Mizuno Neo Zen vs Neo Vista 2

The Mizuno Neo Zen and Mizuno Neo Vista 2 are both high-stack daily trainers from the Osaka-based company, but are tailored to very different needs. The Neo Zen is lighter, simpler, and more playful, being built around a single layer of foam with no plate, giving it a soft, bouncy ride that's ideal for everyday miles. The Neo Vista 2, on the other hand, is a much more protective and max-cushioned option. It has a much higher stack height and a plastic plate to stabilize the large midsole. The result is a more absorbing ride, especially during long runs and back-to-back mileage days, but it feels heavier and less energetic than the Neo Zen. However, the high-volume upper runs long and introduces lockdown issues that aren't present in the Zen.