{"product_id":"mizuno-neo-zen-2-mens-neutral-running","title":"Mizuno Neo Zen 2 Men's Neutral Running Shoes","description":"\u003ch1\u003eMizuno Neo Zen 2 Men's Neutral Running Shoes — Grey\/White\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is a lightweight, high-stack neutral daily trainer built around a nitrogen-infused ENERZY NXT midsole and a snug, sock-like knit upper. In Grey\/White, it's designed for runners who want a fun, comfortable daily trainer for easy runs and steady mileage, without a plate slowing things down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Technical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCategory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeutral Daily Trainer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupport\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeutral\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSurface\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRoad\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e241g \/ 8.5oz (Men's US9, manufacturer stated)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeel Drop\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStack Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40mm heel \/ 34mm forefoot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMidsole\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNitrogen-infused ENERZY NXT (EVA), non-plated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUpper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSock-like engineered knit with semi-detached tongue\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrey\/White\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRide Feel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight, high-stack, moderately rockered\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest Use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDaily training, easy runs, long runs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrice Category\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePremium daily trainer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Neo Zen 2 sits between Mizuno's traditional Wave Rider and its max-stack Neo Vista in the brand's lineup — a lightweight, high-stack daily trainer without a plate. Version 2 changes the midsole compound from the supercritical TPU used in the original Neo Zen to a nitrogen-infused EVA ENERZY NXT foam, which trades some outright bounce for a firmer, more stable ride at the same 40mm heel stack height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe upper has also been reworked, with a semi-detached tongue that allows for a more adjustable, secure fit while keeping the sock-like knit texture that made the original Neo Zen distinctive. Mizuno has also added heel collar padding to help avoid Achilles irritation, and the outsole uses an exposed midsole design in places to save weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWho benefits? Runners with narrow-to-average feet who like a snug, sock-like fit and a high-stack, lightweight ride for daily and long-run mileage. It suits runners looking for a versatile trainer that can handle easy runs through to moderately paced efforts. It's not the shoe for runners who want maximum energy return — that crowd may prefer the original Neo Zen's TPU foam or a dedicated racing shoe — nor for wide-footed runners, who may find the snug knit upper restrictive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnology Explained\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eNitrogen-Infused ENERZY NXT (EVA)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat it is:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mizuno's nitrogen-infused EVA foam, used as a full-length, non-plated midsole in the Neo Zen 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow it works:\u003c\/strong\u003e Injecting nitrogen into the EVA compound during production creates a lighter, more cushioned foam than standard EVA, though it is firmer and less energetic than the supercritical TPU used in the original Neo Zen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy it matters:\u003c\/strong\u003e This change trades some of the original's lively bounce for a more stable, predictable ride — a deliberate shift for runners who want consistency over excitement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho benefits:\u003c\/strong\u003e Runners who want a light, high-stack shoe for steady daily mileage rather than an especially bouncy or race-oriented ride.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSmooth Speed Assist Geometry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat it is:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mizuno's midsole shaping designed to smooth the transition from landing to toe-off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow it works:\u003c\/strong\u003e A moderate rocker profile built into the midsole encourages a smooth roll through the gait cycle, reducing the effort needed to move through each stride.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy it matters:\u003c\/strong\u003e Without a plate to guide the transition, the geometry itself does the work of keeping the ride smooth and efficient at the shoe's tall 40mm stack height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho benefits:\u003c\/strong\u003e Runners who want a smooth, easy-rolling ride without the firmer feel a plate can sometimes add.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRide Experience\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLanding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Firm but well-cushioned, with strong shock absorption from the tall 40mm stack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smooth, aided by the moderate rocker geometry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToe Off:\u003c\/strong\u003e Efficient, though without a plate to add propulsion, this relies on the foam and geometry alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResponsiveness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate — firmer and less bouncy than the original Neo Zen's TPU foam, but still lively for an EVA compound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComfort:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strong, particularly for narrow-to-average feet thanks to the snug, sock-like upper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good for a non-plated shoe, though without the structural guidance a plate provides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGround Feel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Limited given the tall stack, despite the shoe's light weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCadence:\u003c\/strong\u003e Versatile — comfortable at easy paces with reasonable upside for faster efforts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFit \u0026amp; Sizing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTrue to size; some runners size up for a roomier fit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWidth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSnug, sock-like fit — best suited to narrow-to-average feet.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeel Fit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecure, with added heel collar padding to prevent Achilles irritation.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToe Box\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate room, laterally biased midfoot construction.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIdeal Runner\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNarrow-to-Average Feet:\u003c\/strong\u003e The sock-like knit upper fits snugly and securely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNeutral Runners:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built as a neutral trainer without pronation-control features.