Mizuno Neo Vista 3

The Mizuno Neo Vista 3 is the Mizuno take on the everyday training super shoe, a lightweight trainer designed for neutral runners looking for generous cushioning, bounce and versatility in a single shoe. It sits within the so-called "Bounce Silo" of the Japanese brand, a step above more traditional options such as the Wave Rider 29 and below the more aggressive racing range. Compared with rivals such as the Puma Deviate Nitro 4, it goes for a taller stack height and a fun, springy ride, more in the maximalist vein of the Asics Superblast 3.

The third edition keeps the spirit of the original Neo Vista, but refined: the knit bootie with an integrated sock is still the heart of the upper, improving step-in comfort and overall hold compared with the previous version. The heel adds more padding and the asymmetric tongue with an elastic strap makes the shoe easy to put on without sacrificing fit. Breathability is fine for varied paces, although the mesh is somewhat thicker than usual, something to bear in mind on warmer days. The fit is true to size, with a medium last that wraps the foot well; runners with very wide feet should try it on before deciding.

The midsole combines Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam with a nylon 3D Wave Plate, gentler than stiff carbon plates, which adds propulsion without making the stride too aggressive, an approach that has been a great success in the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5. The Smooth Speed Assist geometry helps drive the transition and the feeling underfoot is of controlled bounce, ideal for long runs and moderate-paced intervals. With a classic 8 mm heel-to-toe drop, it favours heel and midfoot strikers, although Mizuno running shoes are hard to recognise now, after so long with that rather clunky feel that made them unmistakable and split runners between those who loved them and those who hated them, only to now border on irrelevance, what a shame.