Super trainers are a relatively recent development in the running shoe world. These speedy training shoes burst onto the running shoe scene in the early 2020s. Since then, nearly every running shoe brand has joined in on the super trainer trend.
So what exactly is a super trainer?
These shoes borrow elements from carbon plated racing shoes, such as an ultra high stack height, energetic foam, rocker geometry, and occasionally some form of plate. And while they tend to deliver a springy, energetic, and well-cushioned ride similar to race day shoes, they’re often more versatile, stable, and durable than their dedicated racing counterparts.
Mizuno joined in on the super trainer fun with the first iteration of the Neo Vista. 3 iterations in, the shoe is a standout in its category. The shoe’s tagline encourages you to “Bounce Forward, Own Your Pace”. And with a unique layered midsole design, propulsive geometry, and lightweight construction, the Neo Vista 3 helps you do exactly that.
Our review team took a closer look at the newest Mizuno Neo Vista to see how it compares to previous versions and determine what type of runners might benefit from this Mizuno super trainer. Keep reading for an in-depth review of our findings to help you decide if the Neo Vista 3 is right for you.
Our Review Process
Our Marathon Sports team has been tuned in to all the biggest running shoe trends over the years. So we’ve followed the rise of super trainers, testing out each new option so we can make the best recommendation for every runner, walker, and athlete.
The original Neo Vista unleashed a new generation of cushioning and comfort, and each new iteration has continued to expand on its predecessor to offer more comfort, propulsion, and energy return. With the release of the Neo Vista 3, our review team couldn’t wait to see how Mizuno continued to improve on this speed trainer.
As soon as the new Neo Vista arrived, our team members laced them up and hit the road for a clearer view of every unique feature and how each element feels and performs. Throughout long runs, track workouts, and beyond, we gained a comprehensive understanding of the Neo Vista 3, what runners might enjoy the shoe, and who may want to try out some other options.
Throughout this review, we’ll highlight some of the Neo Vista’s key features, including both well-established and new and improved design elements. We’ll also cover all of our road test results, key findings, and some comparable options so you have all the information you need to find the right running shoe for you.
Mizuno Neo Vista 3: Specs and Highlights
The specs and technology in a running shoe all play a major role in how a running shoe model actually feels and performs on runs. So before we dive into our findings, here’s a quick overview of what you can find in the newest Neo Vista.
- A plated super trainer designed to offer comfort and bounce across every pace
- Stack height: 44.5 mm in the heel, 36.5 mm in the forefoot
- 8 mm drop
- Weight: 9.3 oz (M), 7.9 oz (W)
- Midsole made up of layered TPU ENERZY NXT foam and EVA ENERZY NXT foam for a lively, energetic ride with smooth and stable transitions
- Smooth Speed Assist geometry works with this midsole design to propel you forward
- 3D nylon Wave Plate is incorporated into the midsole to disperse pressure and deliver more energy return
- One-piece knit upper and redesigned heel construction creates a high-performance locked-in feel
- Strategically-placed X10 rubber outsole improves durability and grip
- Made with eco-friendly recycled materials
- Price: $200
Get to Know the Mizuno Neo Vista 3: The Nitty Gritty Details
Ready to learn more about each of these features and technologies? Keep reading for a closer look at how these elements come together in Mizuno’s exciting new super trainer.
Next-Generation Layered Midsole
The midsole unit is often one of the most important aspects of any running shoe. In a super trainer like the Neo Vista, you want enough plush cushioning to keep you comfortable on long runs, with a well-balanced and springy feel that lets you pick up the pace when needed.
The Neo Vista 3 excels in this category due to its next-generation foam and unique layered midsole construction. Directly underneath the foot, you’ll find a TPU version of Mizuno’s nitrogen-infused ENERZY NXT foam that provides soft and springy energy with each step. Underneath, you’ll find a firmer layer of EVA ENERZY NXT foam for smooth and stable landings.
Mizuno separates its shoes into 5 silos – Speed, Bounce, Cruise, Float, and Trail – and this dynamic cushioning places the Neo Vista firmly in the “Bounce” category. This energy comfortably carries over from speed runs to long runs.
And with a whopping stack height of 44.5 mm/36.5 mm, the Neo Vista’s midsole cushioning has everything you need to push yourself through runs with maximum comfort and shock absorption.
Embedded Wave Plate
The midsole construction isn’t the only element that gives the Neo Vista 3 its signature bounce. Embedded within the midsole is a glass-fiber infused Nylon Wave Plate.
Many Mizuno training shoes use a unique Wave Plate in the midsole to amp up responsiveness and help distribute pressure more evenly throughout runs. But the Neo Vista’s Wave Plate brings the shoe to the next level with a 3D Shape design that creates even more spring and energy return.
This plate compresses as you land and springs you forward as you roll from heel-to-toe, giving you all the propulsion and rebound you could ask for in a training shoe.
Dynamic Geometry and Construction
While the midsole cushioning and plate offer unmatched bounce, the Smooth Speed Assist geometry and overall construction help guide you through every stride with more efficiency.
This signature Mizuno geometry includes a heel bevel and aggressive forefoot rocker that keeps your turnover feeling smooth and effortless. Despite the large block of foam underfoot, this rocker and midsole grooves ensure the shoe feels lightweight, streamlined, and agile, particularly when it comes to track workouts or uptempo runs.
Performance-Oriented Upper
The upper design has been a point of contention among many runners in previous iterations of the Neo Vista. While the knit was lightweight and breathable, the heel construction could often cause some discomfort and rubbing.
So our reviewers were happy to see that while the Neo Vista 3 used a similar single-layer knit material used in previous iterations, they updated the heel construction to address these concerns and maximize all-around step-in comfort.
The engineered knit upper is soft and flexible, with plenty of ventilation and airflow to keep feet cool and comfortable. The newest Neo Vista also added more cushioning along the heel collar to create a more secure lockdown and prevent any distracting rubbing or movement in the heel.
Versatility and Durability
One of the Neo Vista 3’s best aspects is its versatility and adaptability. With so much cushioning underfoot, it can easily function as a recovery shoe or long run shoe. But when you want to pick up the pace, the Wave Plate and energetic foam come into play, helping you hit all your paces and reach your running goals.
At $200, the Neo Vista 3 is on the pricier end compared to many daily trainers, although it’s right in line with the standard super trainer price range. And with so much versatility, you can enjoy more value for your money. If you’re looking for a single do-it-all shoe that can tackle whatever workouts you throw at it, the Neo Vista is up for the task.
Soft, airy foams like ENERZY NXT aren’t always the most durable or resilient, but Mizuno helps improve the shoe’s longevity with a dependable X10 rubber outsole. This outsole is strategically placed to protect the foam from early wear without adding any unnecessary weight or bulk to the shoe.
Sustainability
On the hunt for running products that leave you feeling good about where you spend your money? The Mizuno Neo Vista 3 is a great choice.
Mizuno is working towards being carbon neutral by 2050, and sustainable shoe constructions like that found in the Neo Vista is a key step in reaching that goal. The model incorporates recycled, eco-friendly materials throughout its design, so you don’t need to choose between sustainability and performance.
Let’s Hit the Road: How Does the Neo Vista 3 Perform?
In both look and feel, the Mizuno Neo Vista 3 is very similar to its predecessor. With 40+ mm of foam in the heel, a speed-focused wave plate, and lots of rebound, Mizuno didn’t stray too far from its previous super trainer formula.
But while the changes were more subtle, our review team was eager to take to the roads and see how the upgrades and refinements felt over the course of uptempo workouts and long hours spent on our feet.
One of the biggest immediate standouts was the booty-style single-piece engineered knit upper. The convenient pull tabs on the heel and tongue made it easy to slide on the shoe, and once on, the knit provided a snug and secure fit around the top of the foot. The flexible material and one-piece construction reduced any hot spots or distractions, helping us focus completely on the run ahead.
The upper is also where one of the biggest upgrades comes into play. The redesigned heel construction hugs the foot better than its predecessors, helping provide a more secure fit with each step you take.
Now for the most exciting part: road test results.
As our review team headed out for daily mileage in the Neo Vista 3, it was evident that Mizuno really hit the nail on the head when it comes to the overall midsole construction. The brand states that the Neo Vista is designed “as a system”, and throughout our runs, we could easily see how each element came together to deliver the bounce and energy return this super trainer promises.
Through each foot strike, the layered ENERZY NXT midsole, propulsive nylon Wave Plate, and Smooth Speed Assist guided us forward and created a dynamic and energetic ride. The reformulated nitrogen-infused TPU version of the foam delivered exceptional shock absorption and softness as we landed.
This soft foam had a bit of instability on slower, more casual daily miles. However, the more responsive bottom EVA layer of foam prevented the shoe from feeling overly soft and wobbly underfoot.
