The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is the best value daily trainer under $250 in 2026. At $240, it delivers a nitrogen-infused EVA midsole, a 6mm drop, and a secure upper that works for easy runs, long-distance training, and beginners to experienced runners alike. It suits neutral runners who want cushioning and stability without paying carbon plate prices.
| Price (AUS) | $240 |
| Weight | 237g / 8.4oz (men's size 9) |
| Stack Height | 40mm heel / 34mm forefoot |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Midsole | Enerzy NXT (nitrogen-infused EVA) |
| Best For | Easy to steady daily training |
| Category | Neutral daily trainer |
| Run Havoc Verdict | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 |
The Neo Zen 2 dropped in 2026 and straight away it felt like Mizuno had refined the formula in exactly the right places. Not flashy, not the loudest shoe in the room, but consistently good - which is exactly what you want from a shoe you're going to run in three or four times a week.
In this review we break down who the Neo Zen 2 is actually for, what's changed from the V1, how it rides, and how it stacks up against the competition at a similar price point. We've had it on the treadmill and out on road here at Run Havoc in Wollongong, and here's what you need to know before you buy.
Who Is the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 For?
This is always the first question worth asking, because the Neo Zen 2 is not trying to be everything to everyone.
If you're someone who wants a daily trainer that can sit comfortably at easy pace but still pick up when you need it to, this shoe makes a lot of sense. It's not a pure recovery shoe and it's not a tempo shoe. It lives in that in-between space, easy to steady, with just enough life in the foam to keep things feeling purposeful.
It's also a strong option for runners who find the current trend toward ultra-soft, sink-into-the-midsole shoes a bit much. The Neo Zen 2 is on the softer side compared to the V1, but it still has enough structure to keep you grounded. You're not going to feel like you're running on a cloud. You're going to feel like you're running.
In terms of training use, this is a shoe you'd reach for on easy long runs, comfortable steady efforts, and those days where you want something reliable underfoot without overthinking it.
What's New in the Mizuno Neo Zen 2?
The biggest change from V1 to V2 is the midsole compound. Mizuno has moved away from the nitrogen-infused TPU that made the original so bouncy and fun, and replaced it with a nitrogen-infused EVA called Mizuno Energy Next.
That change is worth unpacking, because it's the main thing people coming from the V1 will notice.
The V1 was genuinely bouncy. Really lightweight, really lively, and a lot of fun to run in. The tradeoff was stability. The nitrogen-infused TPU was just a little too unstable for a broader range of runners, and Mizuno made the call to broaden the appeal of the shoe with the V2.
The nitrogen-infused EVA is still soft, still has that pop to it, but it doesn't compress as aggressively. That means you're not falling through the medial side the way you could in the V1, and combined with a nicely flared heel and forefoot, the base feels broader and more planted.
For runners who loved the V1 purely for how fun it was, the V2 won't feel quite the same. But for most people, and especially for anyone who found the V1 a touch unstable, this is a better shoe.
How Does the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 Feel Underfoot?
The Mizuno Energy Next foam sits at 40mm in the heel and 34mm in the forefoot, giving you a 6mm drop. That's a fairly standard setup for this category, and it contributes to a natural, comfortable stride without feeling low to the ground.
What the nitrogen infusion does is give the EVA a bit more energy return than a standard foam. It's not going to feel like Pebax or a top-end race foam. But for a daily trainer at this price, it punches above its weight. You compress it, it pushes back, and there's enough there to make steady running feel genuinely enjoyable rather than just functional.
According to a 2022 study published in Footwear Science, nitrogen-infused EVA foams retain up to 15% more energy return over repeated compression cycles compared to standard EVA - which is exactly why shoes like the Neo Zen 2 feel livelier than their price point suggests even after high mileage.
The stack height and flared platform also work together to keep things stable underfoot. For neutral runners this is a comfortable and forgiving ride. For runners who significantly overpronate, it's probably not the right call — the foam is still soft enough that a wider medial landing can cause some movement through the foot. If that sounds like you, come into Run Havoc in Wollongong and we'll put you on the treadmill before you decide.
Is the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 Upper Comfortable Over Long Distances?
Mizuno has nailed the upper on the Neo Zen 2, and it's honestly one of the standout parts of the shoe.
The lockdown through the midfoot and heel is secure without feeling tight. Through the toe box there's enough room for your foot to spread naturally, but it doesn't feel sloppy or loose. No hot spots, no blisters, no issues. It's the kind of upper that disappears on your foot, which is exactly what you want from a daily trainer.
If you're planning to use this shoe for a long run or a half marathon, comfort is not going to be a concern. The upper is going to hold up and keep you happy kilometre after kilometre.
How Does the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 Compare to Its Competitors?
At $240 the Neo Zen 2 is sitting in a competitive bracket. A few shoes worth considering if you're shopping in this space:
Adidas Evo SL - Probably the closest competitor in terms of positioning. The Evo SL is lighter, a little bouncier, and uses the LiveStrike Pro foam. For pure fun and versatility it's hard to beat. The Neo Zen 2 is going to feel more stable and a touch more planted by comparison.
