I used to be excited to attempt the Mizuno Neo Zen. I’m at all times searching for cushioned each day trainers to log the boring miles. The Mizuno Neo Zen is Mizuno’s newest addition to their operating shoe lineup, designed to convey a brand new degree of consolation and efficiency to runners in search of an opulent, responsive journey.
Over the past couple of years, Mizuno has been pushing the boundaries with their new trainers. They nonetheless have staples just like the Wave Rider and Wave Encourage, however they’ve began including new and extra fashionable variations to cater to the ever-changing panorama of trainers.
Earlier than making an attempt the Mizuno Neo Zen, I had a few questions.
Does the Mizuno Neo Zen match true to dimension? Not like most of the newer Mizuno trainers, the Mizuno Neo Zen does certainly match true to dimension.
What sort of shoe is the Mizuno Neo Zen? It’s a contemporary each day coach with loads of cushions.
Mizuno Neo Zen Fast Information
Weight: 9.6 oz (males’s), 7.9 oz (ladies’s)
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
Value: $150
Mizuno Neo Zen Match
Okay this isn’t mandatory, however the shoe field for the Neo Zen is tremendous enjoyable. A metallic shoe field? Neat. The Mizuno Neo Zen options an engineered mesh higher that focuses on breathability and adaptability. The mesh materials permits for ample airflow, which is nice for maintaining your ft cool throughout longer runs or on scorching days. Mizuno strategically locations bolstered overlays to offer construction with out including pointless weight or creating scorching spots.
The match of the Neo Zen is true to dimension, with a barely roomy toe field that accommodates pure toe splay. This makes it a terrific choice for runners who want a bit of extra space within the forefoot. The padded tongue and collar add to the general consolation, locking the foot in place with out feeling overly comfortable. Warning: once you first try to put the Mizuno Neo Zen in your foot, you’ll marvel in case you have the precise dimension. Perhaps I simply have a giant heel. After sliding it on the primary time, it was a lot simpler to get on fortunately.
Mizuno’s use of their Dynamotion Match expertise ensures that the higher strikes naturally with the foot, lowering the chance of blisters and irritation. This adaptability is a good characteristic for runners who prioritize consolation over a decent, performance-oriented match.
The very best trainers disappear off your ft, and the Mizuno Neo Zen does simply that. I haven’t had any points with scorching spots or blisters. So far as sizing, I normally put on between a dimension 10–11 in trainers, and the dimensions 11 for Mizuno suits the very best.
Mizuno Neo Zen Trip
The guts of the Mizuno Neo Zen lies in its midsole. As I at all times say, the midsole is the place the magic occurs. Mizuno makes use of their progressive Enerzy Foam, which gives a steadiness of soppy cushioning and responsive rebound. This dual-function foam gives sufficient shock absorption for lengthy distances whereas sustaining sufficient bounce to maintain turnover fast and environment friendly.
The 8mm heel-to-toe drop provides the shoe a pure, easy transition by means of the gait cycle. Runners preferring a barely decrease drop however nonetheless need ample cushioning will recognize this steadiness. I’ve now put about 100 miles on the Mizuno Neo Zen and located the midsole foam is sturdy and holds up properly over time, sustaining its responsiveness even after excessive mileage.
Mizuno has additionally included a sculpted heel design to boost stability. This refined flare on the rear of the shoe retains the foot centered throughout landings, lowering the chance of rolling or instability, particularly for runners who strike on the heel.
The place does the Mizuno Neo Zen slot in my rotation? I believed it might be a each day coach/simple run shoe, and that’s precisely what it’s. It suits and feels good for these each day runs the place you don’t have a tempo in thoughts. It may well undoubtedly deal with quicker simple run paces, however there are higher sneakers to do a exercise in. In case you’re searching for a each day run choice, the Neo Zen is an effective one!
Outsole
The outsole of the Mizuno Neo Zen is constructed with X10 carbon rubber, Mizuno’s high-durability rubber that extends the lifetime of the shoe whereas offering glorious traction. I’ve used mine on roads and in inclement climate with no points. The tread sample is designed for street operating however performs properly on gentle trails or gravel paths. Flex grooves are strategically positioned to advertise pure foot motion and enhance flexibility throughout toe-off.
Regardless of its sturdiness, the outsole stays light-weight, complementing the general development of the shoe. The mixture of sturdiness and efficiency makes the Neo Zen a strong selection for runners who desire a shoe that lasts with out sacrificing pace or consolation. Even with 100 miles, the Mizuno Neo Zen feels nice, and I believe it can final round 400 miles or the typical each day coach size. I’ve by no means tried a Mizuno shoe that wasn’t extraordinarily sturdy, so I’m comfortable to report this one is simply too.
Mizuno Neo Zen Conclusion
The Mizuno Neo Zen stands out as a terrific operating shoe and robust begin to 2025. Its mixture of Enerzy Foam cushioning, breathable higher, and sturdy outsole makes it a wonderful choice for each day coaching.
Who Ought to Purchase the Mizuno Neo Zen
Runners in search of a extremely cushioned, impartial shoe for each day miles or long-distance coaching.
Athletes preferring a breathable, versatile higher with a roomy toe field.
Runners searching for a shoe that gives sturdiness and luxury with out feeling too heavy.
Who Ought to Not Purchase the Mizuno Neo Zen
Runners who want a stability shoe or vital arch assist.
Athletes preferring a agency journey with minimal cushioning.
Runners in search of a shoe for speedwork or racing, because the Neo Zen prioritizes consolation.
My Present Shoe Rotation:
Straightforward/Day by day Runs: Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, New Steadiness 1080v13 Shoe Overview , Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Velocity Work: 361 Levels Livid Future 2.0 Nike Tempo Subsequent%, Reebok Float Trip Run quick Professional, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Nike Alphafly 3
Lengthy Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Levels Eleos Shoe Overview
Path Operating/Climbing: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Overview Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: 361 Levels Livid Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, New Steadiness Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run quick Professional ,Nike Vaporfly 3 ,
You Can See All Present Shoe Evaluations Right here.
Trying to be taught extra about trainers? In my book, I speak about why you want operating shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, impartial vs. secure, and even myths of trainers.
