Alas, Nike has decided to create a true update to the extremely popular Zoom Elite 4 which was last available in 2009. Many runners thought Nike went astray when they created the Lunar Elite series that didn’t have the same feel of the popular Zoom Air, and I found that I was not alone in scrambling for new old stock Zoom Elite 4s from around the country for nearly a year to keep my favorite trainers on my feet.
Nike’s design team utilized their Portland based pro runners from Alberto Salazar’s training group, including Mo Farah and Galen Rupp, to develop a shoe that picked up where the Zoom Elite 4 left off. The Zoom Elite 5 is not just a faithful reproduction of a popular shoe, but a lighter and slightly lower update that is sure to please Zoom Elite 4 runners and then some.
Nike Zoom Elite 5 First Impressions
I have to admit I was skeptical. When I first learned that I would be testing and reviewing the update to one of my all time favorite shoes I anticipated the Lunar Elite series with some Zoom Air thrown in. When I first saw the shoes I even thought to myself there is no way that these will hold a candle to my old Elites. I slipped them on and things felt promising, even familiar. The fit and last felt the same, and that old familiar arch support hugged my feet in all the right places. While I don’t really like the canary yellow color that made my me feel like I was wearing tennis balls on my feet, these shoes looked and performed like workhorses. No bells, no whistles, just function.
Nike Zoom Elite 5 Upper
The Zoom Elite 5 features a durable dual density mesh upper with well placed underlays throughout the mid foot section of the foot which provides a nice snug fit. The mid foot section of the upper features a nylon mono mesh over the underlays which increases breath-ability and synthetic leather material is used as a webbing over the mono mesh to make this a pretty tough upper. Throughout the toe box area of the upper welded overlays are used which are completely seamless and The fit is very similar to the Zoom Elite 4, but I find the 5 to fit even better. A wide toe box gives way to a mid foot section that hugs the foot well due to the underlays being incorporated into the lacing system. Oval laces compliment a simple, yet effective, lacing system which never placed undue stress on the tops of my feet.
One complaint that I had about the Elite 4 was how snug the shoe was throughout the mid foot. The Zoom Elite 5 underlays do allow the wearer to tighten the upper to their liking but it never feels too tight or constricting. Nike steered clear of using any plastic logos or reinforcements throughout the upper which allows it to be pliable and lightweight. I found the upper breathable enough for running in warmer weather (70 + degrees) but I also didn’t have any issues wearing this shoe in temps below 20 degrees without heavy socks. I also noticed absolutely no wear throughout the upper after close to 200 miles in them.
Nike Zoom Elite 5 Midsole
I mentioned that the Zoom Elite 5 is a bit lower than it’s predecessor, and while I don’t have exact stack height specs from Nike, I will say that this lower stack height adds a bit of stability and sure-footedness the ride. Nike also lowered the heel drop from the previous version ever so slightly to 9mm (2omm heel – 11mm toe) in the midsole which gives the shoe a great transition through the gait cycle.
Rather than using Lunar foam as Nike used in the Lunar Elite, Nike kept the Phylon midsole foam from the Elite 4 in the new incarnation to preserve the firm responsive feel of the series. The feel is fantastic, especially throughout the arch area of the foot which is very supportive. Rather than achieving this through dual density foam or some sort of plastic device, the Phylon foam is shaped in a way throughout the arch foot bed that supports the runner.
Zoom air is present in the forefoot of the midsole which provides snappy and responsive cushioning for faster paced running. For those unfamiliar with Zoom Air, Nike describes it as:
Zoom Air cushioning comes in a flat, thin unit that provides low-profile, super-responsive cushioning for top speeds and fast “off-the-mark” movements.
Nike Zoom Elite 5 Outsole
A very simple waffle outsole made of durable carbon rubber is used throughout to provide great long lasting traction. Nike did not create awkward cutouts throughout the outsole of the shoe, and I’m happy to report that this shoe does not collect rocks.
Nike Zoom Elite 5 Overall Impressions
Nike has accurately recreated the best parts of the very popular Zoom Elite Series and improved the shoe where it was needed. Simply put, Nike has created an absolute winner in the Zoom Elite 5. This is the type of shoe that I could put on any runner, whether they underpronate, supinate, or are neutral, and they’ll be impressed with the feel and ride of the shoe. The upper is flexible, seamless, and the fit will accommodate many types of feet. The combination of Phylon foam and Zoom Air in the forefoot offers a plush, flexible, and fast ride.
At 10.7 oz (men’s size 10) with a 9mm heel drop the Zoom Elite 5 bridges the gap between lightweight trainers and a well cushioned shoe runners would use for easy days or long runs. This shoe can do it all: During long runs my feet felt supported even when my form fell apart from fatigue. Faster tempo running was a pleasure due to the Zoom Air in the forefoot, and the cushioning hasn’t lost any responsiveness in 200 miles.
If you were a fan of the Zoom Elite 4s then these shoes are a must buy. For anyone else, you don’t know what you’re missing!
we thank the nice people at Nike for sending us a pair of Zoom Elite 5 to test. This did not influence our review of the shoe, written after logging more than 200 miles on them!
price comparison
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Nike - Zoom Elite+ (stealth/pure Purple/volt/white) - Footwear Zappos Free shipping both ways (free return shipping), 365 days returns |
$76.99
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Mens Nike Zoom Elite+ 6 Running Shoe RoadRunnerSports Free shipping, 60-day perfect fit guarantee: possible to exchange shoes after using them for two months. |
$109.95
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Nike Zoom Elite+ 6 Men's Running Shoes - Total Crimson, 10 Nike Nike official store. Free shipping on all orders over 100$. |
$110.00
|
Written by Thomas Caughlan
Tom Caughlan has been running since age 11 and ran competitively in college. Tom has six years of experience at running specialty stores and continues to test products for running shoe companies. Ever the gearhead, Tom enjoys testing shoes on the roads and trails of the rocky mountains in Colorado.
Review seems overly positive. Got to be some room for improvement somewhere. No shoe is that perfect. Thanks for the great site.
tdtalbert,
I reviewed the shoe and was wondering if you have owned, tested, or ran in the shoe yet? If not, then please do not leave a star rating. If you think my review was off base, then I understand.
Just so you know, I review 25-40 pairs of shoes annually and this is the first time I’ve given a shoe 5 stars ever here on runningshoesguru. I am not paid by Nike, nor am I biased to them. I did receive the shoes to test for free just as I do from all other companies. In fact, I typically prefer to support other brands which aren’t quite the corporate behemoth that Nike is.
I will reiterate why I gave this shoe 5 stars. The Zoom Elite 5 will appeal to a very broad spectrum of runners and manages to provide great cushioning and support in a very simple, lightweight package. I tried to find problems with the upper. I tried to find problems with the cushioning and the support. I couldn’t find any.
I hope that as this shoe comes out on the market more people give feedback and express their own likes and dislikes of the shoe. But, this is the opinion of one reviewer for runningshoesguru.com. I hope that you find it helpful.
Thanks,
Tom
Runner’s World came out with an equally glowing review of the shoe. If it’s a conspiracy, it’s well-coordinated. I’m interested in the shoe and I’m more a Saucony and Brooks runner. No allegiance to Nike at all.
Usually these types of shoes from Nike have terrible forefoot cushioning, are stacked too tall, and sometimes too narrow for my taste.
Tom did a great job of addressing all my points of skepticism as I read the review.
Thanks!
Tom -
My sincere apology.
Did not intend to personally question your qualifications, but when the con is only the colors, I probably overreacted.
For some reason, I thought the rating was for the review, not the shoe.
Thanks
td
No Problem Td,
I probably would’ve reacted the same way. I think that most runners are conditioned to reading payola reviews in some running magazines where the review team is paid by advertising dollars and really nothing negative is ever said.
Thanks for your feedback.
Hi Tom,
I would like to reinsure you, your review is right on spot.
I tried the shoes yesterday running the brooklyn bridge at 9 pm, got inspired.
I am usually not a nike fan. To me, the theory that the heal should be reinforced greatly is wrong. However, i found in those shoes finally what i was looking for.
Let me relate my first impression of yesterday run.
9 pm was bored and tired as i am training hard and ran in the last 4 day 3 times with every time a 10 km run at very high pace. I am not a jogger but definitively a runner.
