If your Instagram feed is anything like ours, you probably have a bunch of running shoes and gear across your timeline. Over the past few months, you have likely also run across one of the most anticipated running shoes in the past little bit – Mizuno’s “Mystery Shoe”.
This unnamed (at the time) shoe was super unique looking and had people clamoring to learn more about it – and what looked to be a tangible change in Mizuno’s running ethos. This shoe now has a name – the Mizuno Neo Zen – and we have been checking it out.
See all our reviews of Mizuno here!
At Run Oregon, we’ve tested a handful of Mizuno shoes over the years. Prior to 2025, it had been more than two years since our last Mizuno review, so we were excited to reconnect with the brand through the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 recently.
And it’s not wrong that these two shoes signify what feels like a rebirth for Mizuno. Late last year, we chatted with them and got a sneak peek into their future plans: four clear-cut shoe categories that make it super simple to find the right shoe.
- Speed (unique geometries built for fast)
- Swift (elevated trainers)
- Neo Vista
- Neo Zen
- Cruise (daily trainers)
- Wave Rider – now in version 28
- Wave Inspire – now in version 20
- Float (high stack and comfort)
Looks:
The first release of the “Mystery Shoe” featured a bold black-and-white camo design (see above). While I personally loved the unique aesthetic, I know it wasn’t for everyone. When our box arrived in the mail, I had my fingers crossed for that original version. It didn’t pan out, but the more visually streamlined design we received is a stunner in its own right.
The mostly white shoe (cue the inevitable Oregon weather jokes) is fresh and clean, with large grey Mizuno logos on either side. Blue and neon green/yellow accents on the outer midsole add a fun pop of color. Despite its relatively standard color palette, the design really stands out. And there’s no mistaking it—it’s a running shoe through and through.
The colorways between the men’s options (our review) and women’s versions are mostly similar – with just a few subtle differences in the colors across the three other non-camo options.
Construction & Fit:
If you managed to snag a pair of the Neo Vista, the visuals of this shoe might feel familiar. At first glance, I thought the Zen beared a strong resemblance to the Vista, likely due to their similar construction. Both feature a knit upper, the same channel in the outsole, and an essentially identical midsole.
The key difference lies in the technology: the Zen comes equipped with just the foam, whereas the Vista includes a plate. While the Zen still boasts a tall stack height, it sits 5mm lower than its Vista counterpart.
It took a few miles before I felt truly comfortable in this shoe laterally. Initially, the midsole (not the upper) felt a bit unsecure, but after some time, it reigned in and held nicely. This could be a shoe that needs a little break-in period to help your foot settle into it. Alternatively, sizing down by half might resolve this issue.
I prefer extra room in the forefoot, and the stretchy material here provides that without feeling cumbersome. However, that added space might have caused some micromovements laterally, preventing a perfect lockdown. Over time, the issue faded, but I’d still recommend trying these on in-store to assess fit before committing to a size.
Specs:
Upper:
The knit upper offers just enough give to ensure comfort without completely sacrificing stability. That being said, and as mentioned above, lockdown was a bit of a challenge for m. Coupled with the TPU midsole you will soon read about, it felt a little less secure overall for a daily trainer. I mean, I did recently run a really solid half marathon in these, so they can’t be THAT insecure, but still.
Breathability is another highlight of the upper, making it suitable for longer runs. The laces themselves are adequate but could be slightly longer I suppose (if we are nitpicking here). Anyways, the upper’s independent hold on the foot minimizes reliance on lacing for lockdown. If lateral movement concerns you, consider sizing down for added security.
Midsole:
The nitrogen-infused Energy NXT TPU midsole stands out for its softness and responsiveness. As someone prone to foot fatigue from overly cushioned shoes, I was apprehensive about taking these out for an hour-long treadmill run on their first outing. It was a gamble. But seven-plus miles later, my feet felt fantastic.
The midsole’s bounce is key here. It provides springiness that counteracts the plush cushioning, avoiding that overly squishy, “sinking in” sensation. While the level of cushioning might not suit those who prioritize road feel, I’d encourage even “road feel warriors” to give it a shot. The rebounding properties alone could win over some die-hard minimalists.
Outsole:
The outsole offers essentially a full coverage, aside from the cutout running down the middle. This design choice enhances grip and, combined with the shoe’s slightly wider base, creates a stable ride. The outsole, coupled with a wide-ish base, provides a nice stable ride (for me, once I gave it the midsole a few miles to settle).
Overall:
The Mizuno Neo Zen is an impressive addition to the daily trainer lineup. While fans of the Mizuno Vista might miss the plate, the Zen’s focus on cushioning and responsiveness makes it a standout on its own. At a price point of $150, it delivers exceptional value for a shoe that feels as luxurious as some of its pricier competitors.
If you are looking for a versatile, comfortable trainer that doesn’t break the bank, the Neo Zen is worth a try. It’s a shoe that finds harmony between performance and affordability. Mizuno is on to something here.
Mizuno Neo Zen $150
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Thank you to Mizuno for providing us with test items. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
