I got the Mizuno Neo Vista 3 for the purpose of testing and review from Mizuno Germany. However, they have no control over this review and I will try to give my honest opinion on the shoe.
Over the last few weeks I ran over 150 kilometers in the shoe. I did a few longruns in them, shorter intervals, longer intervals, tempo runs and easy runs. Actually everything that was on my training plan. Therefore I think I can give a proper review of the shoe.
What does Mizuno say about this shoe
Experience smooth, effortless energy featuring Mizuno’s signature bouncy Supertrainer. It combines Nitrogen Infused MIZUNO ENERZY NXT cushioning with a full-length Mizuno Wave Plate for powerful energy return, stability, and smooth directional bounce. Plus, the precision-crafted impact zone, deeper sole grooves, and Smooth Speed Assist geometry enhance efficiency, grip, and running form. The one-piece knit upper and cushioned heel deliver a secure, lightweight fit, making this an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their run.
There is a bold statement on the upper of the shoe: Crafted to experience effortless performance. Let’s find out if this statement is true and if the shoe is really that good.
Fit of the shoe and upper
The upper is made of a one piece knit upper, it hugs the foot nicely and there is no problem with the lockdown. Knit uppers are a bit unique. This one does not feel restrictive. The shoe fits me true to size.
The toe box has enough volume that the feel is comfortable. There are some reinforcements in the upper to give the shoe some structure. The heel area is sculpted and has a lot of padding, so you really get a good lockdown in the shoe.
I think that this lockdown is important, since the tongue is part of the knit upper and there is not much padding on it to release lace pressure. No need to lace up the shoe tightly to get a secure fit.
With all the little holes around the upper the airflow is good and I never overheated in it, not even while running fast or far during warm temperatures.
The only issue I see with the upper is, that it can get narrow, if you have wider feet. I’m not sure that the structure of the upper would provide enough comfort. Therefore I suggest, that it would be good to try the shoe before buying, if you have wider feet.
A unique feature on the upper are the two pull tabs, one on the tongue and the other one on the heel. They are useful while putting the shoe on. The one on the tongue provides a bit of padding for lace pressure. At first I was a bit worried about the one at the heel, that it would maybe rub against my achilles during the runs, but it did not. Couldn’t even feel or notice it while running.
Midsole and Outsole of the Mizuno Neo Vista 3
The midsole is, where the magic happens. There are two layers of foam with a glass fiber 3D wave plate in between. The upper layer is a more responsive TPU material, while the lower layer is made of EVA.
Lately a lot of running shoes have such a double layer setup with different foams. I personally think, that Mizuno found a good combination of foams in the Neo Vista 3. Together with the wave plate, they produced a midsole, that make the Neo Vista 3 a versatile running shoe.
The outsole is made of Mizuno’s X10 rubber and today, after more than 150 kilometers of running in this shoe there is no visible wear. I found that the grip was excellent in dry and wet conditions.
If you look at the shoe from the bottom part, you will see that there’s a big cutout. It runs all the way up to the wave plate. And if you decide to run on gravel roads or trails, this cutout is a magnet for stones and other debris. It’s a shoe designed to for road running and should be used as such.
Performance of the shoe
Yes, it is a versatile shoe. It can be used for any run you have in your training plan. And you can believe me when I say, that it’s a fun shoe to run in. I would even go so far and say, that it’s a great option to run a half marathon or marathon in. It is above the legal limit for racing, but we recreational runners can still use it. No worry, you will not get disqualified if you run a marathon in the Neo Vista 3.
Smooth Speed Assist: a term Mizuno is using for their midsole shape. There is a rocker in the front, not a super aggressive one like in the race shoes, but sill. In addition there is also a bit of a rocker at the back of the shoe. This shape makes it possible to assist through the foot strike and make it smooth.
Smooth and Fun would be the two words, that best describe the Mizuno Neo Vista 3. Despite the fact, that the midsole is quite high and that the upper layer is a softer material I didn’t sink into it. Probably due to the wave plate and the slightly firmer lower midsole material.
The shoe actually reacts good to your pace. During my easy runs it felt smooth, maybe the transition was a bit faster than in other shoes but I felt like I had enough cushioning and that the shoe rolled nicely through my stride. And when I picked up the pace, the midsole responded to it.
How will I use the shoe
According to Mizuno, the Neo Vista 3 is a Supertrainer. Personally I found, that the shoe works best for me on runs, when I pick up the pace a little bit. Would say, that the sweet spot are paces from slightly slower than marathon pace up to 10K pace.
Therefore, this will be my go to shoe for longruns with marathon effort segments and most of my longer interval sessions around marathon and half marathon race pace. I could use the shoe for my easy runs and all my longruns, but on easy days and when running longer at easy pace, I will use the Mizuno Neo Zen 2.
Would I recommend the Mizuno Neo Vista 3
It’s a modern running shoe in the super trainer category. Personally I think, that the midsole and outsole will last quite a while. After 150k the ride feels like the first day and there is no visible wear on the outsole either. In my opinion this shoe is a good choice for heel, midfoot and forefoot strikers.
If in any case you need some stability or support in your running shoe, this one is not the best option for you. The midsole is high and while running through tight corners I could feel the hight. Not that it was unstable, but still. And in addition I would not use the shoe for track workouts or runs on gravel.
If you are looking for a long lasting and reliable super trainer, that you will use on an almost daily basis, you can’t go wrong with the Mizuno Neo Vista 3. It’s even a great race day option, if you want a less aggressive midsole setup.
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