So, here i start my ride from soho start running down, the shoe is responsive with support where i need it most the mid/forefront of my foot. I have a wide foot and this shoes are not narrow shoes whatsoever. After 15 min start catching a very good pace bouncing out foreword in comparison with other nike shoe that only make you bounce upwards. Those shoes are just perfect for people that run on the mid/front of the foot.
Here you have a shoe that land the impact where its biomechanically the most needed in order to run. The outsole has a moon like shape which help you transit better from mid foot to forefront; it is that transition that makes you push foward.I believe that the cushion at mid forefront of the insole acts as a leverage first take in the impact enabling urself to fall naturally on the forefoot to push in a faward angle.
Lets come back to the run.
15 min in the run i arrive at the brooklyn bridge and the uphill starts, i am now running on wood planks and the bouncing of the mid/forefront of the shoe is enhanced for some reason. Running on the different material helps me test a shoe.
My goal was at the uphill and downhill to run faster then the bikes. Believe me or not people where cheering so much energy i have putten in that run. I sprinted up and down, up and down again. I wouldn’t have run that fast with another shoe on that day. Even though tired along with muscle tightness the shoes helped me to loosen due to a good protection and enabled to let myself go. Today, i feel Great. To me the way you feel the next day in running is important. It helps u define the shoes u really need. the recovery aspect is important and those shoes i am sure will help u recover faster due to their cushioning at the right place absorbing impact efficiently but yet still responsive in the forefront.
I have tried recently shoes like karhu, newton, saucony, mizuno. However, objectively that pair of nike completely exceeded my expectations and for a first run where a greater experience then the rest of those brands.
Good that it is i think.
Finally nike understands we are made to run on the mid forefront. Thus, they take away from the heal which for me is useless anyway and they putted it where it is needed the most.
Very stable, and responsive the way it should be not to much which would not leave enough time to transfer from mid to the forefront of ur foot. Shoes that are too responsive i believe counteract ur running experience sending back the shock wave in ur knees. This shoe to the opposite has enough cushioning to absorb the shock leaving a frame for urself to redirect that energy faward.
Hi Geraud,
Thank for your great review.
I found your review vey insightful and helpful.
I have been running for a couple of years and it’s amazing how much conflicting information is about what is the right shoe to use.
After reading your review it makes me want to go out and buy the Zoom elite 5
The question I wanted to ask is that the heel is a little higher than the Adidas addios 2 that I wear do you think the zoom elite heel is not too high?
Thank you
regards
Scott
Clearly, there is a lot of confusion about the categorization of this shoe.
Í mean even you describe it as a Stability trainer altough suitible för neutral or UNDERpronators. Startfitness puts it in their “Dynamic support”, a category specific for most Lunar models).
IS there any internal midsole medial support in this shoes apart from these ribbons over the midfoot ? (Hope not..)
B.R !
Martin
Martin,
You bring up some great concerns that I should have addressed in my review. Let me back up my thought process a bit here…
Stability can be achieved through several means; (1) A medial post or dual density foam on the medial side of the shoe. (2) A wider platform (3) Reduced stack height.
The Zoom Elite 5 uses a phylon foam in the midsole which creates some medial support for underpronators. However, it is not too much medial support that it would throw overpronators (supinators) off and cause them to roll their ankle. It is important to acknowledge that true supinators make up about 5-8% of the running populace. For someone who is truly bow-legged I would not recommend this shoe.
The other stability aspects of this shoe are a wider platform and a lower stack height. The platform of the Zoom Elite 5 is wider than the Elite 4 which really tapered through the midfoot. I can’t give you exact specs on the stack height of the zoom elite 4, but I know that the Elite 5 was lowered.
So, I do think this is a shoe with mass appeal in that it will work for neutral runners, over and under pronators alike.
I hope this helps.
Awesome review. Not to be rude, but for the sake of accuracy, supination is synonymous with underpronation, not overpronation.
Yeah just wanted to clear this up, supination and underpronation are the same thing. Overpronation is when the ankle rolls too much inwards and some support is required. I believe you should update the review to reflect this since I was a little confused when I saw this. I’m hoping to pick up a pair of these, sounds like a good shoe from the review. I thought the Elite 4 was ok but a little too stiff for my liking so I’m hoping these will be better.
Tom,
Thank you for the review.
