Daily trainer · Neutral · Road · 7.3 oz · 8mm drop
Discontinued — we no longer see this shoe in stock.
How it ranks
The Nike Air Zoom Elite 9 ranks above most daily trainers in our data. Looks and value are its strongest sub-ratings. Comfort scores well below its other sub-ratings. The rating is based on 20 runner reviews and 4 other rated shoes in the Air Zoom Elite product line.
Confidence
How settled the rating is against every other rated shoe. A shoe can rate high on confidence with relatively few reviews of its own when its product line has a long record and external ratings from retailer sites agree. Confidence is low when we have few ratings or when runners disagree.
Confidence
92 High
Based on
The bars show roughly how much each source contributes to this shoe’s rating. Their influence depends on how many reviews we’ve collected, how many earlier versions are in the product line, and the external ratings available.
“This shoe holds up and holds off stone bruises as well as any trail shoe I have worn”
“There are no hot spots with seams and the lacing provides good lockdown without excessive pressure”
“The weight is great such that I can easily maintain a 190+spm cadence”
“I prefer a very snug fit so I go half a size down from my regular size”
“The sole grips well, but the rubber is on the soft side and wears down relatively quickly”
“The more firm midsole than traditional Nikes is predictable whether the run is fast or chill”
“Has an incredibly comfortable ride at tempo paces (5:45/mi) and faster”
“The lugs are sturdy and lasted much longer than the soles of my slow runner”
“They have the right amount of cushioning with the Zoom technology that your feet don't get too beat up during hard workouts”
“The shoe is light but provides more cushioning than a flat does”
“Only issue is the tongue of the shoe not staying in place and a pretty narrow front”
“The forefoot zoom air unit gives a springy feeling ride”
“The midsole provides a solid ground feel and some responsiveness with a forefoot airbag”
“This is not a cushioned shoe, but it can be a daily trainer for those who like a firm ride”
“The upper also began to rip off the midsole after a weeks of wearing them”
“After 4 or so miles of running I get an uncomfortable sensation under my forefoot”
“The heel cup is very stiff and hard”
“The flywires snap easily”
“The cushioning is probably just right for the marathon distance (probably could use a little more)”
“The fit is true to size”
“The only change I would like to see is a softer heel counter”
“It did give me a black toe on my right foot big toe”
“I don't think it'll last as long as the Pegasus”
59% 10/17
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Prices updated daily. Last checked Oct 22.
Rating & Confidence vs. other shoes for sale
Each dot is one rated shoe for sale, placed by its rating and by how much evidence sits behind it. Shoes toward the top right are both well rated and well established.
Better Shoes Rating
Each dot is one version of the Air Zoom Elite, placed by its rating and release year. The gold dot is this shoe.
Release year
Air Zoom Elite 9 This shoe
2017 · 20 reviews
79 Decent
92 Confidence
2016 · 11 reviews
86 Good
92 Confidence
2014 · 27 reviews
79 Decent
97 Confidence
2013 · 38 reviews
83 Good
92 Confidence
2012 · 9 reviews
69 Below average
85 Confidence
Sizing and ride details at a glance.
5/5
Overall
Anonymous runner · Jul 5, 2019
45 mpw training for a half marathon
4/5
Overall
Anonymous runner · Jul 2, 2019
30 mpw training for a half marathon
5/5
Overall
Anonymous runner · Apr 1, 2019
60 mpw training for a marathon came from the Saucony Freedom ISO
5/5
Overall
Runnforfunn · Dec 2, 2018
35 mpw training for a half marathon came from the Nike Air Zoom Elite 8
4/5
Overall
Anonymous runner · Jul 13, 2018
40 mpw training for middle distance came from the Saucony Freedom ISO
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