The voice of the athletes: Mizuno Neo Zen with Fabio Giudici

Choosing new running shoes can be one of the toughest decisions for any athlete. With so many options available, how do you know which brand is right for you? What factors should you consider to strike the perfect balance between performance, comfort, and durability? And most importantly, how can you tell if the price is truly worth it? To help answer these questions, our ambassador and marathon runner, Fabio Giudici, shares his insights and experience. In this article, you'll find his review of the new Mizuno Neo Zen, a model that promises to elevate your runs.

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Key features at a glance:

• The new Enerzy version is outstanding.

• Ideal for push runs, not long-distance.

• The seamless upper provides a soft, cozy fit throughout.

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Lately, getting a new pair of Mizuno shoes feels like a delightful surprise every time.

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Each time, a new detail catches your eye or touch—whether it’s a lighter mesh, a softer lace, or a tiny, colorful logo on the tongue (like in this model)—these subtle differences show just how much attention goes into designing these shoes. It’s not that other brands don’t care, of course, but Mizuno’s level of meticulousness is truly impressive (remember the GPS coordinates of their headquarters on the Rebellion Pro 2?).

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The shoe feels light and soft to the touch, weighing in at under 240g for a size 42. The midsole offers a plush feel, while twisting the shoe in your hands reveals its responsiveness and flexibility. There’s no rigid support to be found, giving it a more natural, adaptable feel. The laces are the perfect length (finally, no more battling with short laces!), and they’re easy to fasten. The upper fits snugly, effortlessly molding to the foot for a comfortable, customized fit.

Once laced up, the shoe's responsiveness is immediately noticeable, even before you take a single step. The heel is well-protected, and you can feel a natural inclination to push forward. The 6mm drop feels a bit more pronounced, thanks to the combination of foams in the midsole, including Mizuno’s signature Enerzy Nxt foam.

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The first few kilometers in these shoes instantly won me over. I found myself running in a shoe that was incredibly responsive, thanks to the Enerzy Nxt and Smooth Speed Assist technology. It felt light, soft, and snug—just what you want in a 'daily run' shoe—but with a vibe similar to what used to be classified as 'A2,' but with the tech upgrades of 2025. This is a shoe I’m excited to use tonight for some more intense intervals, and I have a feeling it’ll be a go-to for the rest of my training.
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The Enerzy NXT foam is an evolution of its predecessor, offering even greater reactivity. Its response is perfectly matched to the energy you put into it, effortlessly adapting as you transition from a low-effort pace to a more powerful stride with quicker steps. It’s the natural progression of a product that was already excellent in its first iteration.

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I recommend wearing these shoes with socks above the ankle, as the collar sits slightly higher than usual, though it’s in line with other seamless shoes I’ve tried. It’s also worth noting that there are no soft inserts in the heel and ankle area, as the upper itself is already soft and flexible, providing a comfortable fit without the extra cushioning.

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The grip is solid—while not quite on par with the Rebellion Pro, it’s still excellent and above average. After a few runs, the outsole shows no signs of wear, so I expect these shoes to offer durability that surpasses the average.

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With this shoe, it feels like Mizuno is stepping on the accelerator to completely refresh its lineup, incorporating the technologies proven successful with the ‘Rebellion’ series. Could this be the beginning of the Wave Rider's successor?

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Follow all of Fabio’s successes, achievements, and tips on his Instagram profile here.

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Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our Kit & Gear category for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases.