TAKE your running game to the next level with the outstanding Mizuno Neo Zen 2s.
Whether you take part in the weekly Parkrun or test yourself with long distances, these versatile shoes have features to suit all types of runners.
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The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 arrived with very high expectationsCredit: Refer to source
They come in a range of colour schemes – including white and an all-black pairCredit: Refer to source
The heel has a 40mm stack height, giving you an extremely bouncy experience while maintaining a light and controlled feel.
These shoes provide great comfort and stability and have been a big hit for avid daily runners.
JattvibeSport put the Mizuno Neo Zen 2s through their paces on a variety of different runs.
MIZUNO NEO ZEN 2
Pros:
Very bouncy feel
Great shock absorption
Perfect daily running shoe
Ideal for casual long-distance runs
Good stability for runners who don’t have perfect technique
SHOE KIDDING?
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Cons:
Slightly awkward when pushed at max effort
Rating: 8.5/10
QUICKFIRE Q&A
How much are they? Around £140 – though you can get them for cheaper at Decathlon currently. Very good value for a daily trainer.
Who are they best for? Runners seeking a soft, bouncy trainer for their daily runs. They’re effectively a ‘stability shoe’ without that heavy shoe associated with the classic stability shoe.
What we loved: Bouncy, I really felt the cushioning and the shock absorption as I put them to the test on Clapham Common.
What we didn’t: If you’ve got wider feet, these probably aren’t the shoe for you.
First impressions
When I first put on the Mizuno Neo Zen 2, I felt a few inches taller with the 40mm stack height in the heel.
I could instantly feel the cushioning and the shoe’s bounciness, mainly because my older running shoes are, let’s say, ancient.
The upper structure is made from mesh and knit material, which is something I have never experienced before.
I was slightly cautious that the tongue would be unstable due to the unique design, but I couldn’t have been more wrong when I stepped out onto the streets of South London.
Colour schemes include a lighter brown, blue and a black/whiteCredit: Refer to source
During the first 5km run I did in the Mizuno Neo Zen 2s, I was blown away by the difference between them and my old shoes.
I’m by no means a perfect runner, but I felt the cushioning, stability and shock absorption massively compensated for my imperfect technique.
In the past, I would usually get shin splints from the 20th-century shoes I used to wear, but the Neo Zen 2s eradicated that.
The constant bounce throughout my run helped me run faster than usual without even thinking about it.
Do they deliver?
In a word, absolutely!
I’ve clocked over 30 miles in these shoes and I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every minute.
If, like me, you don’t have the best running technique, the cushioning in these shoes will compensate for that and lay the framework for improvement.
The only downside to the high level of cushioning was that it felt slightly awkward when running at max effort for high speed.
How much are Mizuno Neo Zen 2s?
The Mizuno Neo Zen 2s are £140 on Mizuno’s official website.
There is no doubt that they are on the pricey side, but compared to other high-level brands, they are slightly cheaper.
THE VERDICT
The Mizuno Neo Zen 2s are perfect for your everyday running needs.
If you’re looking for a pair to suit a casual 5km or a long-distance test, these shoes tick all the right boxes.
At £140, they’re not cheap by any means, but the difference I’ve personally experienced between these and ‘cheaper’ running shoes is astonishing.
It realyl does feel worth the money for constant ease throughout the run and no aches the next day.
How we tested
I tested by doing my weekly 5km route, which is primarily on road/pavement, before doing a Parkrun on a dirt track and then some longer distances.
I was constantly impressed by the versatility of these shoes, whether it be their grip on different surfaces or their endurance over longer distances.
Most of these runs were at my casual pace, which reaped the rewards of the shoe’s stability and brilliant shock-absorbent cushion.
Where to buy
Alternatives
Altra Experience Flow ST – the lightest stability shoe on the market at the moment, perfect for those who wish to pick up the pace a bit too. £130.
Brooks Glycerin 23 – Like running on air. Comfortable, stable, and ideal for daily training runs. Read our full review here. Slightly more expensive at £165, but you’re paying for long-lasting comfort.
Asics Novablast 5 – The shoe everyone’s talking about. Asics’ bestseller – only lighter, softer and bouncier this time around. Currently reduced to £107.96 at Runners Need.
