Originally announced as the Mizuno Mystery Shoe 001 – a little marketing gimmick meant to increase interest – we now know it’s officially called the Mizuno Neo Zen. The Mizuno Neo Zen uses a lot of what worked in the awesome Mizuno Neo Vista but changes up a few things to make it a more accessible and wallet-friendly running shoe.
Mizuno Neo Zen
Release Date: December 13, 2024
Price: $150
Men’s Weight: 8.5 oz.
Women’s Weight: 7.1 oz.
Drop: 6mm (40mm heel, 34mm forefoot)
Sizing: True to size
- Rundown: The Mizuno Neo Zen is a bouncy, versatile, workhorse-of-a-shoe that delivers plenty of value at the $150 price point.
What is the Mizuno Neo Zen?
Running Warehouse’s description of the Mizuno Neo Zen says, “engineered for a fluid and responsive ride, this daily trainer features Mizuno’s ENERZY NXT midsole, a nitrogen-infused TPU foam that delivers exceptional bounce and cushioning. Lower to the ground than the Neo Vista and shaped with Smooth Speed Assist geometry, this inviting ride ensures you glide forward with ease.
With its soft sock-fit upper promising a secure universal fit, the Neo Zen provides your foot with the comfort and support it needs. And with the highly durable X10 rubber outsole, you’ll have peace of mind whether you’re enjoying long serene miles or turning the tempo up.”
So, if you read through all the marketing speak there, you know we’re getting several interesting things. A full knit upper, the Smooth Speed Assist geometry from the Neo Vista, no glass fiber wave plate, a durable outsole, and a nitrogen-infused, TPU midsole.
But does all that come together in a high-performance package?
How did the Mizuno Neo Zen perform?
Yes, the various aspects of the Mizuno Neo Zen work together nicely and create a high-performing shoe. Let’s dig in.
The knit upper is comfortable, and though it could be dialed in a bit more, it’s ultra breathable and accommodating of many different foot types. Some will feel there’s a touch of extra length but not enough to go down a half size. There’s a lot of volume in the toe, but that ultimately doesn’t affect performance – it just adds some abnormally high ceilings for your toes [Editor’s Note: If this were an apartment listing, we’d be drooling over those high ceilings and all that resultant natural light].
The lacing eyelets toward the forefoot don’t do much, but the laces at the ankle do increase lockdown. Getting your perfect fit may take a run or two, but you will find a lace configuration that feels solid.
The Smooth Speed Assist geometry is as exquisite as it was on last year’s Neo Vista. The geometry makes you feel like you’re falling forward with every step and keeps your stride smooth as the miles pile up. It’s one of the best rockers available on the market.
And the nitrogen-infused, TPU midsole is the bounciest for any Mizuno running shoe not named the Wave Rebellion Pro. It echoes the versatility of the highly anticipated adidas Evo SL. The ENERZY NXT midsole makes the Mizuno Neo Zen lively and bouncy in a way that a Mizuno daily trainer has never been before. Getting this much bounce from a $150 shoe with no plate puts it in a small group of very good shoes.
Finally, the outsole and its wave pattern is a carbon copy of the Neo Vista. Meaning, it will grip well in most conditions and has durability in-line with typical daily running shoes.
Pros
- Bouncy Mizuno ENERZY NXT nitrogen-infused TPU midsole
- One of the best rocker shapes on the market
- Highly comfortable knit upper
- Impressive breathability
- Solid outsole
Cons
- Voluminous forefoot
- Ineffective forefoot lacing
Is the Mizuno Neo Zen wide foot friendly?
Yes, the Mizuno Neo Zen is wide-foot friendly. The knit upper has extra room and is just stretchy enough to accommodate a wide variety of foot shapes, including those with wide feet.
Is the Mizuno Neo Zen worth $150?
The $150 price point of the Mizuno Neo Zen is a good value. Like the aforementioned adidas Evo SL, it’s like owning a shoe with the bounce of a race day model but without the stiffening agent of the plate. That makes the Neo Zen a shoe with impressive versatility for recovery runs, track work, tempo runs, or long runs. It can do it all and feel lively the whole time. Getting that for $150 is impressive.
Mizuno Neo Zen Summary
The Mizuno Neo Zen is my favorite Mizuno running shoe to date, narrowly edging out last year’s Neo Vista due to the removal of the plate, and still retaining most of what made the Neo Vista such a fan favorite. I have some quibbles with the upper, but they weren’t anything that demanded my attention as I ran, whether at a plodding or fast pace.
A $150, bouncy, and versatile shoe is an important part of a running shoe brand’s lineup these days, and Mizuno has put a very, very good one in that spot. If you’ve never tried a Mizuno shoe before, now’s the time.
How does the Author Run?
Drew Whitcomb (age 42, 6’6″ 195lbs): Runs daily with a once a week rest day. Runs a lot of miles due to testing needs and a growing affinity for long-distance races. Regularly competes in marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races.
Disclosure
While Mizuno did provide a pair of the Neo Zen to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.
