Whether you are just starting any sport, or a veteran cross-country speed runner who is looking for an effective pair of shoes, then you should check out the Nike Zoom Rival M 9 and S 9.
Many people got uncertain and wondered if these are the same models or how they compare, in today’s article I’ve decided to clear up all the confusion.
So, get ready to discover more about the Nike Zoom Rival S 9 and M 9 to find the right pair for your next run. Let’s begin.
Similarities and Differences between Nike Zoom Rival M 9 And S 9:
| Features | Nike Zoom Rival M 9 | Nike Zoom Rival S 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched in | 2019 | 2019 |
| Stability | More stable | Stable |
| Flexibility | Flexible | Flexible |
| Sizing | 4-15 For Men 5.5 -16.5 for Women | 4-15 For Men 5.5 -16.5 for Women |
| Weight | 6.6 oz. for a single shoe | 5.2 oz. for a single shoe |
| Cushion | Responsive cushioning | Lightweight cushioning |
| Outsole | Solid Rubber with a Herringbone pattern | Herringbone pattern and strategically placed rubber pods |
| Insole | Fabric | Fabric |
| Midsole | Synthetic material, and Air Units | Phylon wedge andAir Units |
| Upper | Fly mesh | Single Layer Mesh |
| Retail Price | $90 | $100 |
Nike Zoom Rival M 9 VS S 9: Good, Bad, and the Worst:
In this section, we will look at key aspects of Nike Zoom Rival M 9 and S 9, aiming to identify differences between these two models and help you find the suitable pick.
1) Comfort:
Nike Zoom Rival S 9 and M 9 have the brand’s Zoom Air technology in the midsole, which provides exceptional cushioning that almost every runner appreciated.
This technology will not only keep you comfy for hours but also conform precisely according to your foot shape.
Moreover, both of these models have Flywire cables built into the lacing system which offer extra support, especially when making swift changes of direction.
The rounded toe box adds to the overall comfort of these shoes, as you will get enough room to wiggle your toes without worrying that your feet would be squashed.
The main difference that I researched in terms of comfort is the Zoom Rival S 9’s reduced height and low profile make for a more agile moving experience.
On the other hand, the higher profile Zoom Rival M 9 is well cushioned and has an extra padded tongue and collar.
Furthermore, a single layer of synthetic mesh keeps the upper of S 9 light and airy, this material is also sturdy while yet being highly permeable.
Meanwhile, the M 9 is built to last as it has multiple layers of synthetic material in the upper and a snugger overall fit than the other one.
Overall, the S 9 is a little bit lighter in weight and more responsive while the M 9 is robust and has more softness.
So you can expect excellent support on the track by wearing both of them as each shoe provides comfort in its unique way.
2) Popularity:
The Nike Rival M9 is a popular choice for those who want traditional-style spike running shoes.
The S9, on the other hand, is a favorite of short-distance sprinters due to its minimalist aesthetic, which has fewer overlays and a somewhat more streamlined silhouette.
3) Running:
The Zoom Rival M 9 and S 9 are the most versatile track spikes that will be great for enhancing your running performance.
Moreover, these models are designed with the sprinter in mind, with the brand claiming that the S 9 is ideal for events spanning from 60m to 400m, while the M 9 excels at 400m and 800m.
4) Walking:
We will recommend avoiding wearing these shoes while simply walking on concrete, smooth roads, and rocky areas if you can, this is because the spike pins of these models wear down prematurely.
However, if you spend a lot of time enjoying the outdoors in slippery places or looking for something to walk on damp snowy surfaces either of these types can be a good choice due to more grip provided by outsoles.
5) Flat feet:
Compared to the Nike Zoom Rival S 9, the M9’s tongue, and collar have enough padding to help keep your foot in place, so it will be better for flat feet.
Moreover, the suggestion of most shoe experts for flat-footed people is to wear a pair of shoes with a supportive sole and a higher heel-to-toe drop.
Nike Zoom Rival S 9 has a heel drop of only 6 mm, while the Nike Zoom Rival M 9 has a 10mm drop, making them more appropriate for this foot type.
6) Design:
When you’re sporting a pair of Nike Zoom Rival S 9 and M 9 track and field shoes, there’s no stadium event or competition you won’t dominate.
The Nike Zoom Rival S 9 will get you noticed because of the combination of their steadiness and stability.
The top of the Zoom Rival S 9 is the driving force behind the shoe’s performance; it features a band that wraps around the foot and connects to the lacing system to keep the wearers midfoot locked in place while they move.
The real strength, meanwhile, is hidden in its soleplate, which features a split design that blends a herringbone pattern on the outsole with detachable spikes for optimal traction on clay tracks.
All in all, the Nike Zoom Rival S9 is the most versatile, and it is designed for experienced sprinters who require lighter footwear and more speed.
Conversely, the Zoom Rival M 9 retains the majority of its design components from S 9 specifically the upper and other construction elements.
There are only minor changes most notably this version lacks the Phylon wedge that functioned as midsole in the S 9. In addition, a new detail was added to the outsole, which is a solid rubber unit that extends directly beneath the heel.
Furthermore, the Nike Zoom Rival S 9 has a seven spikes plate, while the M 9’s plate has six spikes which are attached to the forefoot strategically that strengthen high-wear areas.
Therefore, the Nike Zoom Rival M 9 will be superior for a wide range of events, from sprinting to medium-distance running.
What do customers think?
Customers concur that Nike Zoom Rival m 9 and s 9 are the best performance-oriented trainers available. These shoes are priced affordably, attracting both novice and experienced athletes.
Many customers lauded the comfort that these shoe models provided to the entire foot, as opposed to just certain areas.
According to the numerous pleased customers, the coziness of the Nike Rival S 9 can be felt in even the smallest details, such as the plush sock liner.
A verified user noted that the Nike Zoom Rival S 9 is excellent for 100 to even 300-meter sprints, and he assured that they have held up well and provide sufficient stability.
The upper was highly liked as it takes the shape of the foot, breathes well, and is light in weight.
According to some customers, there is no doubt that virtually every component of the sneaker contributes to the quality of the shoe as a whole.
Conversely, Runners, have admired the Nike Zoom Rival M9 as an ideal racing shoe, particularly for the intermediate distances where they tend to shine brightest.
People commit they’ve worn them for longer distances of several meters and praise the spikes for their excellent performance on varied grounds.
Many buyers think the best thing about these shoes is they could be worn by both men and women.
Runners have even reported while wearing these shoes they never feel discomfort since it is so at ease.
After using the Nike Rival Zoom M 9, one runner said it “really glides on the track.”
Some of them recommend not purchasing the Zoom Rival M 9 if you have wide feet, a racer wrote in a review, “They fit like a soccer cleat” to describe how snug these are.
Conclusion: Which Is Better?
Now, you have got enough knowledge that both of these shoes will cater to indoor and outdoor short to medium-distance events including track running, sprints, and hurdling.
The Nike Zoom Rival S 9 is an excellent choice for quick movements at the top of the speed thanks to its lightweight, single-layer mesh upper and 6-pin Pebax spike plate.
On the other hand, the Nike Zoom Rival M 9 has an updated Fly mesh top and a 7-pin Pebax spike plate for the best-increased grip improving your running stride.
Another point is, the S9 has a slightly thinner outsole while the M9 features a thick solid rubber outsole, which contributes to the shoes’ ability to last longer.