Mizuno Neo Vista Review
Individual Thoughts
"Dude, you need to try this shoe!"
I will be honest: the phrase above is not one I have used frequently when talking about Mizuno running shoes. Well, until recently, that is!
Mizuno grabbed my attention with the first Wave Rebellion Pro. With the release of the new Neo Vista, Mizuno has me begging for more and eagerly awaiting what is next. The Mizuno Neo Vista represents a huge leap forward for the brand within the daily and speed training categories, asserting to the running world that their shoes have the goods to hang with the big dogs.
This shoe delivers on every front with its innovative design and thoughtful construction. The knit upper provides a snug and secure fit, eliminating irritation and annoying lace adjustments. Its Enerzy NXT foam midsole offers an exquisite balance of protection and efficient performance out on the roads. Also, it was surprising how inherently stable the Neo Vista was, given the shoe's impressively high stack.
This is thanks to the shoe's wider base and the fiberglass-infused TPU plate, adding stability without sacrificing the naturally smooth heel-to-toe transition. Despite its generous cushioning, the Neo Vista remains surprisingly light on the feet, making it ideal for daily training, long-distance runs, and uptempo workouts. The outsole grips well on various surfaces, giving runners confidence with each stride.
The hang-up that I have with the Neo Vista is Mizuno's focus on the shoe's speediness. Efficient and smooth with an enjoyably bouncy return, without question, but the Neo Vista is not the shoe I will be reaching for on a true speed day workout when I am looking to maintain a 6:30 pace or faster. For every other run, the Neo Vista will deliver.
Overall, this shoe is a game-changer for Mizuno, and the Neo Vista is an early consideration for one of the best trainers of 2024. Whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting your running journey, the Mizuno Neo Vista is a must-have addition to your gear lineup.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.1 oz (size 9) | Women's: 7.7 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 53 mm (Heel), 45 mm (Forefoot) | 8 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to size |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Kaleb: "When I slipped into the Mizuno Neo Vista, I immediately felt the snug embrace of its extremely well-executed knit upper. The one-piece design hugged my foot securely, eliminating any need for constant lace adjustments.
Despite being lightweight, the upper provided remarkable support and security throughout my test runs. Breathable and flexible, it allowed for natural foot movement while still maintaining a locked-in feel. Overall, the upper fit and performance of the Neo Vista surpassed my expectations, making it a standout choice for runners seeking comfort and support."
Midsole
Kaleb: "Stepping into the Mizuno Neo Vista, I was immediately struck by the soft and bouncy midsole. The Enerzy NXT foam provided a plush and protective ride, absorbing impact and delivering a smooth, efficient turnover. Whether tackling long distances or quick uptempo runs, the Neo Vista offered a consistently fun, bouncy, and well-cushioned experience, making it ideal for all daily runs. Its ability to maintain a stable and comfortable ride throughout varied terrain and paces sets it apart as a versatile and highly reliable option for runners of all levels.
The only knock I have against the Neo Vista is the expectation set by Mizuno. In other words, given the language used by the brand, I was expecting a faster, more responsive ride. Again, the Neo Vista's midsole produces a bouncy underfoot sensation that makes training runs really enjoyable, and the shoe has no trouble with long-distance, uptempo workouts, but similar to shoes like the New Balance SuperComp Trainer, the Neo Vista's midsole performance does not scream race-day speed."
Outsole
Kaleb: "The outsole held its own. It is hard to notice the outsole when you are enthralled with the shoe's upper and midsole, but with generous rubber coverage and a minimalist design, the Neo Vista offers excellent grip and traction on a variety of surfaces. Whether navigating city streets or tackling gravelly roads, the Neo Vista provided confidence-inspiring control with each step, which was a surprise given the shoe's high midsole stack height. Its smooth and grippy performance made it a joy to run in, enhancing the overall experience of every training run. From easy recovery runs to more challenging speed sessions, the Neo Vista's outsole performance, like the rest of the shoe's features, exceeded expectations."
Comparable Models
Mizuno Neo Vista vs. NB SuperComp Trainer v2
Kaleb: "The Neo Vista boasts a snug knit upper, offering a nearly customized fit and eliminating any irritation, while the SC Trainer's construction is a bit more traditional. I would give the edge to the Neo Vista in terms of upper comfort.
In terms of midsole performance, the Neo Vista's Enerzy NXT foam and fiberglass-infused TPU plate provide a plush, bouncy ride reminiscent of the SC Trainer shoe line. However, the Neo Vista is also surprisingly stable, setting it apart from the more unstable SC Trainer v2. Honestly, the ride of each shoe is very similar, providing all the speed and protection needed to take on nearly any daily training run. Both are not the fastest training shoes and for a true speed day or race day option, I would not recommend either of these models. But for every other type of run, you cannot go wrong with either model. When I look at my shoe rack, both shoes grab my attention, and I am sure that I will be constantly flip-flopping between the two.
Overall, the Neo Vista shines with its innovative design, comfortably snug fit, and smooth ride, making it an excellent choice for runners seeking their next versatile daily training shoe."
