Mizuno Neo Vista 2 Review | When the Sequel is Better than the Original

Mizuno’s first iteration of the Neo Vista made a splash when it was introduced, signaling big changes from a running shoe company known for a consistently reliable lineup of running shoes.  Does the Neo Vista 2 live up to the hype created by its predecessor?

Mizuno released its original Neo Vista design in the summer of 2024, and it became the first shoe in their newly created Swift category of shoes designed to provide a smooth and swift experience for runners.

The Neo Vista 2 was released this summer with a few noticeable updates to this supertrainer.

Supertrainers are a new “style” of shoe on the market designed to give you that cushion and bounce of great foam sandwiching a carbon fiber plate. In theory this is not only good for speed, but also beneficial on the legs. We’ve found many of them to be a good race day option for the middle and back of the pack, the Neo Vista definitely hits that mark.

This is a super trainer that really handles the long easy runs, right alongside the speed work for the middle and back of the pack. But we have a few drawbacks, so read on to make sure it’s right for you.

Mizuno Neo Vista 2 Overview

Unboxing a new pair of shoes is always exciting, and that feeling was amped up for the Neo Vista 2. Mizuno’s goal when creating the Neo Vista was to change the perception of their brand with runners and to disrupt the market with unexpected high-performing footwear.

Upon first impression, Mizuno certainly delivered. The Neo Vista 2 didn’t look like anything I had ever tried before. It somehow managed to look sleek but plush, fast but comfortable. I was curious to find out if they’d actually feel that way on the run.

Feedback on the first version of Mizuno’s Neo Vista was generally positive, but they did make changes to the Neo Vista 2 that will alter the fit and feel for some runners.

The most visible change is to the knit upper. Many found the original Neo Vista to run slightly small, but the Neo Vista 2 feels true to size. The knit upper is more flexible and roomy than the original with added breathability. 

The biggest change to the Neo Vista 2 is the feel of the foam. The original Neo Vista received some criticism with some runners feeling that it was too soft and unable to be much more than a shoe for easy runs. In a speedy shoe, we need the foam to bounce back or return to original shape quickly, but something too soft becomes more of a recovery shoe feel.

The Neo Vista 2 kept its EVA Next Enerxy foam and glass infused nylon Wave plate, but added a new nitrogen infused layer of TPU Next Enerxy foam over top. The combo is meant to add versatility, making the Neo Vista 2 a do-it-all supertrainer. 

It manages to feel soft and bouncy without feeling mushy.I ran a variety of runs in the Neo Vista 2 over the course of a month and found myself pleasantly surprised at how versatile they felt. The Neo Vista 2 was able to handle easy miles but I still felt like I could pick up the pace for speed intervals and tempo runs.

Tester Gillian: What stood out to me immediately about the feel was the amount of support at the mid-foot of the shoe. I really enjoy a good arch support and this went all the way across the width of my foot. They nailed it with the layers of foams in this aspect.

This made the rocker feel super natural and effortless, demonstrated in looking down at my watch and realizing I was going much faster than I thought! My only complaint is actually at the opposite end of the shoe from Stephanie.

My big toe area seemed to lack cushion and had much more ground feel when rolling forward. I am a more mid-foot striker, so it may just be my stride.

Mizuno Neo Vista 2 Fit

The Neo Vista 2 felt true to size. The sock-like upper is a knit mesh that offers some flexibility while still feeling secure. These fit right out of the box without needing any adjustment to the laces. I found the laces to be an adequate length; however, they may feel short for runners who wish to use a heel lock method of lacing.

The most unique thing about the Neo Vista 2 is the lack of padding. There isn’t any stiffness or padding in the heel.  Structure in the heel comes from reinforcement to the mesh on the interior and overlays on the exterior.

I was concerned that the lack of padding might cause chafing or blisters, but it wasn’t an issue. The heel collar comes up higher than most of my other shoes, but it is soft and flares aware from the ankle.

The Neo Vista 2 also lacks a true tongue, but the mesh area where the tongue would be has more stretch than the rest of the mesh upper. I worried that I might feel the laces through the mesh, but again, it wasn’t an issue in these shoes. Pull tabs on the heel and tongue area make pulling the Neo Vista 2 on a bit easier- they’re meant to feel snug and secure.

Tester Gillian: I was intrigued by the material and style of the upper on these. I was worried they would be difficult to put on with the lack of true tongue and higher sides. The stretch of the mesh knit is very flexible and as Stephanie noted, the tabs make it easy to slide into. They felt very secure on my feet but never too snug.

I have a slightly wider forefoot and the mesh knit upper was very accommodating. I also really enjoy how airy the upper is. Perfect for those hot summer training sessions!

Mizuno Neo Vista 2 Feel

The Neo Vista 2 looks good. It fits well. But how’s the feel?
Amazing.

Heel strikers will probably not love this shoe with the upward curve at the back, it’s taking away some landing and can create a bit of an unstable feeling. BUT that’s not an issue for me.

The Neo Vista 2’s foam when combined with Mizuno’s Smooth Speed Assist rocker delivered a mostly smooth and effortless ride. I definitely felt like the Neo Vista 2 allowed me to run a bit faster without any additional effort. 

I didn’t experience any issues with hot spots or rubbing, something that has plagued me when wearing shoes with softer foams.  

My only complaint? I noticed a lack of stability in the heel during some turns and transitions. This may not be a good option for runners with a heel strike landing pattern. The updates to the fit and feel of the Neo Vista 2 made this one a winner for me.

There is one elephant in the room when it comes to changes to the Neo Vista 2, and that’s the price. Mizuno increased the price from $180 for the original Neo Vista to $200 for the Neo Vista 2.  Now putting it squarely in competition with other super trainers.

Who Tried it?

Long time runner and tester Gillian with additional testing feedback from Stephanie!

Stephanie is a middle-aged middle of the pack runner bouncing back after chronic exertional comfortment syndrome. I’ll forever be on a mission to find the best pair of running shoes and the best pizza. When I’m not running I’m talking about running on my instagram page at @stephrunsdopey or coaching our local high school’s cross country team.

What to read next?

• See all of our carbon plated running shoe reviews
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• Download our free 4 hour marathon training plan