I’m more familiar with Mizuno line shoes. If you were to compare: is closer to the Rider or the Precision? I ask because the Precision is too flexible from heel to toe to be an everyday trainer for me.
Thanks.
Daniel,
Its tough to say. I haven’t run in the most recent precision and the Zoom Elite 5 doesn’t feel much like the Wave Rider 15 besides that both have a good fitting upper.
The Zoom Elite 5 is a tad more flexible and responsive whereas the Wave Riders cushioning is a bit more firm. I really think it is up to an individual’s taste. If you have some stability concerns I would recommend trying out the Elite 5. I feel that the overall construction and performance of the Elite 5 is better than the Wave Rider 15. But, again, my opinion only.
Let us know what you think when you try them on!
I went to a running specialty store today where they recommended the Asics GT 2170 for me but I’ve always been more of a Nike person. How would you compare the Elite 5 and the 2170? I just wonder if im being too close minded here and if I should give another shoe a try…
Raena,
The Asics 2170 has more stability than the Zoom Elite 5. If you have been fit for the 2170 and would like to stick with Nike, I would recommend the Nike Structure Triax 15 here:
http://www.runningshoesguru.com/2011/12/nike-zoom-structure-triax-15-running-shoes-review/
That is Nike’s comparable shoe.
Hope this helps.
Thank you all for your reviews I will check out both shoes.
I am getting back into the run again. So I need good support.
I will check out both the Asics and the Nike.
I have run marathons in the past and have been a Asics fan.
Thank you,
hi tom–i briefly tried on the zoom elite. it did indeed feel great. my one concern was the arch, which as you said is very supportive. my arch is medium to medium-low. i worry a little that the prominent arch support might bother me over a longer run. was it your impression that the support was soft or flexible enough, rather than rigid, so that the shoe could be worn comfortably by runners with average to lower arches.
thanks.
Bruce,
I’ve got quite a few miles not on my Elites and the arch does seem to decrease with use. When I initially put them on I said, “holy arch”, but they really haven’t bothered me. It seems like flexibility has increased as well. By the way, I have fairly flat feet.
-
Great review. I really like your insight and your no-none-sense review style. In looking at your other reviews, esp regarding the Nike Vomeros, it appears that we look for a lot of the same elements in shoes (esp a nice, padded tongue. I hate to feel the laces on the top of my feet!).
I did have a question: Which would you prefer, Vomeros or Zoom Elites, for everyday trainers? I absolutely love my Vomero 4s. Not so much the Vomero 5s and 6s (I find their heels too soft, and the forefoot not soft enough). The 4s are absolutely perfect, however. The problem is that I’m running out of 4s. Would the Zoom elites work for me? I am a supinator, about 170 lbs, and average a little over 20 miles a week, with a long run of about 8 miles. I need soft cushioning on the outside of the forefoot, but too soft of heel seems to work my achilles to much…also need good arch support. The Vomero 4s fit the bill, but are no longer available.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
RJ,
The zoom air cushioning of the Elite will definitely be a bit firmer than your Vomero 4s. There is plenty of lateral cushioning but I’m a bit concerned about the supination. The Elite has the phylon midsole that doesn’t push your foot out towards supination like a pronation device but coupled with the noticeable arch should give you some issues.
I think that the main difference between the Vomeros and the Elites is just the cushioning. I would try to get to a running store and try them on and get a little jog in them on the treadmill or the sidewalk. I think that the Elites can work for supinators but I wouldn’t want to recommend something for you without seeing your gait. A specialty store would be the way to go.
Otherwise, I have heard that Nike will be bringing back the Zoom Air in a neutral shoe which may be out this spring or late summer. This was from an industry insider who works for a very popular online running retailer. Who knows?
If you’re looking for a firmer cushioning than the Vomero I would check out Asics (Nimbus, Cumulus, or Skyspeed if you want lightweight) or Brooks (Glycerin, Launch is lighterweight). Those would be just a bit firmer throughout the heel with plent of cush. Many runners say that nothing is quite as cushy as a Vomero though! Good Luck!
Tom,
I currently run in Nike Pegasus 27 which have worked well. How would you compare these two Nike products?
P.S. really appreciate your thoroughness in the reviews! Great job!
