The Elite name has adorned Nike shoes for 40 years, with one thing in common: performance. The Nike Zoom Elite 8 shares that legacy and backs it up quietly and efficiently. The upper is an engineered material called Flymesh, though here it’s two separate pieces seamed together and married by Flywire, which supports the fit of the lacing. The interior lining is smooth enough for sockless use, and the tongue is gusseted so that it stays in place and makes the lining almost continuous. The midsole is molded Phylon with a forefoot Zoom bag, and they combine well for protection and responsiveness and give the ride a good bounce. The outersole is divided into three zones: a forefoot of soft but durable blown rubber that holds up well, a midfoot that’s supported medially by waffles molded into the toughened Phylon midsole, and a heel and lateral midfoot of durable carbon rubber which provide an extra touch of stability. This is one of those “the sum is greater than its parts” equations, whether speeding through the fast stuff or adding some zip to your daily training.
Testers: “Fit well in the toes; secure in the heel. Has a go- fast feel, but also plenty of cushion, traction, and it adds in good looks to boot.”
Updates the Zoom Elite 7
Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 6–11 Weight: Men 10.4 oz. (size 11); Women 8.3 oz. (size 8)
Shape: semicurved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation