Nike Air Zoom Elite 9
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Overview
The Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 is a lightweight running shoe designed to offer a balance between speed and comfort. This shoe is known for its responsive cushioning and breathable upper.
Key Features:
- Lightweight Design: Weighing just 224 g (7.9 oz) for men, it is ideal for speed-focused runners.
- Zoom Air Unit: Positioned in the forefoot for enhanced propulsion and responsiveness.
- Breathable Flymesh Upper: Provides excellent ventilation and a snug fit.
The Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize speed and responsiveness for speed training. Its lightweight design offers a racing flat feel, making it suitable for road running and daily training.
According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's just above the median price of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9
The Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 is praised for its lightweight and responsive design, making it a versatile option for runners seeking a balance between speed and comfort. The shoe's forefoot Zoom Air unit provides a snappy response, ideal for fast-paced workouts and races. The breathable Flymesh upper ensures a snug fit without discomfort, while the Cushlon midsole offers a softer ride compared to its predecessor. However, the Flywire lacing system may not suit everyone, and rearfoot strikers might miss out on the full benefits of the Zoom Air technology. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Elite 9 is a strong contender in the lightweight trainer category, offering durability and performance for various running paces. Overall, the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 is a must-try for runners looking for a lightweight, responsive shoe for both training and racing.
Updates to Nike Air Zoom Elite 9
The Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 introduces several updates from its predecessor, the Nike Air Zoom Elite 8. The most notable change is the reduction in weight, making the Elite 9 significantly lighter. The midsole now features Cushlon foam, offering a softer ride compared to the firmer cushioning of the Elite 8. The upper has been redesigned with a seamless Flymesh material, enhancing breathability and fit. Additionally, the outsole has been streamlined for improved traction and flexibility, contributing to the shoe's overall performance.
Comparable Shoes
The New Balance Zante v4 is another lightweight option that competes with the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9. Both shoes are designed for speed and offer a snug fit, but the Zante features a Fresh Foam midsole, which provides a plush ride. The Zante's upper is also more flexible, making it a suitable choice for runners who prioritize comfort over a racing flat feel.
7 Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 Pros & Cons
4 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 is crafted from a seamless Flymesh material, providing excellent breathability and a snug fit. This design ensures that the shoe remains lightweight while offering sufficient support for speed training. The Flywire cables integrated into the laces enhance the midfoot hold, ensuring a secure fit during runs. The asymmetrical lacing system helps to reduce pressure on the top of the foot, contributing to overall comfort.
Midsole
The midsole of the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 features Cushlon foam, known for its lightweight and responsive cushioning. This material provides a softer ride compared to previous models, making it suitable for daily running. The inclusion of a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot enhances propulsion, offering a snappy response that is ideal for speed workouts.
Outsole
The outsole of the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 is designed with a thin layer of durable rubber, providing excellent traction on road surfaces. The pentagon-shaped lugs enhance grip, ensuring stability during runs. Despite its thinness, the outsole offers sufficient protection and durability, making it a reliable choice for various running conditions.
Size/fit
The Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 offers a snug fit, similar to a racing flat, but with enough room to accommodate different foot shapes. The inner sleeve provides a seamless feel, enhancing comfort during runs. Runners are advised to go true-to-size for the best fit, although those preferring a roomier feel might consider sizing up.
Comfort
Comfort is a standout feature of the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9, thanks to its lightweight construction and breathable upper. The Flymesh material ensures good airflow, keeping feet cool during runs. The cushioned midsole provides a soft yet responsive ride, making it suitable for both short and long-distance runs.
Cushioning
The cushioning in the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 is provided by the Cushlon foam and Zoom Air unit in the forefoot. This combination offers a balance of softness and responsiveness, ideal for runners who enjoy a cushioned yet fast-paced ride. The cushioning is particularly beneficial for speed training and daily running.
Breathability
Breathability is a key feature of the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9, thanks to its Flymesh upper. This material allows for excellent airflow, keeping feet cool and dry during runs. The seamless design also reduces the risk of irritation, enhancing overall comfort.
Stability
While the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 is primarily designed for speed and responsiveness, it offers decent stability for a lightweight shoe. The Flywire cables provide a secure midfoot hold, and the snug fit ensures that the foot remains stable during runs. However, it may not be the best choice for those requiring additional support.
Durability
The Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 is designed to be durable despite its lightweight construction. The thin rubber outsole provides good traction and protection, while the Cushlon midsole maintains its cushioning properties over time. However, runners should expect gradual wear, particularly on the outsole, with extended use.
Grip
The grip of the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 is enhanced by its pentagon-shaped lugs on the outsole. These provide excellent traction on road surfaces, ensuring stability during runs. The outsole's design allows for confident strides, even on wet or uneven terrain.
Flex
Flexibility is a notable feature of the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9, thanks to its thin outsole and lightweight construction. The shoe offers a natural range of motion, allowing for smooth transitions during runs. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for speed workouts and daily running.
Who should buy the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9?
Runners who are looking for a lightweight and responsive shoe for speed training will find the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 to be an excellent choice. Its combination of a snug fit and responsive cushioning makes it ideal for those who enjoy a fast-paced running experience. The shoe is also suitable for daily running, offering comfort and durability for regular use. Neutral runners who appreciate a balance of cushioning and speed will benefit from this model.
Who should not buy the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9?
The Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 may not be the best option for runners who require additional support or stability, as it is designed primarily for speed and responsiveness. Those who prefer a more cushioned ride might find the shoe's lightweight design less comfortable for longer distances. Additionally, rearfoot strikers may not fully benefit from the forefoot Zoom Air unit. Runners seeking a more traditional trainer with enhanced support might consider alternatives like the Nike Pegasus or the Brooks Ghost.
Nike Air Zoom Elite 9: What's it good for?
The Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 is well-suited for speed training and daily running on road surfaces. Its lightweight design and responsive cushioning make it ideal for fast-paced workouts and races. The shoe's breathable upper and snug fit provide comfort for long-distance runs, while its durable outsole ensures reliable traction. Overall, the Elite 9 is a versatile choice for runners seeking a balance of speed and comfort.
5 Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 FAQs
What is the weight of the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9?
The Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 weighs 224 g (7.9 oz) for the men's version and 190 g (6.7 oz) for the women's version.
Is the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 suitable for daily running?
Yes, the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 is suitable for daily running due to its lightweight design and responsive cushioning.
Does the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 provide good traction?
Yes, the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 offers excellent traction on road surfaces thanks to its thin rubber outsole with pentagon-shaped lugs.
What type of runner is the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 best suited for?
The Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 is best suited for neutral runners who enjoy speed training and daily running.
How does the Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 compare to the Elite 8?
The Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 is lighter and offers a softer ride compared to the Elite 8, with a redesigned upper for improved breathability.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
| released | ReleasedJan 2017 | Apr 2017 | Feb 2015 | Jul 2014 | Nov 2015 | May 2017 |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 224 g W: 190 g | M: 238 g W: 190 g | M: 218 g W: 181 g | M: 213 g W: 179 g | M: 249 g W: 207 g | M: 238 g W: 196 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot19 mm | M: 20 mm W: 18 mm | 18 mm | 17 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop8 mm | 8 mm | 10 mm | 6 mm | 4 mm | 3 mm |
| Heel | Heel27 mm | M: 28 mm W: 26 mm | 28 mm | 23 mm | 24 mm | 23 mm |
| Brand | BrandNike | Nike | Nike | Nike | Nike | Topo Athletic |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLightweight | Lightweight | Lightweight | Lightweight | LightweightLow drop | LightweightLow drop |
| Techs | TechsNike Air Zoom | Nike Flyknit | Nike Flyknit | |||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | ||
Common characteristicsRoadDaily runningSpeed trainingNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh arch |
- Jan 2017
- Jul 2015
- Aug 2014
