Mizuno Neo Vista 2 Review
By Matthew Klein & Andrea Myers
Mizuno Neo Vista 2Price: $200 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 9.4 oz, g (men's size 9), 7.9 oz, g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 45 mm heel / 37 mm forefoot
Drop: 8 mm
Shoe Purpose: Super Training Shoe
Pros: Soft & Bouncy Ride, Comfortable Higher Volume Upper, Great for Long Runs
Cons: Heel Too Soft/Unstable, Less Pace Versatility Than Prior Version, Achilles Tab Chafes with Low Socks.
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is a super trainer for those who want an incredible soft and bouncy ride over longer miles. A dual layer of TPU/EVA ENERZY NXT provides an incredibly soft and bouncy ride, especially in the heel, and a more balanced and responsive ride in the forefoot. A glass-fiber-infused nylon wave plate runs the length of the midsole, providing mild structure while still allowing a little flexibility. A knit upper provides a wider and higher volume fit for those who want more room or have wider feet. These components make it an excellent choice for uptempo long runs and longer races for others. A more resilient ride with a more dialed-in upper, the Neo Vista 2 comes with several upgrades that refine this shoe compared to version one.
SIMILAR SHOES: Brooks Hyperion Max 3, ASICS Superblast 2
PAST MODEL: Mizuno Neo Vista
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 fits me mostly true to size, if slightly long, in my normal men's US size 10. The full-length engineered knit upper provides a wider and higher volume fit that still manages to secure my normal-size foot well. There is stretch to the upper, which may allow it to provide additional room for those with wider feet. The forefoot is wider and feels slightly long. There is plenty of room and the strategic thickening of the knit still secured my foot well. The midfoot and heel are also slightly wider, with a one-piece, tongueless upper. The overlays and tightening the laces fixed this and once I tightened the laces, I did not have any slippage. The heel does not have a counter, instead featuring two overlays on the medial and lateral sides that give it structure. Those with heel sensitivities or a Haglund deformity will do great in this shoe. There is no heel collar padding, but the knit acts like a sock and narrows at the top.
Unlike the previous version, the posterior section right at the Achilles no longer has a piece of material that juts out and abrades my skin. I still found that I needed taller socks with this upper as I got some Achilles chaffing, so socks are highly recommended with this shoe. Overall, the knit upper does a great job of keeping the foot on the platform and getting out of the way. Those with narrow feet may struggle with this upper, but those wanting more room will do well.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
Andrea: The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 fits true to size in my usual women's 9.5. While I needed to size up to a 10 in the original Neo Vista, the 9.5 Neo Vista 2 fits true to size, with a full thumb's width from the front of my big toe to the end of the shoe. The knit upper provides sufficient width and volume in the toe box without feeling sloppy, and I like that Mizuno relocated the Mizuno logo overlay from the lateral aspect of the forefoot to the medial aspect, where I did not notice any pressure over my big toe. The midfoot and rearfoot are slightly wider than normal, but moderately stiff overlays on the medial and lateral aspect of the rearfoot provide enough structure that my feet felt perfectly secure in the shoe. The tongue is a continuation of the upper and the laces run through a thick string as opposed to traditional eyelets. I did not need to cinch down the laces much at all before running in the shoe, and it did not require any on the run lace adjustments, which I appreciated.
The rearfoot features a small, flexible heel counter and there is no additional internal padding. There is an extended Achilles tab, but it did not bother me, even when running in ankle socks. The Neo Vista 2 fit comfortably for me and I was pleased with how secure my foot felt in the shoe, without any hot spots.
Andrea's Typical Size: Women's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit Andrea well: Brooks Hyperion Max 1 and 2, Topo Cyclone 2, Nike Vaporfly 3, ASICS Novablast 4 and 5, PUMA MagMax Nitro
Shoes that have fit snug: Altra Escalante 4 (toe box width and volume), Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 and 3 (length), Saucony Endorphin Speed and Pro 1-4 (length)
Shoes that have fit large: Adidas Boston 12 (length), Adidas Adios 8 (length)
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: No
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: No
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Mildly
How Flexible is the Shoe: Not Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Somewhat
Recommended for Haglunds: Yes
Is This Shoe Orthotic Friendly: Somewhat
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is a super trainer that is best for easy and long runs. The dual-layer midsole features a new TPU ENERZY NXT topsole with an EVA-based ENERZY NXT bottom. This makes it feel different from the original version. At easier paces, the heel feels soft and reacts slowly. There is a decent centered heel bevel with a split sole that allows the medial and lateral sides to compress somewhat independently. This makes for a smooth, albeit really mushy rearfoot landing. The midfoot is a combination of the heel and forefoot, with some stiffness that offsets the softness. The forefoot feels more balanced with good cushioning but not mushy soft like the rearfoot. The forefoot feels more grounded and stable while still being on the softer end of things. It feels much better to land farther forward to get off the heel and despite the plate, there is a little bit of flexibility to the forefoot. While most of the shoe is stiff thanks to the plate and stack height, those with toe mobility issues may not find the stiffness holds up in the forefoot as much as they need. There is an early forefoot rocker that makes transitioning off the front feel easy. The relatively lighter weight for such a tall shoe makes running in the shoe feel easy. However, the large size of the shoe and the slower responding heel makes picking up the pace difficult. I have done several moderate to longer runs at easy and slightly uptempo paces. As long as I can land a bit farther forward, the Neo Vista feels great.
When I have tried to pick up the pace beyond that, the shoe feels too large and the midsole does not respond fast enough. The Neo Vista can handle some marathon-pace efforts, but any attempts at going faster feel awkward. For those reasons, this shoe will make an excellent super trainer for many people and an excellent marathon racing alternative to aggressive super racing shoes for recreational and slower runners. Those wanting to go faster should instead consider the Rebellion Flash 2 or the Rebellion Pro 3. Traction-wise wise the Neo Vista 2 is good on dry ground. I have experienced some mild slipping on wet pavement but on track it is fine. The smooth sole, soft heel and central cut outs make this a poor choice for anything but man-made surfaces. I would not take this on trail due to poor traction and the potential for rocks, mud, or debris getting stuck. As long as you keep it to normal surfaces, the outsole durability is good. I have 40 miles on my pair and only have a tiny bit of abrasion on the posterolateral heel. The midsole is also holding up well and has not compressed like the original version, so I would expect above average durability, especially with the presence of a TPU-based topsole.
Andrea: I have tested the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 on a number of easy runs, short efforts from marathon pace down to threshold, and strides. For me, the shoe feels best at easy paces and I enjoyed it most on runs where my legs were tired from a previous workout. At 7.9oz for a women's 8, it feels lighter on foot than I would expect for a shoe with a 45mm/37mm stack height. The updated TPU/EVA ENERZY NXT midsole feels less compliant than the EVA version of ENERZY NXT in the original Neo Vista. I think this is primarily due to where I land on the shoe (lateral midfoot), which is in front of what appears to be the softer layer of ENERZY NXT located in the lateral rearfoot. This midsole construction will likely result in heel strikers and midfoot/forefoot strikers having very different experiences in the shoe, as Matt and I often do (including the Neo Vista 2).
At easy paces, the high stack midsole feels protective and moderately bouncy without feeling too compliant or unstable. When I tested the shoe for some shorter pickups at marathon pace to threshold pace, the shoe responded well, but it felt like too much shoe for running fast. Similarly, I could run strides in the Neo Vista 2 at around mile pace, but it definitely felt like too much shoe and like I was getting bogged down in the transition from initial contact to push off. Some of this feeling may be due to the offset construction of the midsole cutout, which is positioned closer to the lateral side of the shoe. This design feels like it provides mild resistance to medial forefoot motion, which is a feature I do not typically like due to my tendency to land a little too far laterally at the midfoot. While the large heel bevel makes midfoot landings feel comfortable, the forefoot rocker appears reduced as compared to the original Neo Vista, making v2 feel a little less snappy at push-off.