With so much foam, the Neo Vista 3 isn’t the lightest super trainer on the market, and if you prioritize an ultra speedy and light design, you may want to look elsewhere. The streamlined shape and propulsive geometry keeps it from feeling too clunky, but at 9.3 oz for men’s shoes and 7.9 oz for women’s shoes, it isn’t the best option for runners who prefer a sleek and minimal shoe.
Fortunately, our review team wasn’t too bothered by the extra ounces. While the shoes felt a bit bulky during true sprinting workouts on the track, they shined during daily miles, uptempo runs, or interval runs that incorporated a wide range of paces and efforts.
The knit upper felt fantastic and comfortable around the foot during runs, but some elements of the upper construction may not work for every athlete out there. The heel and tongue wrap the foot and hit high on the ankle, which our review team members could see being bothersome for anyone sensitive to extra material.
The one-piece construction has its pros when it comes to comfort and flexibility, but some of our review team members with narrow and low-volume feet faced challenges with getting a secure, natural lockdown. Because there’s no separate tongue, some runners with narrow feet may run into gaping or extra material around the midfoot and toe box.
As a whole, however, our team was impressed with the Neo Vista 3’s ability to handle nearly any type of run. From speed work to long recovery days, the midsole unit and overall design truly shined, and we appreciated just how versatile the shoe was. While not every feature will be ideal for every runner or walker out there, the Neo Vista 3 is a great option for anyone who wants the speed and bounce of a race day shoe throughout all their daily training miles.
Neo Vista 3 Pros and Cons
As we uncovered throughout our road testing, the Mizuno Neo Vista 3 has some features that excel, as well as some areas of improvement.
Here are the key Neo Vista 3 pros and cons.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile – can easily handle speed workouts, long runs, and all the mileage in between
- Layered midsole construction provides unparalleled bounce and responsiveness to help guide you forward on any type of run
- Glass-fiber infused nylon Wave Plate boosts energy return and efficiency without the stiffness that comes from a full carbon plate
- X10 rubber outsole improves grip and traction throughout runs while increasing the shoe’s longevity
Cons
- Can feel a bit heavy and bulky compared to other high-performance super trainers
- Single-piece knit upper is soft and breathable, but doesn’t work for every foot shape and size. Runners with narrow or low volume feet may find the fit awkward or too roomy
Mizuno Neo Vista 3: How Does it Stack Up to the Competition?
When it comes to bounce and propulsion, the Neo Vista 3 is hard to beat. The midsole foam, Wave Plate, and Smooth Speed Assist form a well-oiled machine that effortlessly guides you through each stride with maximum spring in your step.
But as we mentioned, the super trainer landscape is constantly changing and expanding. So we suggest testing out some other options to ensure you’re finding the right shoe for you.
The super trainer landscape looks vastly different these days as it did just a few years ago. More and more brands are joining in on the trend and producing lightweight speed trainers, so the Neo Vista 3 has more competition in this category than ever before.
While the Neo Vista’s high stack provides exceptional shock absorption, the cushioning may feel too soft and unstable for runners who prefer to feel the ground as they run. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 offers a stiffer, more moderately cushioned alternative. Like the Neo Vista, it has a nylon plate and pronounced rocker geometry. However, the more grounded feel might appeal to some runners over the Neo Vista’s max stack height.
And not every speed trainer is plated. The adidas EVO SL offers a non-plated – and significantly more affordable – running shoe option. At $150, this bouncy, lightweight shoe boasts exceptional value, with a versatile design that can handle most types of runs. However, you won’t get the same ultra plush landings that many other super trainers have to offer.
Ultimately, the choice between uptempo trainers comes down to your preferences and goals. Looking for a plush and versatile trainer with a high stack height? Consider the Neo Vista. But if you want something lighter or a shoe that lets you feel the ground under your feet as you pick up the pace, you’ll likely want to look for something different.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
With more and more super trainers making their way into the running world, we know that we’ve been spoiled for choice. Mizuno, Asics, Saucony, Adidas, Nike, and more – nearly every major running brand has released a high-performance super trainer designed around speed and propulsion.
But even with all the competition, the Mizuno Neo Vista 3 holds its own in the performance trainer category. Our review team was impressed by the way the midsole, Wave Plate, and geometry worked as a unit to deliver impressive momentum and propulsion. As we tackled nearly every type of run and workout, the new Neo Vista kept us feeling smooth, efficient, and comfortable.
The Neo Vista was released June 1st, and you can try it on for yourself now at your nearest Marathon Sports. Swing in today to talk running shoes, try the Right Fit process, and find all the tools you need for your individual running journey. Our dedicated footwear experts are excited to help you find the perfect fit and keep you moving in comfort.
