Published: October 18, 2022

 Pros

• Breathable upper
• Fits true-to-size
• Snug and secure fitting
• Soft ride
• Comfortable
• Versatile
• Durable outsole
• Excellent Casual wear

Cons

• Uncomfortable beyond 5 to 6 miles
• Not solid enough. Hence can handle only light training and walking

Take Away

Compared to Nike Winflo 8, the Nike Air Winflo 9 has a thin upper mesh, lightweight, and new softer midsole foam. It rides more soft than its predecessors. Nike Winflo 9 is an entry-level daily training, walking, and casual shoe. It is the best alternative to premium training shoes, especially for runners who train less.

Introduction

You will notice the sleek appearance of Nike Air Zoom Winflo models at first sight. I have run in the Winflo 6, 7, and, and they have served me well. Nike Air Winflo 7 remains one of my best because Nike Winflo 8 was more of a downgrade than an upgrade. I wouldn't say I liked its vibe because it was less soft and responsive. However, I admit that my friend Joe loves the Winflo 8. Nike did not give me time to whine after releasing Nike Air Winflo 9 too early. I must confess that this shoe is a vibe. Anyone who has run in the Winflo 7 understands that it is softly cushioned.

The Winflo 9 is the ninth edition of the Nike Winflo series. The Winflo series closely resembles the Pegasus models, Vomero, Nike Retaliation series, and Downshifter. Like these models, the Winflo has a pointed toe box, beefed-up midsoles, and a sleek upper. The Nike Winflo series are highly cushioned, softer than the Pegasus and Retaliation 3. However, the Winflo 8 has a somewhat rigid midsole, like the Pegasus.

 The Nike Pegasus comes with a bend of technology and frills. It seems Nike is picking up from the successes of the Winflo 7, which is incredibly soft. Nike Winflo 9 has a new midsole and upper and is aesthetically superior to its predecessor.

 Nike Air Zoom Winflo 9 Upper Design and Fitting

Unlike Nike Winflo 8, this new version has a better upper. The mesh is lean, flexible, and breathable, with a soft inner lining for more comfort. The toe box is roomy and accommodating, and the mesh material doesn't irritate the toes. What I love about the upper construction is that it is well-streamlined and ideally takes the shape of the foot.

The upper of Nike Winflo 9 has plenty of padding in critical areas. The padded heel area combines well with the soft inner lining is also soft hence I have hardly experienced irritation. Nike also gave the tongue enough cushioning to protect the in-step from the pressure of the laces. I also love how the tongue extends upwards and curves around the top of the foot to create a secure feel. I thought it would slip, but it didn’t. 

The most significant takeaway is the update in the midfoot. Nike updated the flywire in the Winflo 8 and replaced them with bands to provide a secure lockdown devoid of chunkiness. Nike also added pull tabs for enhancing snug fitting and lockdown.

Overall, the upper of the Nike Winflo 9 is well constructed. It fits true-to-size, is stretchy, and is comfortable. However, the thin mesh appears unable to handle critical conditions like trails. It lacks the heavy-duty feeling associated with the Winflo 8 and seems like one can easily rip through it. However, using the Nike Winflo 9 as a rotational shoe will give it life. I am optimistic that this upper material will last at least 500 miles.

The toe box is shallow but not constrictive. It also contributes to providing the shoe with structure and a sleek appearance.

 Nike Air Zoom Winflo 9 Midsole Design and Performance

Instead of two air units in the midsole, Nike Air Zoom Winflo 9 comes with a full-length air unit. Nike refers to the air unit as the Nike Dot Weld Air unit, which is embedded at the lower level of the midsole. Its sole function is to establish a responsive sensation across the heel to the forefoot and a bit of support. The introduction of this technology gives the shoes a whole different vibe. It feels like walking or running in the air; thus, it provides a runner with a different running experience.

Because it sits lower into the midsole, a significant amount of snappiness and responsiveness is lost. Therefore, the new soft midsole foam has to do most of the work. Still, the combination of the cushion plus and the full-length Nike Dot Weld Air unit makes the Nike Air Zoom Winflo 9 incredibly lightweight and soft underfoot.

I also noticed that it is not as stable as Nike Air Zoom Winflo 8, which has a somewhat firm midsole. Unfortunately, it is not a significant issue because it holds up well. Besides, the rocker midsole makes heel-to-toe transitioning seamless and effortless.

The outsole is precisely the typical Winflo and Pegasus design. Nike did a good thing since runners have fallen in love with the Pegasus and Winflo outsole design. I love how the hard protruding rubber covers the surface to provide traction. As usual, this outsole design has proven to be stable across terrains, especially on the road. I have nothing negative about the outsole because it is excellent!

Overall Performance

The upper and the midsole work together to make Nike Air Zoom Winflo 9 is a worthy upgrade. While the new upper mesh is thin and breathable, Nike ensured that the tongue, interior heel section, and collar were well padded.  The fitting and lockdown are consistent when walking or running. 

There is no slippage in the heel, the laces are long enough, and the tongue sits nicely on top of the foot to enhance a snug and secure fit. The step-in is comfortable, and the midfoot also holds up convincingly well and is consistent during running. Therefore, the upper of the Winflo 9 has a great mix of security and comfort. 

Nike Winflo 9 rides soft. I have done 110 miles, and I find this shoe incredibly comfortable. It is an improvement of the Winflo 8, which rides pretty firmly. I am not worried about the lack of snappy. Winflo series are supposed to be softly cushioned just for easy miles. My experience is that Winflo Air 9 rides slow. It doesn't perform well beyond 5 miles. I think it is because it lacks supportive features despite the noticeable heel drop. I do experience tired feet when trying to stretch miles in Winflo 9. 

Though it rides smoothly, especially on the road, I wish the Nike Air Zoom Winflo 9 was additionally stable and snappy. Besides, it seems the outsole will outlive the other parts of the shoe.

Who should buy Nike Winflo 9?

The Winflo 9 is an affordable daily trainer that is exceptionally cushioned and lightweight. It suits someone looking for comfortable running shoes for short distances or recovery runs, all-day walking shoes, gym training, or running on a treadmill. 

The Nike Air Zoom Winflo 9 is also an excellent casual wear that combines well with sporty attire. Winflo lovers, especially those who loved the Winflo 7, will find the Winflo 9 irresistible. I think the soft cushioning, comfort upper, and cool looks make Winflo 9 a superb casual daily walking shoe

Why you should Buy Nike Air Zoom Winflo 9 

Nike Winflo 9 is a good buy because it is better than the previous version. It perfectly fits 5 miles of running or recovery runs due to the midsole's soft cushioning. The Winflo 9 Nike is also versatile for gym training and all-day walks.

However, it is not a good choice for long-distance running because it becomes uncomfortable beyond 5 to 6 miles. Besides, it is not as solid as the Pegasus 39. I love it for light training and casual wear. They look cool too.

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By Kyle Parker

Parker is a gym trainer, runner, and shoe lover who enjoys everything to do with fitness and shoes. He deeply understands the relationship between the shoes you wear, your body, and how you run.