Mizuno Neo Vista vs. New Balance SC Trainer v3: Which one is the better super trainer?
These two super trainers have been generating a lot of buzz lately, and if you’re among those curious about how they stack up, let’s dive into a comparison to see the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Contents
Comparison of Mizuno Neo Vista vs. New Balance SC Trainer v3
To start off my comparison, here is a short list of specs that both super trainers offer us.
Now, let’s finally start the comparison you’ve been waiting for.
Now, on the basis of upper, midsole, outsole, fit, performance and cost, let’s evaluate which super trainer is good for you.
Upper
Mizuno Neo Vista
The Mizuno Neo Vista features a unique booty-style design with a fully knitted upper, made from a single piece of material—no separate tongue or extra layers.
This knitted upper feels breathable and durable enough to withstand daily running.
However, there’s a small drawback. The upper lacks cushioning, even in areas like the tongue, collar, and heel lock, where you’d usually expect some padding.
The upper is good overall. But with a bit of cushioning, it could have been even better.
New Balance SC Trainer v3
The NB SuperComp Trainer v3 has a more traditional engineered mesh upper that feels snugger than the Mizuno Neo Vista. This mesh seems a bit more durable and breathable compared to Neo Vista.
The upper also has good cushioning in the tongue and collar, with a well-padded heel counter that provides a solid lockdown.
However, the main drawback is that the shoe doesn’t have as much width or room in the toe box as other Phantom Fit New Balance models. A bit more space in the toe box would have been a nice improvement.
Related Article: Mizuno Neo Vista vs ASICS Superblast 2
Midsole
Mizuno Neo Vista
The Neo Vista comes with a fairly bulky midsole. Mizuno calls it the Enerzy NXT midsole.
This midsole has two layers of foam, which both use EVA foam. They’re super squishy and bouncy, providing a soft, sunken feel with each step you take.
In between the foam layers, there’s a glass-infused waveplate, which adds rigidity and structure to the shoe.
In addition, the Smooth Speed Assist rocker profile on this midsole facilitates a smooth transition onto your toes.
This midsole is best for those who want an extra soft and bouncy shoe for their running sections.
New Balance SC Trainer v3
The midsole of the NB SuperComp Trainer v3 is also pretty thick.
It’s made from FuelCell foam, a blend of PEBA and EVA foam. This blend of both foams feels soft, though not as plush as the Neo Vista. It’s a bit firm.
The midsole is built with two layers of this foam—a top and a bottom layer—with a stiff energy carbon plate sandwiched in between.
This carbon plate adds a lot of rigidity and uses Energy Arc technology, which helps boost energy return with each step. This technology is something the Neo Vista lacks.
Moreover, the midsole features a rocker profile that’s been positioned slightly more forward, enhancing the shoe’s overall responsiveness.
So, if you’re into more aggressive running, the SC Trainer v3 might be a better choice.
Outsole
Mizuno Neo Vista
Like other Mizuno shoes, this one also has a tacky, grippy outsole.
It’s made from rubber; not probably the best of its kind but it does grip well even in wet conditions.
I tested it myself on a wet surface; I didn’t slip at all. Although, be cautious when running on wet surfaces as this rubber outsole is quite soft and thin.
New Balance SC Trainer v3
The New Balance SC Trainer v3 also boasts an impressive rubber outsole, much like the Neo Vista.
But what sets the SC Trainer v3 apart is its thicker rubber and enhanced tread pattern. Small diamond-shaped patterns on the outsole provide better traction both on dry and wet surfaces.
Plus, this thicker rubber and tread pattern make the SC Trainer v3 more long-lasting and responsive compared to the Neo Vista.
So, in here, the SC Trainer v3 has the edge.
Fit
Mizuno Neo Vista
Well, Neo Vista stays true-to-size (TTS) and fits quite snug and tight. Even without laces tightening, the shoe feels tight in the middle and leaves some room in the toe area.
