Nike Huarache 9 Lacrosse Cleats Review
A flexible new TPU plate, better heel lockdown and tougher materials. Here's how the Huarache 9 Elite mid, low and turf stack up, and which one fits your game.
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With a few cosmetic updates here and there, Nike Huaraches have been a favorite of lacrosse players for years. Nike quality comes at a big price, though, and picking between three different versions takes some thought. So I put together this detailed Nike Huarache 9 lacrosse cleats review to help you out.
Mid-cut lacrosse cleats have been the standard since the 2010s, but the Huarache line helped bring low-cuts back into the spotlight. The bigger question is how they perform.
Before you grab the latest model and hit the field, let's look at what's changed from the Huarache 8 and which version suits you.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry Nike cleats. The closest match they stock is the New Balance FreezeLX v5 Mid ($129.99), the cleat I compare the Huarache 9 to throughout this review. Prefer a low-cut? Go with the FreezeLX v5 Low ($119.99). I've listed more alternatives at BattleLax below.
Key Features and Specs
Here are the key specs before we get into the review.
- Versions
- Mid, low and turf
- Released
- 2024
- Weight
- About 12 oz (mid)
- Plate
- Flexible TPU
- Studs
- Conical, 11-stud pattern
- Best surface
- Grass
- Built with
- Sock-like tongue
- Internal Flywire
- Stretch bootie
- Molded rubber overlays
Pros & Cons
- Durable and lightweight
- Very flexible outsole
- Soft and comfortable
- Conical studs grip well on grass
- Ankle sleeve doesn't restrict you
- Less airflow
- Studs are too aggressive for turf
Nike Huarache 9 Elite Lacrosse Cleats Rating
I rate the Nike Huarache 9 Elite lacrosse cleats a 9.3/10.
The Huarache 9's Drip Meter rating.
Support and Feedback
The Huarache 9 locks your foot in better than most cleats I've worn this year. The heel is snug with no slipping, and the higher lacing keeps your midfoot secure.
Nike switched to a more flexible TPU plate, 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 a lot faster.
The Huarache 9 Mid Lax also gives you ankle support without restricting you. The sock-like tongue wraps around your ankle, but Nike dropped the high sock collar from previous models. I think that makes them easier to get on.
The Huarache 9 from above.
The Huarache 9 Low Lax gave me a lighter, quicker feel, but I missed that locked-in ankle stability. If you cut hard or take a lot of contact, the mid-cut is the better call.
The stud pattern grips well on cuts and quick stops without feeling too aggressive, and my foot didn't slide around inside the cleat at all.
Read more: Best lacrosse cleats
Traction
Most Huarache 9 reviews praise the stud design and placement. The sole is more flexible than the Huarache 8's, but it keeps a similar 11-stud pattern, and it gave me a strong push-off without feeling too rigid underfoot.
My feet stayed planted with no awkward slipping, and I had full control whenever I rolled back hard on a defender. The conical studs didn't dig in too deep on grass or slip, so I could feel them bite and drive me out of a dodge.
The Huarache 9's conical stud pattern.
I also got great forefoot traction running, and the smaller front studs gave me extra grip on sudden stops. No wasted movement, no sliding around inside the cleat and no delay between planting and pushing off.
Middies who make a lot of hard cuts should go with the Huarache 9 Mid Lax for the extra ankle support. For indoor practices and turf, go with the Huarache 9 Turf Lax.
If you want premium traction from a cleat you can order at BattleLax, the best alternative is the New Balance FreezeLX v5. BattleLax carries the FreezeLX v5 Mid ($129.99), Low ($119.99) and Turf ($119.99).
Comfort
The Huarache 9 Elite Mid Lax felt lighter on my feet than most mids I've worn. At about 12 ounces, it's even lighter than the New Balance FreezeLX v5. The weight difference isn't huge, but the more flexible sole made a real difference on quick cuts and acceleration.
The Low Lax felt even more responsive, since it's lighter and sits lower on the ankle. It also breaks in faster than the Huarache 8, though the sole felt a bit stiff for the first couple of games.
