Nike Zoom Rival M 9 review

Who should buy Nike Zoom Rival M 9 

Get these spikes if: 

1. You run mid distances: they shine on 400m and 800m 
2. You have medium-to-narrow feet and want a snug spike that will never fall of mid-race
3. You are a racer and you love doing races in sleek-looking spikes

Who should not buy these spikes

Don't buy the Zoom Rival M 9 if you have wide feet. These are very snug or, as a racer has posted in a review, "They fit snug like a soccer cleat."

If you're a beginner doing a bit of everything, check out the Nike Zoom Rival S 9. If longer distances attract you, look at the Nike Spike-Flat. 

Mid-distance racing star 

The M9s are perfect for racing and they get the biggest spotlight when used on middle distances. Runners have reported using them for 100, 200, 400 and 800m but most of them stuck to 400m and 800m and loved how the spikes performed. 

Ready to race right out of the box

The upper got so much praise in the reviews. It is perfect, molds to the feet, breathes and is lightweight. The mesh material allows flexible and comfortable movement, without the need to break the shoes in. Comfort is definitely on another level with racers commenting "I'm surprised at how comfortable they are!" and "They're the most comfortable track shoes I've had."

It's a full package

Like with other Nike spikes, there's a carry bag and a spike tool included. As a racer has commented, "Love that it comes with everything I need to be ready for my meets!"

Nike Zoom Rival M 9 is very lightweight

So much so that runners have said they forget they are wearing it. One runner commented that the M9 "really floats on the track."

Even in wet conditions, the shoe frees itself from the mud quickly so there's no buildup and unnecessary weight.

A great deal

"For the price, they were a steal!" and "Overall good purchase!" are the comments that only go on to prove that these spikes are really a bang for the buck.

What to expect spike-wise

Spike Type - A set of seven ¼-inch pyramid spikes come with the shoe. The spike pins can be attached to strategic locations in the forefoot area of the outsole, to provide traction on a variety of surfaces, therefore, catering to both indoor and outdoor events. Another track shoe from the Rival series, the Nike Zoom Rival S 9, also makes use of pyramid-type spikes.

Spike Plate - The Pebax spike plate used by the Nike Zoom Rival M 9 provides a flexible unit that allows the runner to move forward more naturally. The spike plate extends up to the arch area of the outsole.

What's new: updates

• The ninth iteration of the Zoom Rival series for mid-distance events presents a couple of updates that may be minor, yet still relevant and noticeable through the shoe’s performance. These include changes in the upper and midsole.
• Most of the structural elements in the upper have been retained. The new addition to this part of the Zoom Rival M 9 is an arch band that helps give a locked-down fit for the foot.
• The previous version has a Phylon wedge that acts as its midsole, which was removed in this iteration. 
• A new detail was also added to the outsole, which is a unit of solid rubber that goes directly under the heel.

Get the right size

Like many other track shoes, the Nike Zoom Rival M 9 is built as a unisex-style shoe. This means the sizing scheme is generalized and the same for both men and women. Thus, women athletes would need to get 1.5 sizes down for accurate fitting. That aside, the dimensions of the Zoom Rival M 9 follow the foot’s anatomical shape, therefore allowing a narrow yet comfortable position around the heel, midfoot, and toes. Additionally, the toe box height is also kept low for a snug fit.