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For these newer to working chances are you’ll not keep in mind when Mizuno was the go to shoe within the early 2000’s. They’re making a comeback with large modifications to the lineup. Right this moment we’re going to take a look at a giant soft choice with the Mizuno Neo Zen Evaluation.
As somebody whose first working shoe was the Mizuno Wave Rider, I used to be stoked to attempt the model’s all-new day by day coach, the Mizuno Neo Zen.
Taking the footwear out of the field, I cherished the look of them with the muted seafoam inexperienced and purple colorway and knit higher. I used to be itching to go for a run! The black and white cow sample was delivered appropriately to Coach Stacey who’s obsessive about cows. We tried to not let that sway her opinion.
I had excessive hopes about this shoe, however did it ship? Let’s dive in to search out out.
Who Is It Good For?
Who’s the Mizuno Neo Zen a great match for? Right here’s our commonplace guidelines to check footwear:
- Broad Ft: Might not be the only option as a result of sock-like match making it troublesome to slide on/off.
- Heavier Runners: The froth is a bit of too tender and could also be extra prone to breakdown faster.
- Lengthy Runs: Excellent for these mid distance lengthy runs whether or not you’re the entrance, center or again of the pack.
- Entrance of the Pack: Nice as day by day coach, whereas it could barely choose up the tempo, I wouldn’t race in it as a sooner marathoner.
That is nice light-weight shoe that’s going to present you that desired cushion for simple and lengthy runs.
Mizuno Neo Zen Evaluation
As quickly as I put the Mizuno Neo Zen on my ft I knew I’d like them. Cushioned with out feeling mushy. I may really feel how gentle and bouncy they had been simply strolling round my home.
I laced up for a run and immediately fell into a great working rhythm. My first two runs within the footwear had been 6 and eight miles, respectively, so I don’t really feel that there’s a must “break in” this shoe.
Person warning: don’t depart the home with out high-rise socks… your ankles will thanks!
The shoe’s theme is “The Artwork of Bounce,” which I’d say is fairly correct many miles later.
I used to be instantly impressed with how the ENERZY NXT midsole was so responsive with every stride. I didn’t sink into the shoe as I really feel usually occurs in quite a lot of max cushion footwear.
I’d classify this as a straightforward or long term coach. It kinda falls within the center, I didn’t get the identical “pop” as with the Mizuno Riot Professional 3, however nonetheless greater than most day by day trainers just like the Nike Pegasus.
The shoe is a real impartial shoe and every time I lace up I really feel as if I can run for days.
So in spite of everything that construct up, the Mizuno Neo Zen has certainly established itself in my simple run day shoe rotation.
Mizuno Neo Zen Specs
- Weight: 7.1 oz Ladies’s, 8.5 oz Males’s
- Heel Drop: 6mm
- Stack Top: 40mm
- 3 colours
- Not accessible in large
- Obtainable at mizunousa.com for $150
Mizuno Neo Zen Really feel
The Mizuno Neo Zen has a bouncy and light-weight really feel to it. The ENERZY NXT midsole goes alongside the whole sole of the shoe, so irrespective of the place your foot strikes you’re going to get a style of that bouncy but easy journey underfoot.
The mesh higher is breathable and light-weight, providing sufficient protection for chilly, winter runs. Though I’d be cautious about taking these out on slippery, snowy sidewalks, whereas the outsole is tremendous sturdy (I imply look how they aren’t even worn down that a lot!), you should still slip round a bit of bit.
The Mizuno Neo Zen brings a wider platform with a slight flare in each the heel and forefoot, although it’s far much less aggressive than what you’ll discover in some Mizuno fashions. That additional width, mixed with a refined cutout within the sole, provides a little bit of stability to stability out the tall 40mm midsole.
Nevertheless, for those who’re on the lookout for a shoe that pops with a bit of extra stability, we’d advocate trying out the Saucony Tempus 2 .
Coach Stacey: The Neo Zen feels good underfoot, however it’s not a shoe that I’m going to succeed in for first. I don’t hate it, however I’m not gushing over it both. The sock-like higher didn’t lock my foot in in addition to I’d like, with a bit extra motion than traditional. Oh, and for those who put on coloured socks, there’s a great likelihood they’ll stain by the mesh.
Coach Amanda: I’d agree this was a very center of the street cushioned coach for me. And what, I’m not mad about that. A shoe that you simply form of don’t take into consideration is a winner. Apart from the tremendous excessive heel tab…yuck. Manufacturers should cease with that horrible characteristic for these of us who’re too lazy to modify to the cool crew socks.
I’ll say that in comparison with different light-weight trainers just like the NB Insurgent V4 this has WAY extra cushion, which might be a part of why it doesn’t really feel fairly as quick both.
Mizuno Neo Zen Match
The Mizuno Neo Zen has a comparatively commonplace match not slim, however not large. There’s not a large choice, however as somebody with a wider foot, I discovered this shoe to be fairly snug. The knit higher would work nicely on most ft apart from these actually needing a large shoe.
Coach Stacey: For me, slipping into the Neo Zen wasn’t the simplest job. The sock-like higher mesh doesn’t have a lot stretch, making it a little bit of a battle to get my foot in easily. The heel tab does embrace a small hook to assist, however when you’ve got a wider foot, simply getting these on would possibly really feel like a exercise of its personal!
Coach Amanda: After 7.5 miles I used to be having some points with the left inside chopping my ankle. Unsure if I used to be pronating, however I didn’t discover a lot to any arch assist and it’s a wider match. A great toebox in comparison with quite a lot of footwear currently.
Mizuno, a model that originally did nicely when it launched into the working area, has been a little bit of a sleeper lately. That’s all altering and I consider Mizuno might be a best choice amongst runners within the close to future.
That is simply one other a kind of footwear the place you need to attempt it on for your self. It might really feel nice, it could be a tough go however solely you can also make that call.
Comparable Footwear to the Mizuno Neo Zen
We’ve examined just a few that really feel comparable, however completely different based mostly on the model match:
All proper three testers for the Mizuno Neo Zen evaluation, so what’s the ultimate resolution?
Two that say it’s simply a shoe they’d attain for on simple days and one that claims this one most likely received’t keep within the rotation. It probably comes right down to for those who love or hate the bootie match.
Who Tried It?
Hello, I’m Kaitlyn Larson, one of many RTTF run coaches and lifelong runner. You’ll discover me within the entrance of the center of the pack, not the quickest runner, however I’ve certified for and run Boston twice. I began my working journey in highschool after I joined the Cross Nation workforce and fell in love with the game. I ran my first marathon at 19, and proceed to chase new desires and set new PRs. Now a UESCA licensed run and extremely run coach and NASM CPT, I get pleasure from serving to my shoppers chase their desires and PRs, too.
Able to run? Go test it out on mizunousa.com for $150