The New Balance FreezeLX v5, the Huarache 9's closest competitor.
The stretch bootie and internal Flywire locked my heel in and cut way down on slipping inside the shoe. I never felt like my foot was rolling over on sharp changes of direction, and even through long practices and rough games, the soft, padded insole kept my feet from getting tired.
A lot of Huarache 9 reviews complained about the missing sock liner on the Mid Lax. Personally, I was more comfortable without the thick ankle padding.
Breathability
The Huarache 9 Elite leans more toward durability than breathability. The upper is a mix of synthetic materials with mesh in the center.
Compared to the older model, it has less mesh and more molded rubber along the edges. That gives your foot plenty of support and keeps the cleat from breaking down quickly, so there's very little wear and tear, even in high-stress areas.
Huarache 9 colorways.
The trade-off is less airflow. Even with the mesh on top, my feet got warm on hotter days.
Nike did layer the insole with a breathable material that soaks up moisture, which cuts down on that sweaty feel. In my experience, it handled moisture better than the New Balance FreezeLX v5.
Still, I wouldn't call it the most ventilated cleat. It's not suffocating, but if breathability is a big deal for you, there are airier options out there.
Coach's note: Whether it's a muddy April field in upstate New York, a humid July tournament in Virginia Beach or a dry summer field in Ontario, the right stud matters more than the brand on the side. Grass cleats on grass, turf shoes on turf. Wear conical studs on hard turf and you'll feel it in your knees by the end of the season.
Comparison
The Huarache 9 is lighter than the New Balance FreezeLX v5 and feels more responsive than its predecessor, the Huarache 8.
Nike also made real improvements in fit and durability. The Huarache 8 had more mesh for breathability but broke down faster, while the Huarache 9 adds molded rubber reinforcements so it lasts longer.
The Huarache 9 is secure without squeezing your foot too tight.
If you like free ankle movement but don't want a low-cut, the Huarache 9 Mid Lax is the better option.
Alternatives at BattleLax
BattleLax doesn't carry Nike cleats, but these are the closest options they stock right now.
| Cleat | Why it's here | Price |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance FreezeLX v5 Mid | The mid-cut cleat I compare the Huarache 9 to | $129.99 |
| New Balance FreezeLX v5 Low | Low-cut version for a lighter, quicker feel | $119.99 |
| New Balance FreezeLX v5 Turf | For turf and indoor practices | $119.99 |
| New Balance Burn X5 Low | Another low-cut option from New Balance | $124.99 |
| New Balance FreezeLX v4 Low | Budget option on sale | $49.99 |
Shop the New Balance FreezeLX v5 Mid at Battle Lax
People also ask
When was the Nike Huarache 9 Elite lacrosse cleat released?
The Huarache 9 Elite came out in 2024, with better flexibility and durability and a redesigned TPU plate that breaks in faster than past models.
What colors are available for the Nike Huarache 9?
The Huarache 9 comes in several colorways, including White/Black, White/Gold, White/Royal Blue/Grey and White/Blue/Volt.
How durable are Nike Huarache 9 lacrosse cleats?
Very durable. Molded rubber reinforcements cut down on wear in high-stress areas, so they hold up better than the Huarache 8.
How does the Nike Huarache 9 compare to the Huarache 8?
The Huarache 9 is lighter, more flexible and more durable. It has a redesigned TPU plate for a quicker break-in, while the Huarache 8 had more mesh but broke down faster.
What are the key upgrades in the Nike Huarache 9?
A more flexible TPU plate, better heel lockdown, molded rubber reinforcements for durability, and a refined fit for comfort and performance.
Final Verdict
The Nike Huarache 9 is one of the most flexible and durable lacrosse cleats of 2024. Nike redesigned the TPU plate to make it more flexible and get rid of the stiff break-in period, and it shows on the field.
Check out our roundup of the newest lacrosse cleats for more options, or grab the closest match at BattleLax.
