerzy NXT here is a nitrogen-infused EVA compound and it rides like a modern “good EVA,” meaning it can land soft without turning into a dead sponge. Sometimes the softer shoes feel like your foot is disappearing into a mushy abyss and that is not really the issue here.
It’s not a plated super trainer, so don’t expect the shoe to do your work for you. What it does give you is a smooth, forward-rolling transition that works best at easy to steady paces. The geometry (Smooth Speed Assist) is basically Mizuno admitting that shape matters as much as foam now, and you feel that on longer steady efforts when your stride gets a little lazy and you need the shoe to keep things moving.
Compared to the first Neo Zen, the common theme is “more controlled.” There are some stability improvements including a heel wedge concept and Mizuno filled in the underfoot cavity from v1. Is the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 a stable shoe? No, but it will feel more stable than the original version.
If you want a daily trainer that feels energetic without being mushy, is a good choice. If you want something that feels aggressive for workouts, you can do tempos in it, but it’s not going to replace a true speed shoe.
Outsole and Traction
It uses Mizuno’s X10 rubber. I’ve never been disappointed with the traction and durability of Mizuno running shoes and the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is no different. I’ve used it for inclement weather, rainy days and on desert trails with no issues of sliding around.
The outsole coverage matters because Enerzy NXT is still foam, and I’m always skeptical of shoes with big exposed sections if you run on rough paths, gravel shoulders, or any kind of desert-hardpack that chews things up. I do think the exposed midsole will wear out faster but I expect to get about 400 miles on the Mizuno Neo Zen 2.
Where does the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 fit into a running shoe rotation?
This is a shoe I’d use when I want one trainer that can handle most of the week without thinking too hard about it. Easy runs, steady-state days, moderate long runs, general mileage. It’s light enough that it doesn’t feel like a brick when you pick it up, but it has enough stack that your legs don’t feel beat up just because you ran on tired pavement. I would keep a dedicated speed work or race shoe though.
If you already have a plated shoe for workouts and a max cushion shoe for recovery, the Neo Zen 2 sits nicely in the middle as the “do most things” option.
Mizuno Neo Zen 2 Conclusion
The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is basically Mizuno taking a fun shoe and making it easier to live with. The upper is more secure, the ride is still smooth, and the midsole change to Enerzy NXT (nitrogen-infused EVA) gives it that modern bounce.
Who Should Buy the Mizuno Neo Zen 2
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You want a lightweight daily trainer that feels smooth and moderately bouncy without relying on a plate.
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You liked the idea of the original Neo Zen but wanted more upper structure and a more controlled ride.
Who Should Not Buy the Mizuno Neo Zen 2
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You want a soft, sink-in recovery shoe or a race day shoe.
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You loved the super loose, stretchy feel of the v1 upper and don’t want a snugger fit.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Reebok Floatzig Tread, Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, On Cloudboom Max
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, adidas Prime Strung X3,
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: ASICS Metaspeed Ray, Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Vaporfly 4
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the Mizuno Neo Zen 2?
What is your favorite running shoe?