Good question. Both great shoes. I small difference is that the Pegasus has a traditional 12mm drop vs. 9mm on the Elite. I know that doesn’t sound like much but it can make a difference especially if you transition into racing shoes or do faster workouts in your trainers.
The cushioning of the Pegasus is softer and less supportive than the Elite. The Elite has a quicker transition through to toe off and the cushioning is just a bit firmer and not so cushy if that makes sense. Fit is similar in both. I would recommend trying them both on together and see what you think. You really can’t go wrong with either of these shoes.
-Tom
Hi Tom,
Sorry to ask a personal question, but you seem to know a ton about running shoes.
I am trying to find a replacement to my old pair of Nike Men’s Air Zoom Moire+ shoes (very old, I know.)
I spoke with 3 different people at Nike and got three different recommendations (Nike Free 2.0, Nike LunarFly +3, Nike Zoom Elite 5.)
Do you know if any of these shoes are comparable to my old shoes?
Thanks,
Mark
Hey Mark,
Sorry it took me awhile to get back to you. The Zoom Moire was a lifestyle running shoe that Nike typically sold at big box sporting goods stores like Dick’s or Sports Authority rather than being a part of their running specialty line. I have never tried the shoe on or ran in it so I may not be the best person to compare. But after checking out a bunch of photos I’ll try my best.
The Lunarfly will have a little more support than the Moire but is still pretty light and flexible and would be a great option to try. The Elite will probably feel like more shoe than the Moire so I wouldn’t go there necessarily. The Free Run 2 would also work but will probably feel quite a bit more flexible than what you were running in.
Hope this helps!
-Tom
Tom,
Thanks for your insight! I actually had a chance to try the Free’s and the Lunar Fly’s and I just received a pair of the Elites.
You are correct on all of your points, but unfortunately none of these shoes seem like they are the perfect fit for me.
The Free’s ended up hurting my feet after about 5 weeks of running in them. The Elites (which I have only tried on, not run in yet) seem like too much cushioning and heft. The Lunar Fly’s are the best of the 3, but they don’t have quite enough flexibility and they have a little too much cushioning.
Is there anything that you would recommend that the Nike employees may not have? I’m really looking to stay in the Nike+ family since I use the functionality to track my progress.
Thanks again!
I love the frees but have experienced a top of foot sprain (metatarsal but not fracture this time) and can only attribute to that.
Dear Tom,
I see the heel to toe drop is 9 mm, could this occur any problem for the achilles tendon? I ran on the first zoom elite years ago, that were the best shoes I ever had, so I’m considering to buy them again.
Thanks in advance !
Vincent,
Believe it or not, transitioning down 3mm in heel drop can cause achilles irritation and calf soreness. Some folks have no problems but I would recommend that if you buy the Elite, rotate them in with another shoe for a few weeks until you feel comfortable without any undue soreness.
My hunch is that 8-9mm will become the new industry standard for heel drop in the coming years which is probably a good thing for our biomechanics and achilles/ calves. If you like the old Elite then you’ll love the Elite 5.
-Tom
hi
after using the Lunar elite 1 and then the 2 for my tempo runs the past few years (relatively new runner) I needed a new pair for todays workout since the last pair reached its mileage limit, which I noticed from little aches the past two weeks when using them and then checking the total miles I used them for. I went to pick up another pair of elites only to be told they wont be restocking them and that the Zoom Elites 5 are the replacement. I was skeptical to buy them online (I wear size 14 and niketown NYC isn’t getting those till the week after next). After reading your review I am confident they will do the job, heck probably even better than the lunar elites did. Thank you!
Thanks for the great review. I’ve been looking for a “go to” lightweight everyday trainer so this might work. The old Zoom Haywards were one of my favorites, and most recently the LunarFly 1′s. Nike changed something with the LunarFly 2′s, although those are now my “go to” trainer, for lack of finding anything else. Nike has moved to the LunarFly 3′s, and I’m uncertain how these will feel.
The Zoom Elite 5′s sound comparable to the LunarFly 1′s. A no-frills lightweight and flexible trainer, with a fair amount of cushioning. Do you think the main difference is the midsole material, Phylon vs. Lunarlon? Both have the same drop, no medial post, and I believe single density midsole. How do you think the Zoom Elite 5′s would compare to either the LunarFly 1 or 2? Thanks!
