Annoyingly Nike decided to discontinue the Nike Zoom Air Elite. I’ve worn them for years and finally run out of my stockpile and have moved on to new other options. am currently trying K-Swiss Kona, but not great for me. Do any other former Zoom Air Elites wearers have any ideas of the best alternative?
I know 2 people who were hard core Zoom Air Elite fans, and they also ran out of their stock pile. Both of them are running in Brooks Ravenna 2 (I believe.) Apparently, Brooks has completely changed this shoe over the past couple years, and are now a lot like what the Zoom Air Elite’s were. The Saucony Guide (or Ride if you can go a bit more neutral) is also a good replacement IMO.
The Ravenna 2 has the new DNA cushioning tech and Omega flex grooves (not like Nike Frees but still some more flex in the mid/forefoot). The new DNA tech is badass.
I wrote on this same topic last year when I ran out of my last pair of Zoom Elites. That was a big mistake on Nike’s part. I went to the Asics DS16 trainer. It’s a good shoe, but it is not the same as the zoom elite. My only real complaint with the DS16 is that it seems to not breathe as well and the laces ALWAYS come untied, even if double knotted. Other than that, they’re fine. I have not found one I like as much, but will try the Brooks Ravena next. Please let me know if you find something comparable.
Shoes that would provide similar characteristics to the old Zoom Air Elite (which, by the way, Nike will apparently resurrect due to the Lunar Elite underperforming…rumors for S12.)–
Asics DS-Trainer–a little softer than your old Elites, also a touch heavier
Brooks Racer ST5–little more responsive, little bit lighter weight. Be warned that you may be going up a half size in this shoe.
Mizuno Wave Elixir–again, a little more responsive, similar weight. Would probably be closest to what you had.
Saucony Mirage–if you decide to go with less heel-toe offset, this would be the shoe in terms of cushioning and weight that would compare.
New Balance 1190–another very similar set-up to what you had. Colorway is ugly, unless you LOVE Hulk Hogan.
thanks for all the tips and advice. for those also experimenting with zoom air elite replacement the k-swiss kona are ok; light, but lose some shape after a few runs and not as compact in the toe area. here’s hoping that nike see sense and reintroduce the running shoes many of us know and love.
The Elite IS, in fact, coming back for spring of 2012. It wont’ be the same as it was before, though. It will still be a lightweight trainer, but without the posting. I was told by our Nike rep that the weights of the Structure and some of the old Elites are very similar to each other now.
thank you for the news that the zoom elite is coming back!
what does “without the posting” mean? (sorry to be dense)
Shoes that would provide similar characteristics to the old Zoom Air Elite (which, by the way, Nike will apparently resurrect due to the Lunar Elite underperforming…rumors for S12.)–
Mizuno Wave Elixir–again, a little more responsive, similar weight. Would probably be closest to what you had.
.
I think enough people don’t know about this show. I love mine. Been running is ds trainers, ravennas, gt series my whole life. The wave elixirs are the perfect mix of performance, comfort, and speed.
The medial posting was the part of the shoe that provided the light amount of stability. It was denoted by the gray/patterned section on the arch side of the shoe. So the new one, instead of being a mild stability shoe, sounds like it will be a neutral lightweight trainer. Almost replacing the LunarTrainer, I guess…
I’d agree with you. The Elixir is a fine shoe that gets lost in the shuffle. It’s probably because, like the Precision, it is currently positioned to close to the “big brother” shoe (read: Rider/Inspire)…doesn’t shave enough weight to move it into the true racing category, but a little too light for a lot of the market. It’s sad. Think it’s one of their stronger shoes.
Other shoes that don’t get their due: the NB 905/1190, the Brooks ST5 Racer, and (I can’t believe I’m about to say this) the K-Swiss K-Ona.
I really like the new Puma Fuujin and Ryjin. The Ryjin would be similar to the Zoom Elites w/o the stability post. THe Fuujin’s are a bit lower to the ground and lighter. Materials used by Puma totally blow Nike out of the water!