I enjoyed the original Neo Vista for uptempo long runs, but I did not feel like I could get into a rhythm in v2 for anything faster than easy pace. The platform feel stiffer longitudinally as compared to v1, which may partially be due to the change in midsole cutout design. While v1 featured a large cutout that ran the entire length of the shoe, v2 has a bridge of midsole material that runs horizontally across the midfoot, which likely contributes to increased longitudinal bending stiffness and decreases the compliance of the midsole because the lateral and medial sides are not completely separated as in v1.
I have tested the shoe on wet roads and had no issues with traction, thanks to the full rubber outsole coverage. I have 25 miles on my pair and there is only mild visible wear on the forefoot outsole. I would expect average to above average durability of the outsole and TPU/EVA midsole.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is a mostly neutral shoe, but has some guidance features, especially in the forefoot. The sole of the shoe is quite wide with a large central cut-out. The cutout is biased laterally in the forefoot, which provides noticeable lateral guidance at the front. The base of the shoe is wide and does not narrow in the midfoot. The plate and tall stack height also adds some torsional rigidity. However, the softness of the shoe, particularly in the heel, offsets many of these features. While the base is stable for the foot, this is an example of a shoe that may not be appropriate for those with hip instabilities, as soft shoes can greatly challenge. The forefoot is not as soft, which makes the laterally biased cutout more prominent. This makes this an excellent shoe for those with medial forefoot stability needs and is borderline stable neutral in the heel and midfoot for those not sensitive to soft shoes.
Andrea: The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is a mild stable neutral shoe for me. I considered the original Neo Vista a borderline stable neutral shoe and v2 has a couple more pronounced guidance features for me. The change in the central midsole cutout (having a horizontal bridge of midsole material in the midfoot) stiffens the platform and keeps the medial and lateral midsole pillars from functioning as separate units, as the original Neo Vista felt to me. This central cutout is laterally offset, which feels like it functions to mildly resist medial forefoot motion. The shoe features a wide base that runs the length of the shoe, with a particularly wide midfoot and forefoot, which makes it more stable for midfoot and forefoot strikers. The shoe also features moderate sole flaring that runs the length of the shoe and is balanced medially and laterally, which also contributes to a centered ride. The large heel bevel makes midfoot landings feel particularly natural, and while I found the forefoot rocker to be less aggressive than v1, it is still enough to provide mild assistance to push off.
Thoughts as a DPT: Changing Midsole Reforming and Tissue Adaptation
By Matthew Klein
I have been pondering why the ride characteristics of the Neo Vista 2 are so different from the original Neo Vista. Version 1 had an incredibly bouncy ride that felt a little awkward at slower speeds but blew me away with how fast it could go when pushed. I was almost afraid of that shoe because the midsole responsiveness ruined the feel of other shoes. Yet within a 100 miles the midsole settled down, compressed and that magical bounce was far more muted. It is still surprising to me that the original midsole foam was completely EVA but less surprising now experiencing a TPU version. While no midsole is purely EVA or TPU (or even PEBA) anymore (everything is a blend), TPU was the foundation for the Adidas Boost foam back in the day. TPU tends to be more durable, weighs a bit more but when expanded or blended correctly, can be just as bouncy if not more so. The original Boost shoe midsole felt like they never died, with the midsoles tearing apart long before they compressed. However, with a different foam means different underfoot characteristics. The update to a TPU-based ENERZY NXT still feels soft but does not have the same fast bounce the EVA version did. However, it is maintaining its feel far longer and better than the original. This makes me suspect that the foam compresses to a similar level, reforms slowly but maintains its ability to reform far better.
