Neo Vista 2 vs Deviate Pure Nitro 1

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.

The Deviate Pure Nitro is Puma's plateless super trainer, and it sits in a clever spot: most of the bounce of a race shoe, without the plate telling your legs what to do. It runs on a full PEBA Nitrofoam midsole with a 38mm heel and 30mm forefoot, an 8mm drop, and a listed 220g, so it is light for how much shoe you get underfoot. This is a fast everyday trainer rather than a marathon racer. It shines on tempo runs, progression runs and honest daily miles where you want a lively, energetic ride but still want your foot to do the steering. Because there is no carbon plate, it feels more natural and forgiving than a plated super trainer like the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4, which makes it easier to run slow in. If you want one bouncy running shoe that covers most of your week, this is a strong pick.