Nike Air Zoom Elite
Every version of the Air Zoom Elite we track, compared on ratings, specs and current price.
The score is the median Better Shoes Rating of the line's shoes, out of 100. The average product line scores 76, and the Air Zoom Elite scores above 76% of the lines we track.
Nike Air Zoom Elite vs. Other Shoes
Each dot is one rated shoe: the Air Zoom Elite in gold, all other shoes in gray.
Rating by version, oldest first
Each dot is one version of the Air Zoom Elite, placed by its rating and release year.
Release year
See our analysis of whether a new version is usually as good as the one it replaces.
| Version | Released | Weight | Stack | Score | Change | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 | 2017 | 7.5 oz | 8mm drop | 84 | -6 | 20 | $120 MSRP |
| Nike Air Zoom Elite 8 | 2016 | 9.1 oz | 8mm drop | 90 | +4 | 11 | $125 MSRP |
| Nike Air Zoom Elite 7 | 2014 | 8.5 oz | 25/18mm · 7mm drop | 85 | -8 | 27 | $90 MSRP |
| Nike Air Zoom Elite 6 | 2013 | 9.1 oz | — | 93 | +24 | 38 | $110 MSRP |
| Nike Air Zoom Elite 5 | 2012 | — | — | 69 | — | 9 | — |
5 shoes
Prices updated daily. Last checked Sep 14.
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Nike
Air Zoom Elite 984 Good Good · 20 reviews · Confidence 89/100
v9 (2017) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 7.5 oz · 8mm drop
Light at 8.3 oz, and reviewers favor it for tempo runs and racing.
Durability 74MSRP $120
Overall84Appearance96Value90Cushioning82Durability74Comfort66Confidence89Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Light at 8.3 oz, and reviewers favor it for tempo runs and racing.
Reviewers describe a firm, responsive midsole that stays predictable at fast and easy paces.
Reviewers report a true-to-size fit, secure lacing and no hot spots.
Cons
Several reviewers saw the soft outsole rubber and the upper wear early, and one had the flywires snap.
Some runners find the forefoot narrow and the tongue slides out of place.
A few reviewers report forefoot pressure from the firm ride on longer runs.
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Nike
Air Zoom Elite 890 Good Good · 11 reviews · Confidence 88/100
v8 (2016) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.1 oz · 8mm drop
Reviewers use it for tempo work and faster training runs.
Durability 78MSRP $125
Overall90Appearance90Cushioning79Durability78Value71Comfort58Confidence88Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Reviewers use it for tempo work and faster training runs.
Runners like the light feel and the road feedback for everyday miles.
Cons
Three reviewers find it stiff, one keeping it in a rotation for that reason.
One reviewer finds the toe box tight, and another wants a snugger fit through the arch.
Durability reports split, with two reviewers seeing early outsole wear and one getting 2,000 miles.
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Nike
Air Zoom Elite 785 Good Good · 27 reviews · Confidence 93/100
v7 (2014) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.5 oz · 7mm drop · 25mm stack
Three reviewers like the firm, low-profile ride for tempo and faster runs.
Durability 63MSRP $90
Overall85Appearance94Cushioning80Value73Durability63Comfort58Confidence93Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Three reviewers like the firm, low-profile ride for tempo and faster runs.
Reviewers log high weekly mileage in it, from track work to long runs.
Cons
Reviewers rate durability 3.8 out of 5, and four report the heel foam or outsole wearing away quickly.
Reviewers rate comfort 4.2 out of 5, and one finds it uncomfortable over long pavement miles.
Two reviewers found the Air Zoom Elite 6 more comfortable for distance; it scores 94 on thirty-eight reviews against this version's 86.
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Nike
Air Zoom Elite 693 Excellent Excellent · 38 reviews · Confidence 92/100
v6 (2013) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.1 oz
A firm, responsive ride reviewers use for easy runs, long runs and tempos.
Durability 83MSRP $110
Overall93Appearance97Value91Comfort84Durability83Cushioning81Confidence92Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
A firm, responsive ride reviewers use for easy runs, long runs and tempos.
At 9.7 oz, reviewers call it light but supportive enough for distance.
Reviewers report 400 to 500 miles from a pair, and it lists at $110.
Cons
Three reviewers report the outsole wearing out before the upper.
Two reviewers find the midfoot tight or the shoe stiff out of the box.
One reviewer says there is not a lot of cushion underfoot.
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Nike
Air Zoom Elite 569 Below average Below average · 9 reviews · Confidence 71/100
v5 (2012) · Daily trainer · Neutral
One reviewer calls the midsole fast and responsive.
Durability 70Overall69Appearance80Cushioning79Value71Durability70Comfort56Confidence71Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
One reviewer calls the midsole fast and responsive.
One reviewer who has worn about twenty-five pairs across the Air Zoom Elite line calls the 5 the best of them.
Comfort is among its best-rated dimensions at 4.3 out of 5 across nine reviewers.
Cons
Two reviewers find the upper tight, or digging in at the midfoot.