Head-to-Head
Neo Zen 2vsLaunch 12
The Neo Zen 2 and Launch 12 are both daily trainer shoes built for road running. The Neo Zen 2 retails for $160 while the Launch 12 comes in at $120 — a $40 difference. The Neo Zen 2 is the lighter shoe at 8.5 oz versus 8.9 oz for the Launch 12. In our ratings, the Neo Zen 2 edges out the Launch 12 — 8.6/10 versus 8.2/10.
| Rating | 8.6 / 10✓ | 8.2 / 10 | |
| Price | $160 | $120✓ | |
| Weight | 8.5 oz✓ | 8.9 oz | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | Medium | Medium | |
| Softness | Soft | Balanced | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 6 mm | 8 mm | |
| Stack | 40 mm | 35 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Narrow | Narrow | |
| Energy Return | Low | Medium✓ | |
| Breathability | Medium | Breathable✓ | |
| Traction | Medium | Medium | |
| Shock Absorption | High✓ | Medium | |
| Durability | Bad | Good✓ |