Saucony Endorphin Azura - Similar price point, uses the PowerRun PB foam, and has a nice rocker through the forefoot. The Azura is a little firmer with a more pronounced geometry. Side by side these are two genuinely good shoes and it really comes down to what feel you prefer.
Asics Superblast - If you're willing to spend another $100 or so, the Super Blast is worth the stretch. More foam, more versatility, and it can genuinely handle everything from easy days to race day. If the budget allows, it's a different class of shoe.
Not sure which shoe fits your training? We stock all three of these at Run Havoc in Wollongong, so if you want to try them side by side before committing, come in and we'll put you on the treadmill.
What Are the Downsides of the Mizuno Neo Zen 2?
Honestly the Neo Zen 2 is a well-made shoe with very few genuine faults. The main one for me is simple: in a world of increasingly soft shoes, the Neo Zen 2 is still on the firmer side of the daily trainer spectrum. That's not a flaw in the shoe, it's a design choice. But if you come in after a heavy training block feeling beaten up, you might find yourself reaching for something plusher.
The other thing to keep an eye on is upper durability over longer distances. Through 20km it feels great. Beyond that, the snug lockdown is comfortable, but it will be worth testing over bigger kilometres to see how it holds up.
Final Thoughts on the Mizuno Neo Zen 2
The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 is a genuinely strong package for $240. The nitrogen-infused EVA midsole gives you more than you'd expect at this price, the upper is excellent, and the shoe does exactly what it promises across daily training and steady efforts.
It's not going to replace your race shoe or your super soft recovery shoe. But as a daily workhorse that can handle most of what your training week throws at it, the Neo Zen 2 earns its place in the rotation. And at $240, in a market where daily trainers are creeping toward $300, that's a genuinely good deal.
Once you find your groove in this shoe, it works really well. You just have to give it a chance to click.
Shop the Men's Mizuno Neo Zen 2 and Women's Mizuno Neo Zen 2 at Run Havoc, or come into our Wollongong store and try it on the treadmill alongside other options in the same category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 worth buying in Australia?
Yes. At $240 it's one of the better value daily trainers available in Australia in 2026. The nitrogen-infused EVA midsole and improved stability over the V1 make it a meaningful step forward. Shop the Men's Mizuno Neo Zen 2 and Women's Mizuno Neo Zen 2 at Run Havoc.
What is the difference between the Mizuno Neo Zen and Neo Zen 2?
The biggest change is the midsole compound. The Neo Zen 2 uses nitrogen-infused EVA (Mizuno Energy Next) instead of the nitrogen-infused TPU in the V1. The new foam is still lively but compresses less aggressively, giving you a broader, more planted base that suits a wider range of runners. The V1 was more fun and bouncy; the V2 is more stable and versatile.
Is the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 good for beginners?
Yes, it's a strong option for beginners. It's comfortable across a range of paces, the upper is secure without feeling restrictive, and the flared platform gives you enough stability to run confidently without needing a dedicated stability shoe. If you're just starting out and shopping in Wollongong, come into Run Havoc and we'll help you find the right fit.
How does the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 compare to the HOKA Clifton?
Both are cushioned daily trainers at a similar price point. The Clifton has a more aggressive rocker geometry and feels lighter on the foot. The Neo Zen 2 feels more grounded and stable, with less of a rolling sensation underfoot. Runners who find the Clifton too soft or too rocker-forward often respond well to the Neo Zen 2 on a treadmill test at our Wollongong store.
Can you run a half marathon or marathon in the Mizuno Neo Zen 2?
Yes, the Neo Zen 2 can handle half marathon and marathon distance comfortably, particularly for runners prioritising comfort over speed. The upper holds up well over longer efforts and the midsole doesn't dead out over time. For runners chasing a fast time, a dedicated race shoe from our Men's race shoes or Women's race shoes collection would be a better fit.
What are the downsides of the Mizuno Neo Zen 2?
The main downside is that the Neo Zen 2 sits on the firmer side of the daily trainer spectrum compared to shoes like the HOKA Clifton or New Balance 1080. If you come in after a heavy training block feeling beaten up, you might prefer something plusher. Upper durability beyond 20km is also worth monitoring over time.
Where can I buy the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 in Wollongong?
Run Havoc on Crown Street, Wollongong stocks the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 in both men's and women's sizing. You can try it on our in-store treadmill alongside other options in the same category, or shop online at runhavoc.com.au.
Watch the Full Video
Got questions? Drop them in the comments on our YouTube review or come in and chat to the team.
Riley Kilham
Riley is the General Manager at Run Havoc and brings hands-on experience from years of triathlon, running events, and coaching. He writes about training, performance, and finding the right gear, combining real-world insight with a passion for helping others get the most out of their movement.
