Mizuno Neo Zen Introduction
The Mizuno Neo Zen is going to be a solid choice for your every day running needs for 2025. It is a super comfortable, bouncy, and smooth ride that allows for a runner to go for mile and miles with incredible energy return from all that bounce! I will continue to say this, but I whole heartedly believe the Neo Zen is an ELITE daily trainer and not your typical daily trainer.
As always during these reviews I like to start from the top down and discuss the shoe in its entirety. From the tip top of the shoe the thing that stood out to me the most was the very tall and very flexible heel tab on the back of the shoe. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it at first but when I put the shoes on, I could see why Mizuno designed it that way. It definitely makes it easier to put on the shoes.
Next, we work our way down the upper. Now this is probably going to be the most controversy with whoever you talk. The upper is a single piece constructed knit upper. The best way to describe this is when you put on socks not every sock feels the same some feel to tight some feel to lose, and some are just right. Depending on your foot shape this upper might not work for you. Although, it definitely worked for me and thoroughly enjoyed how comfortable it was. The upper was just right for me! I was also able to achieve a good lockdown from the lacing structure and it did not loosen up on me as I went on my long runs.
As we continue down the Neo Zen we make our way to the midsole. The midsole is labeled as the Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam it simple the foam is lightweight and provides more bounce than you can anticipate Mizuno basically advertises it this way and I feel like they nailed it. I have heard complaints that the foam is just to soft and bouncy which allows for speed work to become difficult, but I did not have that issue at all. You could definitely pick up the pace with the design of this midsole. Mizuno also advertises the smooth speed assist the goal of this is to lessen the load on the lower legs and it enables efficient form with a wide stable base for a quick turnover. I did notice this during my runs. I usually have this awkward left knee pain consistently and I hardly noticed it during my runs in the Neo Zen. It could very well be from the smooth speed assist.
At last, we make our way to the bottom of the shoe. The outsole is composed of x10 rubber not sure what that means but it isn’t anything crazy it gets the job done it wasn’t to grippy, but it got the job done on a variety of different terrains such as asphalt, concrete, snow, ice, and gravel roads.
The Neo Zen is fairly light weight which is shocking with how much cushion it provides. The stack height is advertised at 34mm in the front and 40mm in the heel.
With the weight at 8.5oz for a size 9. One if really the only con I noticed in the Neo Zen is even though it is light weight and cushioned it kind of felt clunky at times and I would graze my calf at times during my run. This con wasn’t enough to make me dislike the shoe but just something to consider.
The Neo Zen comes in at $150 this is a buy all day if you are looking for an everyday elite trainer. I don’t think I can compare the Neo Zen with anything I have worn in the past, but in my current rotation the closest would be the Asics Magic Speed 4 and honestly knowing what I do now I would seriously consider the Neo Zen over the Magic Speed 4. The Neo Zen will be a serious contender for 2025 in the daily training category amongst its competitors.
Mizuno Neo Zen Upper
Alright! As mentioned before this is going to be the hot topic for the Neo Zen. I have already heard and read some reviews regarding the upper. The upper is a single piece knit upper. Mizuno advertises it as stretchy that way it suites a wide variety of different feet, but does it though? I have no idea if it does or does not but all I can say it was just right for me. I have high arches and medium width size feet. No issues for me with the upper, laces, heel or any other irritation points that an upper can potentially cause.
Mizuno Neo Zen Sole Unit
The cushioning in the Neo Zen is unmatched I have never been in a shoe that has offered that much bounce as the Neo Zen does. I have always been the middle of the road type of runner so a foam that they make in the Puma Nitro is what I am usually drawn to, but I have been converted to the bouncy/cushioned midsole.
I was concerned with the high stack height that the Neo Zen would be unstable, but I did not have any issues. I couldn’t find anything advertise for the heel counter but there is some sort of firm material sitting back around the heel which helps with the stability.
The ride just felt smooth I was cranking out the mileage during my first run in them. I did a 11-mile run at a 7:15 pace with some pickups throughout the run and I had absolutely no issues with the ride. Simply put you can feel the bounce in every step!
Mizuno Neo Zen Conclusions
The Mizuno Neo Zen exceeded my expectations. I have never taken a Mizuno shoe for a test ride. I can say I am definitely a fan of the brand and what they have created here.
The Neo Zen is a buy all day for a shoe that is priced at $150 and as mentioned prior more than just your average daily trainer.
I might have to start telling those people who ask me what shoe should I buy to do it all? The Neo Zen will be that shoe!
The Neo Zen will suit just about anybody. If you don’t like comfortable and bouncy then it might not work, but that should not be the case here. Mizuno delivers on their promise, and they have provided the running public with a solid shoe choice for 2025!
