I got the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 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.
Before I will write about the shoe a few facts about me, that are important for the review. I’m mostly a half marathon and marathon runner. My best marathon time is 3.15, my fastest half marathon time last year 1.31. This year I ran a 3.25 marathon and my fastest half marathon this year was 1.37. I’m a heel to mid foot striker, 186 cm high and 72 kilograms.
My current easy run pace is between 5.40 and 6.00 min/km, my longrun pace between 5.20 and 5.40 min/km, my tempo pace between 4.40 and 4.50 min/km and I run some faster 1 kilometer repeats at 4.10 min/k pace. So now you know at what paces I tested the shoe.
What does Mizuno say about this shoe
Elevate your training with these shoes developed for runners seeking high-performance super trainers. Enjoy effortless runs with the Smooth Speed Assist technology, specially developed for racing shoes to help runners achieve perfect form with less fatigue. The NITROGEN INFUSED MIZUNO ENERZY NXT in the top midsole enhances the cushioning and energy return, while EVA-based MIZUNO ENERZY NXT in the bottom midsole boosts stability.
Let’s find out more about the Mizuno Neo Vista 2
Till today I ran about 100 kilometers in the shoe. Before I write a shoe review, I normally do quite some runs in the shoes, from easy recovery runs up to tempo runs, intervals and one or two long runs. I used the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 on one recovery run, a few easy runs, one longrun with segments at marathon pace and one treshold workout.
Fit of the shoe and upper
The shoe runs a bit long. My normal running shoe size is 12US and I got the shoe in size 11.5US. The length of the shoe is spot on, so you may consider going half a size down. The upper is made of a one piece knit upper, it hugs the foot nicely and there is no problem with the lockdown.
The toe box is has enough volume that the feel is comfortable. There is not much padding around the heel, actually only a thin overlay but despite of that I had no issue with any heel slippage and had a decent lockdown from the first time I used the shoe. The tongue is part of the upper.
It’s a comfortable shoe but those who have narrower feet could get a bit of a problem. The midfoot area is a bit narrow and it could be, that you foot will hang over the midsole in the arch area of your foot. I have normal wide feet and it was not an issue for me. The upper material itself is stretchable and should therefore accommodate runners with different feet. It’s not major but I would suggest to try out the shoe before buying.
Breathability of the upper is very good. I had no issue with overheating, not even when I was running at faster paces or for a longer period of time. And if you use thicker socks I think that the shoe will even be a good option at lower temperatures.
Midsole, Outsole and performance of the shoe
First a bit about the midsole. For a lot of runner the most important part of a running shoe. The Midsole of the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is a double layer midsole with a WAVE PLATE between the two layers. The top layer is a nitrogen infused material, very soft and bouncy. The bottom part a bit denser to provide stability.
It works great straight out of the box. The foam itself is on the softer side but you don’t sink into the midsole while running. Probably because of the bottom layer and the Wave Plate. My first run in this shoe was an easy run and my first impression of the shoe: “fun and bouncy”.
The plate inside the midsole is not from carbon and it has not an aggressive setup. The energy return from the midsole is directed more up than forward. On toe off you get quite some bounce back from the midsole and as you run faster, the feel of the ride becomes slightly firmer. Just what we need during those faster kilometers.
On the shoe itself is an inscription: “Crafted to experience effortless performance”. First thing, that comes to my mind is, that performance is not effortless. Without some effort, we don’t perform to our best. However, it’s good to have a running shoe, that supports our efforts and make them fun. That’s the Mizuno Neo Vista 2. And the Smooth Speed Assist technology, as Mizuno calls it, helps.
Every running shoe has a purpose. And I can say, that the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 ticks of quite a few boxes. At least for me. It’s found it very versatile. From shorter easy runs, to longruns with marathon pace effort. Even workouts at half marathon pace and treshold pace felt great.
However, in my opinion this is not a shoe for your recovery runs and it’s also not the best running shoe for shorter faster intervals, like 200 to 800 meter repeats at your top end paces. For the latest I would suggest the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 3 and for recovery runs the Mizuno Neo Zen.
On the outsole there are two stripes of rubber, with a groove running through the middle of the outsole. The grip was good in all conditions. Just the last few days I used the shoe on wet roads and roads covered with leaves. Had no issue with grip. And after a bit more than 100 kilometers, there are no signs of wear on the outsole.
How will I use the shoe
To a certain degree I already answered this question. But to sum it up. I will mainly use this shoe for my faster workouts around marathon and half marathon pace, as well as also on my longruns. Maybe every now and then also on my easy runs, when not reaching out for the Mizuno Neo Zen.
On the other hand, I will not use this shoe on track sessions and on 1k or 2k repeats with faster paces. For these type of runs there are better options out there on the market, even within the Mizuno running shoe lineup.
Would I recommend the Mizuno Neo Vista 2
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 100k 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. In the heel there is more than 50mm of foam and the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is not among the most stable running shoes. Therefore I would not use this shoe for track workouts, runs on gravel or forest paths.
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 2. It’s even a great race day option, if you want a less aggressive midsole setup. Just keep in mind, that it’s not the most stable shoe and that you will need some strength in your ankles.
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