Adidas Adizero Evo SL vs Mizuno Neo Zen: Two £130 Shoes With Very Different Personalities

Introduction

At first glance these two shoes look like direct competitors. Both cost £130 or $150, both claim to be versatile trainers capable of easy runs and faster sessions, and both have a 6 mm drop. In practice they are very different shoes, and the one that suits you depends far more on how you run than what the product pages suggest.

The Adidas Adizero Evo SL weighs 224 g (7.9 oz) for men in a size 8.5. The Mizuno Neo Zen weighs 243 g (8.6 oz) for men in a size 8.

Adidas Adizero Evo SL

The Evo SL borrows technology from Adidas’s top-tier performance shoes to cover everything from easy runs to race day. A thick layer of Lightstrike Pro midsole foam is designed to be soft, comfortable, and highly energy returning, with a noticeable kick when you push the pace.

The upper is a lightweight, breathable engineered mesh, and the outsole combines Continental rubber on the forefoot with clear rubber at the heel for grip without extra weight. There is generous padding around the ankle collar and a slightly rocker geometry for a smooth heel-to-toe transition.

Mizuno Neo Zen

The Neo Zen is a daily trainer built around a thick stack of Mizuno Enerzy Next, the brand’s soft nitrogen-infused foam. It works alongside MZ Speed Assist technology, borrowed from Mizuno’s performance shoes, to promote good running form and efficiency.

The sock-like knitted upper is comfortable, and a high-removable insock adds extra padding. The X10 outsole is a durable carbon rubber designed to hold up in high-wear areas and provide traction in varied conditions.

Fit and Sizing

These two shoes fit very differently, and sizing is one of the first decisions to get right.

The Neo Zen runs roomy, with lots of extra space around the sides and ahead of the big toe. The stretchy sock-like upper makes it comfortable, but getting a secure lockdown can be tricky at that roominess. Going down half a size is the sensible move.

The Evo SL is the opposite. Many Adidas shoes run small, and this one is no exception. Trying multiple sizes in store, the tester found toes pressing against the edge of the standard size and opted to go up half a size. If in doubt, size up in the Evo SL and size down in the Neo Zen.

How They Ride: Versatility vs Comfort

Despite identical pricing and similar marketing language, the ride experience splits sharply.

The Evo SL is genuinely versatile. With nice cushioning that is both bouncy and soft, plus a bit of kick, it suits picking up the pace, tempo runs, and intervals. It works well for easy runs too, with the foam causing no issues at slower paces. For many runners it could happily serve as a race shoe at almost any distance, particularly if you prefer not to spend on a carbon-plated option. It is described as punching well above its price point and sitting in the same league as highly regarded versatile trainers.

The Neo Zen is a different story. Essentially a version of the Mizuno Neo Vista with the plate removed, it becomes significantly softer as a result. The un-plated midsole compresses a lot, and the softer foam means you sit closer to the ground with less bounce back. On easy runs it feels very comfortable, but when you pick up the pace or run longer, the midsole compresses noticeably and the net energy return diminishes, feeling more like the foam is absorbing energy than returning it.

Outsole and Grip

The Evo SL uses a similar outsole design to Adidas’s premium racers: a fairly thin layer of rubber, with Continental rubber up front and clear rubber at the heel. Despite limited tread, grip has proven solid, including plenty of wet-weather running with no issues, and the rubber has held up without the rear-section tearing that plagues many race shoes.

The Neo Zen’s outsole is also good, with a solid layer of carbon rubber over a large exposed section of midsole. Because the midsole sits indented into the shoe, the rubber will take a long time to wear through before the midsole itself is exposed.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want one shoe that does nearly everything, the Evo SL is the clear pick. It handles easy runs, faster training, tempo work, and even racing, all at a price described as an absolute steal for what it delivers. For runners seeking a non-plated fast training shoe, or a cheaper race-day alternative without a plate, it is one of the strongest all-rounders available.

The Neo Zen is fine if your priorities are comfort and easy miles. It is very soft and enjoyable to run in, and it will not break the bank. Heavier runners should note that the foam will compress even more, further reducing the sense of energy return. If you like Mizuno but want more pace, the Neo Vista is the better place to look.

Conclusion

Two shoes at the same price with similar positioning turn out to be built for different runners. The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is a genuinely versatile, bouncy trainer that punches far above its price and can anchor a whole training rotation. The Mizuno Neo Zen is a comfortable, soft cruiser best kept to easy runs and daily miles. As an all-round choice, the Evo SL is the standout winner and by a wide margin the better value.