Mizuno Neo Zen (2025 Review): Is This New Model a Game-Changer?

Julien Guyod

Published on 09/01/2026

Updated on 09/01/2026

Mizuno enjoys a strong reputation in the running community, despite a slight decline in recent years, particularly in the performance-oriented shoe segment. The brand has focused on the Smooth Speed Project, whose first models, carbon-fiber shoes, are putting Mizuno back in the spotlight.

The Mizuno Neo Vista, designed for training and featuring a Nylon plate, has also caused quite a stir.

The Neo Zen follows in its footsteps.

What kind of runner is it designed for? Does it align with your goals? That's what we'll explore in this comprehensive review.

Our verdict

Cushioning

The midsole is impressively thick: 40 mm under the heel and 34 mm under the forefoot.

In my opinion, the shock absorption is very good and will allow a wide base of runners to comfortably increase their distance.

However, some testers have noted that protection is less than ideal for heavier runners. I have to admit I’m pretty skeptical, given the amount of foam and how plush it feels upon impact. If the Neo Zen isn’t enough, I don’t see what shoe would be.

I believe the concerns relate more to stability and the demanding nature of the work.

This shoe doesn't have a Wave plate, something that hasn't happened in a long time at Mizuno (at least to my knowledge; feel free to share any counterexamples in the comments if you know of any).

The midsole is made entirely of a thick layer of Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam. This new nitrogen-infused formula makes the shoe lighter.

If you’ve been avoiding this brand because of the stiffness of the Wave plate, you should take a look at this shoe. It guarantees an enjoyable ride and a pretty unique feel. Some people have even found the cushioning to be too plush. The Neo Zen is definitely not for those who prefer a firmer feel.

The shoe’s design is unconventional, the result of the Smooth Speed Project. The carbon models from this project didn’t win everyone over because they were very (too?) demanding and radical. The Neo Vista was already less exclusive, but it’s really with this Neo Zen that the brand finally presents a shoe suitable for the widest audience.

The profile is noticeably less curved, though it remains more pronounced than on other models. The ride is less aggressive and less radical.

Finally, the 6-mm drop is a bit different from the standard 8-10-mm drops. It may therefore take some time to get used to.

Energy Return

Weighing 235 g, the shoe remains lightweight given its size. The Neo Zen manages to combine excellent responsiveness with a plush feel, without the stiffness of a plate.

The shoe is very responsive, with a pronounced bounce: it’s easy to pick up speed. It ensures very smooth and fast transitions thanks to its unique geometry, and you can feel the forward roll with every stride.

Support and Stability

Gone is the Wave plate, and the stiffness that comes with it. But the plush feel and large size bothered some testers, who criticized this model for a lack of stability.

It’s not easy to rate the Smooth Speed Project shoes on this point, opinions on them are very divided. The 9 is therefore an average score, not my personal rating. I find the ride very stable, with a wide base and a centered stride. The shoe is designed for a neutral stride.

Foot Support

At first, the Neo Vista surprised (and worried) me with its stretchy knit upper. I was eventually won over, and the same goes for the Neo Zen. Numerous reinforcements support the foot exactly where it’s needed.

Knitted uppers generally don't have a tongue in the traditional sense; instead, the tongue is essentially an extension of the upper. It's good to know this if you prefer traditional, thick tongues.

The heel counter is semi-rigid up to mid-height and flexible above that point. It extends fairly high up the Achilles tendon. This provides enhanced support in this area without any compression. A buckle makes it easy to put on.

The sock-like fit of the mesh hugs the foot perfectly and ensures excellent comfort. On the flip side, not everyone agrees on the fit. In short, depending on the shape of your foot, it’s either a hit or a miss… Opinions are often very mixed.

Personally, I didn't have any problems; the stretchy material gives you plenty of wiggle room, in my opinion. The shoe seems to run true to size, but I recommend trying it on before you buy.

I found the breathability to be satisfactory, with good ventilation. The classic lacing system ensures a secure foot lockdown, despite a few caveats.

Traction

X10 carbon outsole rubber covers the outsole in key areas from heel to toe, a classic design feature of the brand's models. A wide central groove, shallower than on the Neo Vista, ensures good flexibility.

The traction is powerful and the grip is excellent, even on wet surfaces. This is a plus for addressing the stability issues that some riders have noted. The Neo Zen will serve you well on most non-technical trails.

Usage

Lightweight, bounce, responsiveness, and plushness: with this combination, the Neo Zen is perfect for daily training, especially when it comes to picking up the pace, with one small caveat.

Pure speed workouts aren't this shoe's strong suit. No plate means the impact may lack firmness, making 200-meter workouts, for example, difficult. But to be honest, who really cares? I think most runners will have no problem using this model even for speed workouts.

The tempo run is a real pleasure, and the shoe is very comfortable for training that involves varying paces. Its plush feel and less aggressive geometry make it less specialized and more versatile than the other models in the Smooth Speed Project.

Finally, the excellent shock absorption allows you to run longer distances without hesitation. From traditional long runs to easy runs, I don't see any limitations that make it best for these activities.

The only downside, then, is the point already mentioned: the shoe may not always provide sufficient protection, depending on the runner’s weight. Everyone will form their own opinion, but with a 40 mm stack height and its Plush feel, I remain skeptical.

In my opinion, the main limitations stem from the effort required by the shoe’s design and a relative lack of stability during certain strides. For running, the Neo Zen is an excellent option without a plate, particularly for distances ranging from 10 km to a marathon.

Quality and Lifespan

The Mizuno Neo Zen offers excellent durability. Its sturdy upper and high-quality outsole will hold up to a high mileage. This makes the shoe an excellent value for money.

The brand has made a point of prioritizing environmental responsibility:

• The textile components (upper, lining, insole surface, and laces) are made from more than 90% recycled materials.
• Part of the midsole is made from materials derived from sugarcane.
• Part of the outsole contains Bloom™, which is made from algae waste.
• Part of the insole is made from aquatic plants.

The shoes are vegan.

Conclusion

The Mizuno Neo Zen fully embodies the brand's revival. It is an innovative shoe that emphasizes the enjoyable ride of running.

Be careful, though, if you're looking for a firm feel, like that of the Brooks Hyperion Max 2. In that case, you're better off looking elsewhere.

But if, like me, you enjoy a plush, bouncy feel, this shoe will be a great choice for adding some fun to your workouts.

Technical Description

Technical Specs

Cushioning

Technologies

Use

Reference: Mizuno official website