Nike Air Zoom Elite
Every version of the Air Zoom Elite we track, compared on ratings, specs and current price.
The line's rating is the median Better Shoes Rating of its five most recent rated versions. The median product line rates 76, and the Air Zoom Elite rates above 69% 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 | Rating | Change | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 | 2017 | 7.3 oz | 8mm drop | 79 | -7 | 20 | $120 MSRP |
| Nike Air Zoom Elite 8 | 2016 | 9.0 oz | 8mm drop | 86 | +7 | 11 | $125 MSRP |
| Nike Air Zoom Elite 7 | 2014 | 8.5 oz | 25/18mm stack · 7mm drop | 79 | -4 | 27 | $90 MSRP |
| Nike Air Zoom Elite 6 | 2013 | 9.1 oz | — | 83 | +14 | 38 | $110 MSRP |
| Nike Air Zoom Elite 5 | 2012 | — | — | 69 | — | 9 | — |
5 shoes
Prices updated daily. Last checked Oct 22.
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Nike
Air Zoom Elite 979 79 Decent Decent Decent 20 reviews Confidence 92
v9 (2017) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 7.3 oz · 8mm drop
Light at 8.3 oz, and reviewers favor it for tempo runs and racing.
Durability 72MSRP $120
Overall79Appearance92Value85Cushioning76Durability72Comfort64Confidence92Buy 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 886 86 Good Good Good 11 reviews Confidence 92
v8 (2016) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.0 oz · 8mm drop
Reviewers use it for tempo work and faster training runs.
Durability 75MSRP $125
Overall86Appearance90Cushioning76Durability75Value75Comfort63Confidence92Buy 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 779 79 Decent Decent Decent 27 reviews Confidence 97
v7 (2014) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 8.5 oz · 25mm stack · 7mm drop
Three reviewers like the firm, low-profile ride for tempo and faster runs.
Durability 65MSRP $90
Overall79Appearance90Cushioning74Value73Durability65Comfort60Confidence97Buy 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 683 83 Good Good Good 38 reviews Confidence 92
v6 (2013) · Daily trainer · Neutral · 9.1 oz
A firm, responsive ride reviewers use for easy runs, long runs and tempos.
Durability 77MSRP $110
Overall83Appearance93Value86Durability77Comfort76Cushioning76Confidence92Buy 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 69 Below average Below average Below average 9 reviews Confidence 85
v5 (2012) · Daily trainer · Neutral
One reviewer calls the midsole fast and responsive.
Durability 69Overall69Appearance81Cushioning74Value72Durability69Comfort60Confidence85Buy 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.