Hi Tom,
Hoping to pick your brain on a shoe recommendation. I just started training for my first marathon and need some new shoes. I went to my local running store and had a slow motion treadmill recording– I mild/moderate pronate in one foot and am neutral in the other foot. Wanting a shoe that will be good for the long runs and keep me healthy.
I’ve tried structures but they’re too much support in the arches. LunarGlides feel nice, and I’m also thinking of trying out the zoom elites. Would one of these have enough cushioning? I’ve tried vomeros and I’m not a fan, they are way too spongy feeling, feels like I’m running on a trampoline.
Thanks!
Gina
Gina,
If you thought the Vomeros were too soft than you will probably love the Elites. Less pronation control than the structure and firmer cushioning than the Vomeros. There is a noticeable arch in the way that they sculpted the phylon midsole of the Elite, but i’ve noticed it less and less with more running.
If you are willing to try other shoes than Nikes, I would recommend trying out the Asics DS-trainer or NB 890. A bit of support and nice responsive cushioning. It sounds like lightweight stability is a good niche for you. Enjoy!
Thanks Tom!
Hi Tom,
I just bought a pair of the Zoom Elite 5s. In the store I was caught between the Zoom Elites and the Lunar Eclipse 2s. (I know pretty different shoes!) I have flat feet and tendinitis in my collapsed arches. I’ve always gone for the most structured shoe one can get but the guy who helped me in the store explained to me how the structured shoes do cause you to put your heel down first when running. So I thought I would give the Zoom Elites a shot. Do you think they’ll have the arch support I need? I pretty much wear my running shoe when running, working out at the gym, and when I’m doing a lot of walking. The new shoes will be replacing an old pair of Structure 12s. Any insight would be a big help! Thanks so much!
Tom!
My question is very similar to Gabby’s. I have flat feet and have had problems with my left heel. Problem began when I used brooks adrenaline gts 12 shoes. Before that, I was also using the Nike Structure Triax 14/15. I was told that the custom insoles weren’t enough and to try the ‘Orange’ SuperFeet insoles with the Nike Zoom Elite 5 shoes. In your opinion does make for a good combo? I really liked the Nike Structure Triax 14 but not a great fan of the 15. I’m not shure what I should do. I’d appreciate any feedback. Thank you!
PS…Gabby, I wish I could offer you feedback as well!
Oh boy! Here we go……This is for both Xavierism and Gabby.
It sounds like both of you experience a great deal of overpronation due to flat feet and it sounds like some ortho issues.
-Xavierism- if you’re having issues in just one heel you probably need to get things like bone spurs, plantar fasciatis, etc.. ruled out medically.
Gabby- With tendonitis, are you referring to plantar fascia issues?
For both of you, these are problems I see exacerbated by the wrong shoes, but not necessarily caused by shoes. You are both running in supportive shoes (structure triad, adrenaline) that are great models in my opinion. There is a generational gap in running specialty stores (please tell me you’re buying your shoes at running specialty stores and not from the local sporting goods store!) where depending on which sales person you get you may be pushed into a too supportive shoe (typically an older salesperson) or pushed into minimalism/ forefoot striking (typically a younger salesperson). First do no harm…if what you’ve worn in the past works for you, then stick with it. More structured shoes don’t change heel strike/ fore strike tendencies but they do aim at correcting transition issues, i.e. pronation. Most people overpronate at least a bit, including world class guys. The only issue with stability shoes I have is that they’re often not very flexible due to thermoplastic units in the mid foot and heel. This can cause plantar fascia irritation and problems. Go see a good physio and find out what the problem is and treat it.
Now, back to shoes. Superfeet inserts add arch/ medial support to the insole but not necessarily to the shoe. If you feel you need orthotics, go get specialty running orthotics made. Superfeet aren’t molded specifically to your feet and they greatly reduce the amount of flexibility in the shoe. I’m not a fan and have ran in the greens in the past due to a shoe friend’s recommendation.
