Mizuno Neo Vista vs Neo Zen

Which Running Shoe Is Better?

Products

Mizuno Neo Vista
Mizuno Neo Zen

Tested using Methodology v0.8.2

Updated Oct 24, 2025 01:27 PM

SEE PRICE
Mizuno

Tested using Methodology v0.9

Updated Nov 04, 2025 07:25 PM

SEE PRICE
Mizuno

Our Verdict

Mizuno Neo Vista

Mizuno Neo Zen

The Mizuno Neo Vista and the Mizuno Neo Zen may look similar at first glance, but they deliver very different experiences underfoot. The Neo Vista includes Mizuno's signature Wave Plate, which adds some structure but ultimately makes the ride feel sluggish and out of place for a shoe trying to act like a super trainer. Its large midsole cutout also gives it a somewhat suction cup-like feel. In contrast, the Neo Zen removes the plate entirely, allowing the soft foam to move more freely and deliver a significantly more natural ride while still preserving most of the cushioning. It's also notably lighter, which helps it feel more nimble and efficient on foot. While both are well-suited for easy or recovery runs, the Neo Zen improves on nearly every aspect, making it a smoother and more refined option for daily mileage.

0 

Variants

  • Neo Vista (Estate Blue/River Blue - (Men - US 9))
  • Neo Vista (Nimbus Cloud/Vintage Indigo - (Men - US 9))
  • Neo Vista (Plein Air/River Blue - (Women - US 7))
  • Neo Zen (Black/Raspberry - (Men - US 9))
  • Neo Zen (Black/White - (Women - US 7))
  • Neo Zen (Hint Mint/India Ink - (Women - US 7))
  • Neo Zen (Nimbus Cloud/Black - (Women - US 7))
  • Neo Zen (White/Black - (Men - US 9))
  • Neo Zen (White/Frontier Blue - (Men - US 9))
Read more

Main Differences for
Marathon Racing

Threshold 

0.10

Marathon Racing 

7.5
7.6

Plate 
 

Plastic
None

Weight  

6.0
7.3

Heel Energy Return 
 

5.1
7.3

Full Comparison

Design

Weight  

6.0
7.3

Right Shoe Weight Photo  

Left Shoe Weight Photo  

Weight 
 

260.8 g (9.20 oz)
226.3 g (7.98 oz)
Show Text 

Stack Heights 
 

Stack Height Photo  

Heel Stack Height 
 

42.7 mm
41.1 mm

Forefoot Stack Height 
 

33.8 mm
36.2 mm

Heel-To-Toe Drop 
 

8.9 mm
4.9 mm

Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop 
 

8.0 mm
6.0 mm

External Shape 
 

3D Model Full Shoe  

Outsole Heel Width 
 

91 mm (3.6")
92 mm (3.6")

Outsole Arch Width 
 

83 mm (3.3")
79 mm (3.1")

Outsole Forefoot Width 
 

116 mm (4.6")
111 mm (4.4")

Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio 
 

2.13
2.24

Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio 
 

3.43
3.07

Internal Shape 
 

3D Model Internal  

Internal Length 
 

275 mm (10.8")
275 mm (10.8")

Internal Heel Width 
 

67 mm (2.6")
62 mm (2.4")

Internal Forefoot Width 
 

98 mm (3.9")
93 mm (3.7")

Wide Sizing Available 
 

No
No

Other Features  

Other Features Photo  

Tongue Gusset Type 
 

Non-gusseted
Non-gusseted

Plate 
 

Plastic
None
Performance

Heel Energy Return 
 

5.1
7.3

Heel Compression Video  

Heel Energy Return  

See details
See details

Heel Energy Return 
 

71.9%
77.4%
Show Text 

Forefoot Energy Return 
 

7.1
7.1

Forefoot Compression Video  

Forefoot Energy Return  

See details
See details

Forefoot Energy Return 
 

76.5%
76.5%
Show Text 

Heel Cushioning 
 

8.5
8.3

Heel Cushioning Picture  

Heel Cushioning  

See details
See details

Energy Absorbed At 550N 
 

3.83 J
4.24 J

Energy Absorbed At 1100N 
 

10.33 J
10.05 J

Energy Absorbed At 1900N 
 

17.69 J
16.18 J
Show Text 

Forefoot Cushioning 
 

8.4
8.4

Forefoot Cushioning Picture  

Forefoot Cushioning  

See details
See details

Energy Absorbed At 800N 
 

5.52 J
5.48 J

Energy Absorbed At 1300N 
 

9.20 J
9.10 J

Energy Absorbed At 2050N 
 

13.17 J
12.99 J
Show Text 

Heel Firmness 
 

4.8
5.6

Heel Firmness  

See details
See details

Firmness At 550N 
 

47.4 N/mm
47.9 N/mm

Firmness At 1100N 
 

99.5 N/mm
117.4 N/mm

Firmness At 1900N 
 

215.2 N/mm
268.4 N/mm
Show Text 

Forefoot Firmness 
 

7.8
7.9

Forefoot Firmness  

See details
See details

Firmness At 800N 
 

95.5 N/mm
98.0 N/mm

Firmness At 1300N 
 

204.5 N/mm
206.9 N/mm

Firmness At 2050N 
 

422.5 N/mm
435.7 N/mm
Show Text 

Forefoot Long Run Cushioning 
 

8.0

Forefoot Long Run Cushioning  

See details

Energy Absorbed At 10km 
 

8.88 J

Energy Absorbed At 20km 
 

8.72 J

Energy Absorbed At 30km 
 

8.63 J

Energy Absorbed At 40km 
 

8.53 J

Mizuno Neo Vista

Mizuno Neo Zen

Comments

  1. Comparison

Mizuno Neo Vista vs Mizuno Neo Zen: Main Discussion

What do you think of these products? Let us know below.


Looking for a personalized buying advice from the RTINGS.com experts? Insiders have direct access to buying advice on our insider forum.

PreviewBack to editorFormat guide
No comments yet, refresh to see new ones