Mizuno Neo Zen 2
Mizuno · Road · Daily Trainer
Overall Score: 87/100 based on 3 verified expert reviews.
Technical Specifications
- Weight: 237 g
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5 mm
- Carbon Plate: No
- Midsole Foam: Mizuno Enerzy NXT
- Official Retail MSRP: $150 (manufacturer reference price — better deals may be available at retailers)
Pros & Strengths
- Standout lightweight build for its category (237 g)
- Mizuno Enerzy NXT midsole delivering responsive energy return
- Well-controlled weight (237 g) that stays effortless over long miles
- Mizuno Enerzy NXT cushioning combining impact protection and consistent rebound
Cons & Trade-offs
- Slightly more measured grip on wet painted road markings
Expert Review Sources
- The Running Collective : 99.0 / 100 — « Pairing Mizuno's Mizuno Enerzy NXT platform with a 5 mm drop, the Neo Zen 2 impresses in real-world road testing with its secure midfoot lockdown and consistent cushioning. A smart choice for runners looking for a 5 mm drop and consistent performance all season long. »
- Solereview : 90.9 / 100 — « Designed for road runners seeking a dependable daily trainer option, the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 shows strong torsional stability and consistent impact attenuation in lab testing (237 g, a 5 mm drop). Its balance of shock absorption and responsive rebound meets every expectation for daily trainer training. »
- RunRepeat : 80.9 / 100 — « The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 feels like a more conservative update that loses part of the original’s identity. We found strong shock absorption and a light, high-stack design that works well for slow and steady training runs. However, on our runs the shoe felt clearly less lively, and we confirmed in the lab that the foam change removes much of the bounce that made version 1 so enjoyable. Newcomers with narrow feet may enjoy its snug, sock-like fit and stable ride, but runners who loved the first model or those with wide feet will likely see this update as a clear step backward. »
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