I can’t ethically recommend shoes for either of you without seeing your gait and feet. My recommendation is to try different things to see what decreases pain. Some runners needing stability will work on transitioning into a neutral shoe because that is what their body needs. You change the foot’s path through transition and you start messing with things higher up the kinesthetic chain (knee problems). Some runners focus on working on their form with a physic which always seems to improve things a bit as form is like a golf swing and we pick up bad habits. So, go to your specialty store and try on 5-8 different shoes. Run in them on the sidewalk or treadmill. Talk to multiple sales people or the stores owner who is likely the original shoe geek. I always err towards the older more experienced sales people who have been there awhile. Its usually best to go during the week earlier in the day when the mainstays will be there.
There are my two cents. I hope that helps. If it aint broke, don’t fix it. Just buy the new colors:)
Tom! Thank you so much. This really helps me a great deal. I will definitely have this checked out by a physio and go from there. Again thank you for answering our questions in detail. Cheers***
I own the shoes right now and I have to say the shoe is just okay. The best part of the shoe was the sole. The heel is too high for my liking and I have to switch the type of sock I wear in order to accommodate it. I also had to skip a lace hole because it was starting to cause pain and bruise the top of my foot. After fixing those two things and 100 mile the shoes are pretty rad. If those small details were fixed then I think this shoe would be the perfect ride.
So, have Nike ditched the lunar elite + in favour of the Zoom Elite 5?
Tom,
Thanks for the great review. But I would like to ask you for an additional advice. I really like the Zoom Elites, but I am trying to figure out if these are the right shoes to run a marathon in. I am a pretty fast runner (my PB is under three hours). Please, let me know what do you think.
Thanks
Greg
Hi Tom,
Your site is great, thanks for keeping up with it! I ran in Nike Pegasus for years, (versions 26, 27, 28). I was wearing a size 8 in the 28, and started to get sore toes, (I probably needed an 8.5). Switched to the Brooks Ghosts in 8.5 and was not a fan, (made me feel like I had webbed feet or something), then to Saucony Omnis in 8.5 after a store said I should use a little more support as my right foot pronates just a bit. I like the Sauconys Omni and the cushion, but after a few miles, it feels like maybe too much cushion??? Now I’m tempted to go back to Nike since they worked for me for so long. I’ll definitely go with an 8.5, but now the question is, back to Pegasus in version 29, go for the structure in the Triax 14 or 15, or to the Zoom Elite 5? Zoom Elite seems like it’s maybe in between the Pegasus and Triax in terms of support, is that right?
Thanks for your help!!!
Cameron
Cameron,
Its tough to argue against a shoe like the Pegasus, and the new version is great. I think that if it worked for you return to it. If you want to try something new, the Zoom Elite will feel more firm and have a slightly lower to the ground feel. I encourage you to try on both and see what you think. If you were able to run in the Pegasus successfully, the structure triax is probably too much shoe for you in my opinion.
Tom, just wondering if you have ran off road with the Nike Zoom Elite 5′s. I have tried many of today’s minimalist shoes and at 200 pounds, am ready to return to a little more of a structured shoe. The 9mm heal drop seems good,just not sure how the trail “feel” would be. On a budget so looking for a road/trail shoe. Thanks.
I am curious about these shoes. They seem to be very light without sacrificing protection – at least from what I’ve been able to tell by reading the review. If someone else has already asked this question, I apologize but I didn’t read all of the above. In your estimation, what would the upper weight limit be for a runner that is a mild over-pronator? Thanks in advance.
For a neutral runner should i go this shoe to longs runs or pegasus 29??
Tanks:)
It’s truly very complicated in this busy life to listen news on Television, thus I just use internet for that reason, and obtain the latest information.
I had my eyes on these since their release and just bought a pair. I have previously run in the Run Avant (replaced by the LunarFly), LunarGuide and Vomero. I love the fit, weight, cushioning and responsiveness. My first run was a 6 mile tempo run. I ran my fastest miles ever and fastest total time for 6 miles ever. I am very glad I pulled the trigger on these.
Oh, and the review on this site was a big deciding factor as well.
