Mach X 3 vs Neo Vista 2

The Mach X 3 is Hoka's do-it-all super trainer, the shoe you reach for when one pair has to cover the tempo session on Tuesday and the long run at the weekend. A Pebax plate sits inside a tall 44mm heel and 39mm forefoot stack, so you get a snappy, rolling ride without the harsh, race-only feel of a full carbon racing shoe. At 289g it is not light for the category, and you notice that on genuinely fast reps. What you get in return is versatility. It has enough cushioning to protect your legs over 20 miles and enough pop to hold marathon pace when you ask for it. Think of it as a workhorse with an extra gear rather than a pure speed tool. For runners who want a single plated trainer that does most jobs well, and who do not want to spend race-shoe money doing it, we rate the Mach X 3 highly. Just go in knowing it prioritises range over outright speed.

The Neo Vista 2 is Mizuno's big, soft super trainer, a max-stack running shoe built to soak up mileage rather than chase a personal best. Its Enerzy NXT foam posted the highest shock absorption RUNSHOEINDEX has seen tested in 2026, and you feel that the moment you land: deep, protective, easy on tired legs. This is a shoe for the bulk of your week, the long runs and steady miles where comfort matters more than snap. It is not a racer and it does not pretend to be. At 264g it carries some weight, and without a firm plate it stays smooth and cushioned instead of aggressive. If you liked the plush, rolling feel of the first Neo Vista, version 2 keeps the recipe and dials up the softness. In a category led by the Asics Superblast 3, the Neo Vista 2 makes its case on pure cushioning.