The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is the kind of shoe I reach for when I’m stacking base miles but don’t want my daily trainer to feel flat or boring.
It sits in that sweet spot between an easy-day cruiser and a light “let’s pick up the pace” trainer. It's protected enough for steady aerobic running, but still happy when I nudge the pace.
The Neo Zen 2 keeps the same overall idea of version 1, but the feel is different in a few important ways.
The big headline for me is that the midsole feels more controlled and stability feels better… but the updated upper is a real comfort wildcard.
Key specifications
- Price: $160 at Mizuno (I recommend buying here for the best price and colorway options)
- Weight: 8.6 oz / 244 g (my US M9)
- Drop: 6mm; 40 mm heel / 34 mm forefoot
- Upper: redesigned mesh + stretchy knit upper; reduced volume vs v1
- Midsole: MIZUNO ENERZY NXT foam. This new version feels less plush / more controlled underfoot
- Outsole: rubber coverage that I appreciate for daily durability
- Extra attributes: Smooth Speed Assist design. Eco-friendly / recycled materials.
Sizing and fit
For me, the Neo Zen 2 fits more true-to-size than the first version because there’s noticeably less volume through the upper.
That improves lockdown when I run faster, but I’d be cautious if you’ve got wider feet; it feels tighter through the midfoot and toe box area than v1 did.
Performance review
Ride feel that keeps easy running interesting
The main reason I like running in the Neo Zen 2 is the ride.
It still has that soft + bouncy character that makes longer steady runs feel easy to settle into.
What’s changed in v2 is the type of softness.
It’s less plush and less “sinky” than before, which (for me) makes the shoe feel more controlled without losing the fun part of the bounce.
Even with a tall stack, I still get a fairly “connected” sensation because the foam compresses in a way that doesn’t feel wobbly.
It’s not a sloppy, marshmallow-soft ride, it’s more like cushion, rebound, and a calmer platform underneath me.
Alastair Dixon
Better support up front as the run goes on
One of the biggest improvements I notice is in the forefoot.
Compared to the earlier version, I feel more supported up front as the miles add up, which matters on long runs when I’m landing a little heavier and my form isn’t as sharp.
That extra forefoot cushioning helps the shoe stay comfortable deeper into the run — and it also makes it easier to roll into a slightly quicker rhythm without the front of the shoe feeling underdone.
Stability feels calmer (without turning it into a “stability shoe”)
For a tall, lightweight daily trainer, the Neo Zen 2 is surprisingly steady.
That less-plush, more controlled underfoot feel means I’m getting less side-to-side “drama”, especially late in runs when fatigue shows up and things can start getting a bit messy.
It’s still a neutral shoe though, so if you're someone who needs real guidance for overpronation, I wouldn’t pretend this is that. Look toward a pair of stability running shoes that is built for that job.
Alastair Dixon
Daily trainer first, but it’ll play along when you push
In my mind, this is a daily trainer / speed trainer crossover.
Easy miles feel protected, but the shoe doesn’t feel dull once I’m a few miles in, it really is a rare senstion.
If I want to gently progress a run or add some uptempo work without being super precise, it cooperates. I’m not choosing it when I want that locked-in “race-day sharpness”, but for steady aerobic work and moderate pickups, it feels right at home.
Upper comfort is the big risk factor
Here’s my main gripe, and it’s frustrating because the midsole and stability changes are genuinely positive for me.
I’ve had rubbing/irritation on the inside edge near the top eyelet area - you can even see the stitching pushing this section inward (photo above).
Once that hotspot shows up, it’s hard to ignore, and it can turn an otherwise enjoyable run into a constant “yep, still there” distraction. It was the same for the Neo Vista 2...
So even though lockdown is better and the shoe feels more together when moving quicker, this particular irritation makes the Neo Zen 2 feel like a step back overall, for my feet, at least.
Sure, thicker socks will likely fix it, but I don't like wearing thick socks when I run.
Heel counter is improved
On the bright side, the heel/collar area works better for me in this version.
I’m no longer getting the heel-area rubbing I had to manage before, and I don’t feel like I need higher socks purely to protect the heel.
That’s a meaningful quality-of-life improvement, especially in a shoe that’s meant to rack up lots of weekly miles.
Outsole traction and durability notes
I still really appreciate the outsole rubber compound coverage.
A lot of daily trainers are cutting rubber back lately, and that usually shows up sooner than later, as premature wear.
Traction has been generally very good for normal roads, but I’d still be cautious on slick painted lines or wet slushy stuff, that’s where most grip tends to get exposed.
Long-term midsole durability is the big unknown with any daily trainer foam. It feels great now, and I’ll be watching whether the ride stays consistent deeper into the mileage.
If the Neo Zen is anything to go by (using the same foam), it will be great - I got hundreds of miles out of my pair.
Alastair Dixon
My verdict
If you liked the idea of the Neo Zen, a light, high-stack daily trainer that feels incredibly fun and bouncy to run in, the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 delivers that same “easy to keep running” ride, with a more controlled underfoot feel and noticeably improved stability.
The forefoot also feels better supported as the run goes on, which makes it easier to use for longer steady efforts especially if you're more of a forefoot lander.
This is a genuine steal for $160, providing the upper doesn't give you the same irritation it did me.
But the upper is definitely going to be the dealbreaker variable; for me, the inside-edge/top-eyelet irritation is real, and it’s the kind of hotspot that can ruin the experience if it shows up for you.
If you have tried these, let me know in the comments if you experienced the same please! -Alastair