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDaily Training and Long Runs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Comfortable, lightweight cushioning for regular mileage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWho might want to look elsewhere: wide-footed runners may find the snug upper restrictive; runners chasing maximum bounce may prefer the original Neo Zen's TPU foam or a dedicated performance trainer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerformance Ratings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eComfort\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e★★★★☆\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCushioning\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e★★★★★\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStability\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e★★★★☆\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eResponsiveness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e★★★☆☆\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDaily Training\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e★★★★★\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLong Runs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e★★★★☆\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOverall Value\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e★★★★☆\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eComparison Table\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eModel\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDrop\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest For\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMizuno Neo Zen 2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e241g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight, high-stack, non-plated daily trainer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eASICS Novablast 5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~254g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBouncier, taller-stack daily trainer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMizuno Wave Rider 30\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~265g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlated, more structured Mizuno daily trainer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeo Zen 2 vs Wave Rider 30:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Neo Zen 2 is lighter and lower drop, without a plate — a more foam-driven ride. The Wave Rider 30 uses a full-length Wave Plate for a more structured, guided feel at a similar stack height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNitrogen-infused ENERZY NXT (EVA) midsole\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6mm heel-to-toe drop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40mm heel stack height, non-plated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSock-like knit upper with semi-detached tongue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncreased heel collar padding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightweight, exposed-midsole outsole design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDurban Runner Expert Recommendation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Neo Zen 2 is a good option for runners with narrow-to-average feet who want a lightweight, high-stack daily trainer without the extra structure of a plate. It's comfortable for daily runs and long mileage, and the lower 6mm drop suits runners who prefer a more natural foot strike. It's less suited to wide-footed runners given the snug, sock-like fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're unsure whether a lower-drop, non-plated shoe like this suits your gait, come in for a fitting — we can help confirm the right drop and stack height for your stride, particularly if you're new to lower-drop footwear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 a neutral shoe?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, it's a neutral daily trainer without pronation-control features.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the heel-to-toe drop on the Neo Zen 2?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the stack height of the Neo Zen 2?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e40mm heel \/ 34mm forefoot, per Mizuno's official specifications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the Neo Zen 2 have a plate?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo, it's a non-plated shoe relying on foam and geometry alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much does the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 weigh?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMizuno's stated weight is 241g \/ 8.5oz for a men's US9.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the Neo Zen 2 good for wide feet?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot especially — the sock-like knit upper is snug and best suited to narrow-to-average feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's the difference between the Neo Zen 2 and the original Neo Zen?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Neo Zen 2 moves from a supercritical TPU midsole to a nitrogen-infused EVA compound, trading some bounce for a firmer, more stable ride, alongside an updated upper with a semi-detached tongue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the Neo Zen 2 good for long runs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, the tall stack height and lightweight build make it a comfortable option for long-run mileage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the Neo Zen 2 true to size?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenerally true to size, though some runners prefer sizing up for extra room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Try the Mizuno Neo Zen 2?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCome in for a professional fitting and let our team confirm whether the Neo Zen 2 — or one of its alternatives — is the right daily trainer for your foot and your goals.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mizuno","offers":[{"title":"UK8 \/ grey\/white","offer_id":49127551435008,"sku":"J1GC268651-UK8","price":3399.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"UK8.5 \/ grey\/white","offer_id":49127551467776,"sku":"J1GC268651-UK8.5","price":3399.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"UK9 \/ grey\/white","offer_id":49127551500544,"sku":"J1GC268651-UK9","price":3399.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"UK9.5 \/ grey\/white","offer_id":49127551533312,"sku":"J1GC268651-UK9.5","price":3399.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"UK10 \/ grey\/white","offer_id":49127551566080,"sku":"J1GC268651-UK10","price":3399.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"UK10.5 \/ grey\/white","offer_id":49127551598848,"sku":"J1GC268651-UK10.5","price":3399.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"UK11 \/ grey\/white","offer_id":49127551631616,"sku":"J1GC268651-UK11","price":3399.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"UK11.5 \/ grey\/white","offer_id":49127551664384,"sku":"J1GC268651-UK11.5","price":3399.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"UK12 \/ grey\/white","offer_id":49127551697152,"sku":"J1GC268651-UK12","price":3399.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/4323\/5328\/files\/DSC_0783_d40df871-a52a-41b7-b730-469f6bfccfb8.jpg?v=1786700652","url":"https:\/\/durbanrunner.co.za\/products\/mizuno-neo-zen-2-mens-neutral-running","provider":"Durban Runner","version":"1.0","type":"link"}