Written by

Brandon Law

Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
The Neo Vista is a new, plated, super trainer from Mizuno. Here we will be comparing version 2 and version 1.
Mizuno Neo Vista 2 vs Mizuno Neo Vista

The Neo Vista is one of Mizuno's new generation of trainers that's making waves in the running shoe world. It has generated so much popularity because of its maximalist midsole which is comprised of energetic super foams and a glass fibre plate. It's designed to be a do-it-all super trainer capable of all types of runs.

The second version has received some significant updates which has changed the shoe in many ways. This comparison will tell you which version is better for you.

Similarity and differences: Neo Vista 2 vs Neo Vista

Brand
Expert score
Expert score
9/10
Expert score
7/10
Weight
9.3 oz
9.4 oz
Heel Drop
8 mm
8 mm
Verdict
The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is an excellent, versatile daily trainer with an extremely soft and bouncy ride. Version 2 has a new layer of TPE Enerzy NXT foam that provides more energy return but it has an upper which feels too baggy.
The Mizuno Neo Vista is a good trainer which has a super soft ride. It’s best suited to relaxed runs because its Enerzy NXT midsole has a high rate of compression without much rebound. It has a flexible glass fibre plate which provides a small amount of propulsion but it is mostly there to add stability. Due to its limited versatility, it functions as more of a max-cushioned trainer than a do-it-all super trainer.
Recommended for
Speedwork, daily training, long distance racing
Daily training
Cushioning type
Balanced/plush
Plush
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
medium
Stability
not particularly stable
not particularly stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$199.95
US$180

Sole unit: Neo Vista 2 vs Neo Vista

The Neo Vista 2 has 2 layers of midsole foams: supercritical TPU Enerzy NXT on the top and EVA Enerzy NXT on the bottom. The Neo Vista 1 also has 2 layers but it has the older EVA Enerzy NXT as a top and bottom layer.

V2 has a ride with more energy return. It doesn’t compress as much as v1, so its ride feels more lively. V2 feels like the it has more substantial cushioning. V2 is better for fast-paced runs thanks to its more energetic midsole. V1 has a softer ride which is better suited to slow-paced running. Your feet sink down into the foam more than in V2.

Both versions have a glass fibre wave plate inside their midsoles. The plate provides additional structure to the midsole and it also makes them feel more propulsive. The plate is flexible so it doesn’t make the ride feel harsh.

When it comes to stability, V1 is more stable than V2. In V1, your feet sit lower to the ground. V2 feels like a much taller midsole even though they have the same stack heights, so it feels more unstable.

The outsole design of both versions is similar. They have soft but durable outsole rubber that provides good traction.

One of the main differences is the central groove underneath the shoe. V2 has a piece of foam that joins the 2 sides together. This ensures that the midsole doesn’t splay too much when loaded. V1 doesn’t have this so its ride feels softer and less responsive.

Upper unit: Neo Vista 2 vs Neo Vista

Versions 1 and 2 both have bootie construction uppers made of knitted materials. Version 2 has a thicker knit with more structure while version 1 has a thinner, more stretchy knit that conforms to your feet more. They both provide excellent foot lockdown even though you can’t tie a runner’s knot.

Both versions fit true to size but version 2 has a more spacious forefoot and toe box. Version 2 is better for runners with wide feet or high volume feet whereas version 1 is more suited to runners with narrow, low-volume feet.

Which one to buy: Neo Vista 2 vs Neo Vista

If you’re a runner looking for a faster, more energetic ride, get the Neo Vista 2. It’s also better for long runs because it has more cushioning depth thank to its more advanced midsole foams. If you have wide or high volume feet, the upper fit of v2 will also suit you more.

If you prefer a softer ride for easy, relaxed or recovery runs, get version 1. It has better stability and it has a plusher ride for slow running. If you have narrow feet, the fit of version 1 will also be the better option for you.

Best price online: Neo Vista 2 vs Neo Vista

Neo Vista 2

Neo Vista


This expert review is written by

Brandon Law

Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Brandon is a South African marathoner based in Malaysia, where the humidity is high and his shoe rotation is even higher. He’s a runner with a full-blown addiction to running shoes. Most people buy shoes to run—Brandon runs to justify buying more shoes. If there’s a new drop, he’s probably already logged 100km in them.