New Balance SC Trainer v3
The NB SuperComp Trainer v3 generally fits true to size (TTS), but it’s important to note that this model has a very narrow toe box. If your toes are wide or thick, it can cause some discomfort.
So if you have a wider forefoot, try going half a size up for a better fit.
Performance
Mizuno Neo Vista
The Mizuno Neo Vista offers a soft and enjoyable ride, which isn’t something you find in every running shoe.
The shoe feels very lightweight on feet and it can adjust itself with different kinds of paces, like a moderate pace, a recovery pace, a long run pace, a tempo pace and a threshold pace.
In my experience, it performs best at moderate paces. During recovery runs, it felt a bit slappy, and at tempo paces, the ride was a little mushy. But at long-run paces, it really stands out, delivering a bouncy and enjoyable experience.
For racing, this shoe isn’t built to give you that powerful pop or aggressive toe-off. The plate inside does add structure and stability, helping to manage the foam, but don’t expect a race-day feel from it.
And, if you’re considering this shoe for racing or intense workouts, I wouldn’t recommend it. However, if you’re into long runs, moderate paces, or recovery paces, this shoe can provide a very satisfying ride.
New Balance SC Trainer v3
The New Balance SC Trainer v3 is a powerful trainer designed for aggressive performance. Its PEBA/EVA midsole creates the perfect balance between squishiness and firmness.
My experience with these shoes has been very comfortable. They were phenomenal at fast paces—I truly enjoyed my time in them. The midsole delivers a noticeable pop, making it ideal for marathon paces.
With its high stack of cushioning, it also performs well at moderate and long-run paces. I’ve tested them during workouts, and they held up impressively.
However, it’s not the best for recovery or slow paces. The firmer ride and sculpted geometry can make the shoe feel a bit heavy at those speeds.
So, if you’re after a shoe that could help you perform better in your recovery paces or slow paces, the SC Trainer v3 might not be a good choice. But for serious runners looking for a blend of comfort and aggressive performance, it’s a solid pick.
Cost
Mizuno Neo Vista
The Mizuno Neo Vista cost 180 USD. You’ve got two colorways to choose from, but honestly, there’s not much of a difference between them—both are shades of blue.
New Balance SC Trainer v3
The New Balance SuperComb Trainer v3 also cost the same 180 USD. And two color options are available to you: the Black/Phatom and White/Cyber Jade colorways.
Final Thought: Which One Should You Buy?
If you’ve been running with these shoes, you might have already formed your own opinion, but I know you’re still curious about mine.
From my personal experience and observations, both trainers are great and fit best into their own specific category.
The Mizuno Neo Vista is better suited for those who aren’t looking for an aggressive running shoe but rather a plush, comfortable, and easy-to-ride trainer for daily runs.
On the other hand, the New Balance SC Trainer v3 is a toned-down version of its bigger brother, the SC Elite, which is a top-notch race-day shoe. The SC Trainer v3 is a bit heavier and less aggressive, fitting into its own category. So, if you’re looking for a blend of plush comfort and a touch of aggressiveness, the SC Trainer v3 could be a great choice for you.
FAQs
Does the New Balance SC trainer have a carbon plate?
Yes! The New Balance SC Trainer v3 does come with a curved carbon plate. This carbon plate incorporates Energy Arc technology. So, along with the midsole, you get a really nice energy return on each step.
This makes your runs feel more responsive and efficient.
What is the heel drop of the SC v3?
The New Balance SC Trainer v3 has a heel-to-toe drop of 6 mm. This drop provides a balanced feel, making it suitable for a variety of running paces, from moderate to marathon speeds.
Are Mizuno Neo Vista True-to-size?
Yes! Mizuno Neo Vista goes true-to-size (TTS) and fits you quite snug and tight. The upper wraps nicely around the midfoot, giving you a tight fit, while the toe box has just enough room to keep your toes comfortable.
So, no need to go up or down in size—stick with your usual.
