Nike Huarache 9 Lacrosse Cleats Review

With cosmetic changes now and then, Nike Huarache cleats have been a favorite of lacrosse players for years. Well, Nike’s quality comes at a huge price. Moreover, choosing between three different variants also needs careful consideration. Therefore, I have a detailed Nike Huarache 9 lacrosse cleats review to help you. 

Besides, mid-lax cleats have been the standard since the 2010s, but the Huarache series brought low-cut cleats back into the spotlight. The bigger question, though, is how they perform.

So, before you grab the latest model and hit the field, let’s see what’s changed from the Huarache 8 and which variant will suit you.

Key Features and Specs

Let’s check the key specs before I move on to the Nike Huarache 9 lacrosse cleats review. 

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Nike Huarache 9 Elite Lacrosse Cleats Rating

I would rate the newly launched Nike Huarache 9 elite lacrosse cleats a 9.3/10.

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Support and Feedback

The Huarache 9 locks your foot better than most cleats I have worn this year. The heel is snug, with no slipping, and the higher lacing keeps the midfoot secure. 

Nike tweaked the plate with a more flexible TPU, so they don’t feel as stiff out of the box as past models. If you’ve worn older Huaraches, you’ll notice they break in much faster.

Besides, the Nike Huarache 9 lacrosse mid-lax offers unrestrictive ankle support. Its tongue is sock-like and wraps around the ankle, but Nike ditched the high sock collar from previous models. I think they are easier to put on now.

In particular, the Nike Huarache 9 lacrosse low lax gave me a lighter and quicker feel.  However, I missed that locked-in ankle stability. Thus, a mid-cut design will be better for you if you cut hard or make a lot of lateral contacts.

Moreover, the stud pattern grips well on cuts and quick stops, without feeling too aggressive. My foot didn’t slide inside the cleat at all.

Traction

Most Nike Huarache 9 lacrosse cleat reviews praised its stud design and placement. While the sole is more flexible than the Huarache 8, it has a similar 11-stud pattern. It gave me a solid push-off without feeling too rigid underfoot.

My feet stayed grounded without awkward slipping, maintaining full control whenever I rolled back hard on a defender. The conical studs neither dug in too deep on the grass nor slipped. As a result, I could feel the studs engage and generate enough speed for sprinting out of a dodge.

Moreover, it offered excellent forefoot traction when running. Whereas, the smaller front studs gave me extra grip when stopping suddenly. There was no wasted movement, no sliding around inside the cleat, and no delay between planting and pushing off. 

However, a midfielder who plays as a center forward should opt for Nike Huarache 9 lacrosse mid-lax cleats. Its conical studs offer better agility and a lighter feel.

I recommend Nike Huarache 9 lacrosse turf-lax specifically for indoor practices. 

The best alternative for premium-level traction would be the New Balance Freeze V5 lacrosse cleats.

Comfort

The Huarache 9 elite mid-lax cleats felt lighter on my feet than most mids I have worn. At 12 ounces, they’re even lighter than the New Balance Freeze V5. The weight difference isn’t much, but the better flexibility of the sole made a noticeable impact on quick cuts and acceleration. 

Besides, the Nike Huarache 9 lacrosse low lax version felt even more responsive, as it’s lighter and sits lower on the ankle. It also has a shorter break-in period than the Huarache 8s. However, the sole felt stiffer in the first couple of games.

Furthermore, stretch booties combined with an internal flywire securely fixed heels and significantly reduced the slips inside the shoe. I never felt like my foot was rolling over on sharp direction changes. Despite long hours of practice and rough games, the soft, padded insole kept my feet fatigue-free. 

Many Nike Huarache 9 lacrosse cleat reviews complained about the missing sock liner in the Nike Huarache 9 Lacrosse mid-lax. However, I felt more comfortable without the thick ankle padding. 

Breathability

The Huarache 9 Elite leans more toward durability than breathability. The upper is built with a mix of synthetic materials and central mesh. 

However, compared to the older model, this one has less mesh and more molded rubber along the edges. It provides ample foot support, keeping the cleat from breaking down quickly. Hence, there is very little wear and tear, even around high-stress areas.

Yet, the new design reduced the airflow, impacting the breathability. Thus, despite the top mesh offering ventilation on the upper foot, I sometimes noticed my feet warming up on hotter days. 

Nike has also layered the insole with breathable material. It absorbs moisture, reducing the uncomfortable, sweaty feel and offering better moisture absorption than New Balance Freeze V5. 

Nevertheless, my Nike Huarache 9 lacrosse cleat review does not rank it as the most ventilated cleat. It’s not suffocating, but if breathability matters big time.

Comparison

It’s even lighter than the New Balance Freeze V5 and feels more responsive than its predecessor, the Huarache 8.  

Moreover, Nike has made notable improvements in fit and durability. The Huarache 8 had more mesh for breathability but was prone to breaking down faster. The Huarache 9 features molded rubber reinforcements for better longevity. 

The Huarache 9 doesn’t wrap tightly around the foot. 

For players who prefer unrestricted ankle movement but don’t like low-cut design, the Nike Huarache 9 lacrosse mid lax is a better option. 

People Also Ask

My Nike Huarache 9 lacrosse cleats review will mark it as the most flexible and durable footwear of 2024. Nike has redesigned the TPU plate, making it more flexible and eliminating the stiff break-in period.