I apologize if I’m repeating exactly what have been asked here before. I’m from Thailand (and English is definitely not my first language) and after reading through every single comment here, I’m still confused if these shoes are right for flat feet like mine. I know they’re flat but Im not quite sure how flat. I just need to know if you would recommend these shoes against overpronators? With mixed uses of the word supination/supinator i’m still confused about this main point. Many thanks in advance…
Add: the zoom structure triax 14/15 are available in Thailand at much higher price. They cost about US$200/pair and I can’t afford it. The zoom elite 5 however happens to be on sale at US$100/pair which is the main motivation for me to be asking this question. I guess as what Americans say, it’s an US$100 question
I have tried on a lot of shoes simply being a enthusiast of technology…whether Adidas, Nike, Saucony…whatever… I just like a comfortable shoe. After I had switched to saucony for many, many years…. This Nike Zoom Elite+ simply put Nike for me, back on the map. Saucony let me down after the Triumph 4. This shoe was by far one of the best shoes I’ve ever worn in my life. I’m not a big runner…but I’m a very light guy @ 130 pounds and if a shoe is too stiff, the cushioning simply does nothing for me. Usually the lighter shoes, like the Kinvara, which in my mind is a disgrace to Saucony…it simply has nothing good about it except being a light shoe. So…after the Triuph 4 came out…I was in love. Wore that shoe to death..still have it, walked in it, ran in it. I bought next the Propel Nxgen because I loved the idea of soft pillow-like columns meanwhile supporting your foot by letting it sink in the middle. That shoe was even more cushioned than the T4, but it did have the drawback of being bulky and a tad awkward. I still think it’s a great shoe, better than most of what Saucony makes now but I could see why larger runners would wear it out fast. It’s standard EVA cushioning won’t outlast the SRC tech in the Triumph line. After the t4 I did manage to get the t5 without trying it on….big mistake. The heel unit is completely void of anything that was the T4. Where as the forefoot was improved, the heel suffered and was much harder and more narrowed. Keep in mind, the T4 heel is absolutely HUGE. It spreads out when you hit, and your heel sinks into the center…you literally feel nothing no matter how hard you hit and years later the heel unit is still going strong while the rubber…not so much. The front is pretty flat now. So after years of searching for the next great shoe…I went on trying the Zoom Elite on at The Sports Authority. I left in amazement at how streamlined, stable, soft, and light this shoe was. It’s no wonder it’s still not cheap on Ebay. I paid $62 for my pair and it was out of stock in almost every size but mine at 8.5 US. I jumped at the black/Volt Green and they are under 2 weeks old. I just went for a run and my feet didn’t hurt 1 bit. They don’t take quite the same impact off of the foot as the T4 I described earlier, however they beat the T4 in a different way. They meld to your foot and it’s almost as if you aren’t wearing shoes. So here you are running…and it’s effortless on the feet….not my legs… but that’s my fault. I just don’t run strictly to wear out my running shoes. I collect them and study them…I always have since I was in the 7th grade. Where as Saucony users can review their new shoes….I don’t think they realize the downgrade Saucony is taking to their customers. You’d think Nike would be the king of doing this…shocking I know. Anyhow….regardless of what you like or don’t…the Zoom Elite is a winner hands down. It may not last as long as my Triumph 4′s but they have already won.
Question: I’m thinking of picking up a pair of the Zoom Elite 5. I’ve just started wearing Nike again after almost a decade in other brands. Mostly wearing the Pegasus 28/29 right now (I’m rotating a couple different pair). I also have a pair of Vomero 7 I’ve worn on a few runs.
My question is about size. I wear 10.5 for the Pegasus. Running Warehouse and my local shoe guy are telling me to get size the Zoom Elite in size 11. Does that sound about right? Since the 5′s are discontinued stock, I have to search Ebay for the color and size I want. Not quite as simple as simply returning shoes to RW.
I do have a local running store – and a local shoe guy – to rely on for advice, but they don’t carry Nike so I can’t actually try on shoes to compare fit.
Thanks. Awesaome site, btw. Just discovered it, but I suspect I’ll be using it a lot in the future.
Mark,
Sizing issues are difficult to predict. I feel that both of these models run true to size, however it depends on where they were sewn/ manufactured and i’ve seen massive descrepancies between the same model of shoe in the same size.
The Zoom Elite 6 is out and essentially the same shoe as the 5. While I liked the 5 better it may change your need to shop on ebay.
Tom – how do these compare to the Structure Triax+? Been upgrading as they come out with new models and just got the 16′s. Love them so far but wouldn’t mind having an alternative. I am a sllloooowww runner training to run my first marathon in November. According to my physical therapist I am a fore foot striker. Thanks for any advice!