The New Model of the Super Daily Trainer, "MIZUNO NEO VISTA 2," Makes Its Debut!

The "MIZUNO NEO VISTA" was launched in 2024 as a super daily trainer focused on jogging, with the aim of elevating the quality of everyday jogs.

It features the patented SMOOTH SPEED ASSIST, specially adjusted for the "MIZUNO NEO VISTA," and uses MIZUNO ENERZY NXT in the midsole. The combination of Mizuno’s signature sole unit and bootie construction upper delivers a supremely comfortable ride.

Now, the "MIZUNO NEO VISTA" has been updated. What kind of evolution has this shoe undergone?

Packed With Mizuno’s Cutting-Edge Technology

The patented SMOOTH SPEED ASSIST, also featured in the "MIZUNO NEO VISTA 2," incorporates a curved forefoot, expanded midfoot, and cut heel, all working together to support the optimal ankle angle while running. This technology helps reduce the load on the muscles around the calves, and was born from the SMOOTH SPEED PROJECT, which started in 2021.

 "SMOOTH SPEED PROJECT aims to pursue smoothness in speed running. By abandoning established conventions, we approach the question of what constitutes truly smooth running from the ground up during our product development.

"What underpins our craftsmanship is our innovation center, MIZUNO ENGINE. Built in 2022, this facility can, in short, do everything necessary to create products. We analyze athlete movements, quickly create prototypes, measure, build, and test, running this cycle at high speed to generate new products," says Shunsuke Aoi, Manager of the Performance Running Planning Department at Mizuno Corporation.

Through the SMOOTH SPEED PROJECT, Mizuno launched its top racing model, "WAVE REBBELLION PRO," in 2023, with successors announced for 2024 and 2025. The previous "MIZUNO NEO VISTA" was released last June, debuting as a super daily trainer focused on jogging and receiving strong support from runners.

 "The technology we developed for race shoes to help people run more efficiently—couldn’t that technology support efficient speed training and contribute to improving the quality of daily jogs? That’s what led to the creation of the NEO Series at Mizuno, and the very first NEO VISTA." (Aoi)

Adopting a New Material for the Top of the Midsole

The "MIZUNO NEO VISTA 2" adopts MIZUNO ENERZY NXT as its midsole material. While the name remains the same, the composition differs between the top and bottom layers. The top midsole uses a new TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)-based material produced using supercritical foaming technology. The bottom midsole uses the same EVA-based material as the previous model.

"Normally, TPU is stiff and heavy. However, by putting it through our unique manufacturing filter, we’ve created a TPU material that is soft and light—yet still retains the flexural stiffness and rebound that are the key features of TPU.

"By employing this new MIZUNO ENERZY NXT in the top midsole, we have improved forefoot cushioning by about 10%, rebound by about 12%, rearfoot cushioning by about 9%, and rebound by about 13% compared to the previous model," says Kohei Suzuki from the Performance Running Planning Department at Mizuno Corporation.

After testing various material combinations, including incorporating the new MIZUNO ENERZY NXT in the bottom as well, this pairing delivered the best balance.

Detailed Updates Alongside Midsole Material Change

The "MIZUNO NEO VISTA 2," with its adoption of new materials, now boasts significantly enhanced cushioning and rebound. To efficiently transfer that power to the ground, the outsole groove pattern was revised, switching from a vertical groove design to a horizontal one, thereby improving grip. Now, even wet asphalt surfaces are gripped securely.

To ensure stability, the sole remains wide, as with the previous model, but this time a connecting bridge was added in the center, creating an X shape (the previous model had a hollowed-out O shape in the center when viewed from below). Alongside improvements in cushioning and rebound, stability has also been reinforced.

Between the midsoles, a nylon plate reinforced with glass fiber is used, as in the previous version. This plate is easier to handle than those made from carbon, while offering greater rigidity than TPU, making it a standout feature.

The upper now features a highly stretchable knit construction. The ventilation holes are larger than before, improving breathability. Additionally, minimizing the number of parts reduces irritation against the foot.

Softer, Bouncier Ride than the Previous Model

With the adoption of the new MIZUNO ENERZY NXT, the "MIZUNO NEO VISTA 2" offers greatly improved cushioning in both the forefoot and heel. The moment you step in and start walking, you can distinctly feel a softer ground feel. This sensation only increases once you start running. While the previous version also featured excellent rebound and propulsion, the new model delivers an even greater sense of bounce, making forward motion feel effortless and enjoyable.

The glass fiber–reinforced nylon plate feels easier to manage, without the stiffness sometimes found in carbon plates. Since this model focuses on training, it should suit a wide range of runners.