The Zoom Elite has undergone a “right-sizing”—an effective weight-loss makeover—for a featherweight shoe designed for protection. The upper is a thin, engineered Flymesh with minimal welded supports at the heel, toe, and lace throat. The lacing is supported by thin internal Flywire strands that offer multiple lacing options as well as supporting the midfoot if left as is. The midsole is sculpted Cushlon LT, with a new geometry that lowers the ramp angle for better efficiency. A Zoom Air bag is bottom-loaded into the forefoot to cushion the landing with a less noticeable feeling against the foot. The outersole is a thin layer of tough rubber, arranged in a series of pentagons throughout: concave in the rear foot, flat in the midfoot, convex in the forefoot. To save weight and improve flexion, the foam is exposed through small openings in the outer sole in the forefoot, medial midfoot, and the center of the heel. The result is a shoe that’s tough enough for regular training, a go-to shoe for tempo runs, and even good for the long racing duties. The design, features, and performance earned the Zoom Elite 9 our award for Best Renovation.
Testers:“Wow! This is a ‘Go Fast’ shoe, but with enough foam underfoot and a secure-but-barely-there feel.”
Updates the Air Zoom Elite 8
Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12
Weight: Men 8.8 oz. (size 11); Women 7.1 oz. (size 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics