I finally got my hands on the new Nike Zoom Elite’s after flailing for the the last few years trying to find something I liked as much. For some out here on ST, you were in the same boat. I still have 3+ pairs of the old ZE’s that I just bum around in, and I still love them. I have been bouncing around between the Nike Structure Triax, the Mizuno Wave Rider and the Mizuno Wave Elixir, but none have been as good as the ZE’s. I am 39 years old, 5’9" and go about 158 lbs. I run around 35 miles a week, on average.
When I first tried on the ZE 5’s and walked around, I was immediately at home. Nice and comfy with just the right amount of “squish”. I am wearing the same size I did in the older verisons (only and 8.5 for me). I did my first 7 mile run in them at lunch today, and everything felt awesome. They fit really nice, and feel a bit lighter than the older models. The upper part of the shoe seems lighter, snugger and more breathable, which is awesome. The ride is much like before. All in all, I coundn’t be happier.
So, if you were on the fence, don’t be. You won’t be disappointed. And for the record, I prefer shoes that fit well and feel right vs. what a shoe person may be telling me is the right type of shoe. I have had no running related injuries in my 7+ years of running/tri.
Hope this help some of you.