Agresta, C., Giacomazzi, C., Harrast, M., & Zendler, J. (2022). Running injury paradigms and their influence on footwear design features and runner assessment methods: A focused review to advance evidence-based practice for running medicine clinicians. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4, 815675.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: I am torn with the updates to the Neo Vista 2. I have found version 2 to have far less pace versatility than the prior version and I do not like how soft/mushy the heel is. However, the midsole durability is way better and the upper is greatly improved. Although the midsole feels more balanced and less crazy, I expect a crazy bounce from a shoe that costs $200 or more. I personally would love to see the heel midsole firmed up just a little. This would make the heel less mushy, may make it a little more responsive and help the heel transition a bit quicker. A larger heel bevel with a foam this soft may not be a good idea, but an early forefoot rocker may also help the forefoot transition a little quicker (as Andrea suggests). Overall, while this shoe is not going to match someone like me who doesn't like soft heels, I think this may be a good super shoe alternative for many recreational runners looking for a ton of cushioning and a long distance race shoe.
Andrea: I have greatly enjoyed testing the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 and it has earned a spot in my easy run shoe rotation. I appreciate that Mizuno has cleaned up its sizing and that I may now comfortably wear my usual size in the shoe. I am a runner who prefers to use maximal stack shoes for easy runs and I think Mizuno has made an ideal easy run shoe for tired legs. Like most maximal trainers, I find the Neo Vista 2 to be too much shoe for faster running, but many runners will disagree with me. The only thing that would make Neo Vista 2 better for me is if the forefoot rocker started a little earlier, which would probably make it feel better at uptempo long run paces for me. Otherwise, I am quite pleased with the fit and performance of this update.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is a relaxed super trainer for those who want a soft shoe for easy and long miles who also want more room in the upper. The upper will work best for those with normal to wider/higher volume feet who want more room from a knit upper. The midsole will work best for those who want a really soft heel with a laterally guided forefoot. The overall ride will be best for those who want a super trainer that isn't a speedy shoe but is a protective one that will maintain its underfoot feel over longer miles. The $20 increase in price may be worth it for some given the improved midsole durability due to the TPU ENERZY NXT. For me, this shoe is way too soft and does not have the pace versatility I would want or expect with a price tag increase. Make sure you can handle a soft shoe if you are interested in this one.
Andrea: The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is a super trainer that features a dual layer TPU/EVA ENERZY NXT midsole, a one piece upper construction, and a firmer, moderately bouncy ride from my perspective as a midfoot striker. It provides exceptional underfoot protection and the right amount of bounce to make easy runs on tired legs more enjoyable. While the original Neo Vista was a steal at $180, v2 goes up $20 in price to $200, which is understandable due to the general effects of tariffs on running shoe prices. I think it remains a great value, particularly due to its light weight for such a high stack shoe, its likely higher durability due to its TPU/EVA midsole (as compared to the PEBA midsole of many other super trainers), and its comfortable fit.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: A- (Comfortable, wider/higher volume but secure fit)
Performance: B (Soft heeled super trainer. Best for easy/long runs. Struggles to go faster)
Stability: B [Forefoot Guidance] (Wide base, central groove make for an almost stable neutral shoe that is offset by the soft heel. Forefoot has lateral guidance due to central groove and may work for those with medial forefoot stability needs)
Value: B+ (Good midsole and outsole durability but decreased pace versatility make the increased price less worth it. A better training option for those wanting a softer super trainer)
Personal: C (Heel is far too soft for me. Forefoot guidance feels great but can't offset the mushy heel)
Overall Design: B
Andrea
Fit: A (fits TTS unlike v1, one piece upper exceptionally comfortable and secure fitting. No complaints.)
Performance: A- (Best for easy runs for me, but great at easy runs. Too much shoe for faster running and less aggressive feeling forefoot rocker makes shoe feel a little less responsive when picking up the pace.)
Stability: [stable neutral] A- (Well done use of wide platform, guidance line/central cutout, sole flaring, and rocker geometry)
Value: A- (Price comparable to most other super trainers in 2025. Will likely be more durable than PEBA based super trainers. Price increase likely out of Mizuno's control due to tariffs.)
Personal: A- (I really enjoyed this shoe for easy runs, less so for anything else. Great for tired leg days.)
Overall Design: A-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORMizuno Neo Vista 2Price: $200 at Running Warehouse
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