Mizuno Neo Vista 2 vs Mizuno Neo Vista 3

Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .

• Kofuzi prefers the Neo Vista 3 overall, finding the Neo Vista 2 an even softer, mushier shoe with less push-off pop -- though he still calls it a nice pickup for pure max-cushion seekers now that it's discounted to $150.

  Ride:Softer and mushier than the Neo Vista 3 with less push-off pop, making it more purely a max-cushion shoe.

  In their words: "an even softer shoe" · "less pop on the push-off"

  — Kofuzi , source

• A more durable, balanced successor to v1 that ages well — excels for long distance, Achilles recovery, and runners needing forefoot guidance; expensive at $200 but the longevity helps justify it.

  Ride:Rockered ride, balanced rather than insanely bouncy. Firmed up nicely over 100 miles and actually improved at uptempo work. Midsole stays consistent — rare durability for a super trainer. Forefoot guidance for runners who collapse medially.

  Fit:High-volume, wide upper — not for narrow feet. No heel counter, making it ideal for runners with insertional Achilles tendinopathy or Haglund's deformity. Good in summer but very breathable — cold in winter.

  In their words: "great for easy runs, for long runs" · "really high volume upper" · "no heel counter in this shoe"

  — Doctors of Running , 100 mi tested , source

• A clear upgrade over v1 — better upper, better foam system, wider base, and a really enjoyable ride; a lot of shoe for £150.

  Ride:Dual-foam setup and smooth speed assist create a bouncy, soft, enjoyable ride that's more than the sum of its parts. Plate is essential given how soft the foam is. Not heavy for the stack.

  Fit:One-piece knit upper fits better than v1 but runs long — size down half. Lockdown mediocre. Wider base than v1 helps stability but still feels marginal.

  In their words: "I would recommend going down half a size" · "still quite unstable for me" · "this is a nice cruising machine"

  — FORDY RUNS , source

• Excellent as a long-run cruiser but narrower in utility than v1 — no longer the all-rounder super trainer; hard to recommend at $200 in the US given better-value competitors.

  Ride:Softer, more sinking midsole than v1 — better for relaxed long runs but loses some of the original's pace versatility. Feels sluggish on easy and lacks snap for fast work. Unstable at slow paces and on corners.

  Fit:Runs large — multiple testers recommend half to full size down. One-piece knit bootie is comfortable with good midfoot/heel lock but can feel baggy around toes. Minimal heel collar with no real counter.

  In their words: "definitely come up pretty large for me" · "could sometimes feel a little bit sluggish" · "not so great for the fast stuff"

  — The Run Testers , 31 mi tested , source

Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .

• Very comfortable, wide, stable long-run and recovery shoe with a well-balanced Energy NXT foam; the reviewer recommends buying the cheaper v2 over the v3.

  Ride:Over 40mm of stack with balanced Energy NXT foam and a speed-roll-assist geometry.

  Fit:One-piece knit booty upper locks down well despite unnecessarily long laces.

  In their words: "really rolls well with the speed roll"

  — FORDY RUNS , source

• The Run Testers' crew found the Neo Vista 3 a comfortable, distinctly bouncy cushioned daily/easy-day trainer that's an improvement on the v2 but still not as versatile or lively as the original v1, with several testers preferring rivals like the Novablast 6 or Clifton Pro for a more energetic, all-round ride.

  Ride:A soft, sinking, max-cushion ride with a pronounced rocker that feels bouncy and lively when pushed toward marathon pace, but sluggish and wobbly/unstable at slower easy paces; testers wanted more plate-driven snap and control from the foam.

  Fit:Testers generally found a true-to-size fit with a roomy, secure booty-style upper and good midfoot/heel lockdown; one tester preferred going half a size down, and a couple noted the sock-like tongue and rear eyelet placement take some fiddling to lock down.

  In their words: "fit like a glove, basically" · "cushy malleable moving wobbly" · "so close to being a fan"

  — The Run Testers , 31 mi tested , source

• Kofuzi sees the Neo Vista 3 as a worthwhile refinement over the v2 -- a comfortable, big-sweet-spot shoe for easy and long runs -- but feels the redesigned plate and firm EVA base blunt energy return once he tries to pick up the pace, especially as a midfoot/forefoot striker.

  Ride:Big, forgiving sweet spot for heel, midfoot, or forefoot strikers at easy paces thanks to a firm, dense EVA base layer that adds stability and predictability, but energy return and pop fade once he tries to push past moderate effort.

  Fit:True to size; new molded heel cup with a foam bumper pad adds structure and can trap heat/sweat in warm weather, but Kofuzi noted no heel fit issues.

  In their words: "a nice refinement over what" · "a really big sweet spot" · "a lack of pop"

  — Kofuzi , source

• Ben Parkes describes the Neo Vista 3 as a fun, bouncy, marshmallow-soft max-stack shoe that's surprisingly stable thanks to its plate, best suited to recovery jogs and easy miles, with only minor gripes about bulk and lacing irritation.

  Ride:Bouncy, plush, marshmallow-soft ride with a plate that adds stability rather than speed — geared toward chill, easy miles rather than performance.

  Fit:Booty-style upper hugs the foot and is surprisingly breathable for the volume; lacing system caused some minor irritation.

  In their words: "it's bouncy and it's really good fun" · "soft, squishy, marshmallowy type shoe"

  — Ben Parkes , source