fabRunning VERDICT · Highly Recommended
A shoe of the year contender?
The Red Hare 9 ULTRA delivers the combination I want from a max-cushioned trainer: comfort for long distances, a surprisingly light feel and enough energy to make each run enjoyable. The SUPERBOOM Capsule is one of the most exciting midsole features I have experienced recently.
At the time of my full review, it had earned a place in my top three running shoes of the year. If you enjoy a soft, bouncy ride and want a trainer that can handle more than slow miles, my verdict is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
What works well
- Soft and lively: SUPERBOOM Capsule cushioning brings a springy ride for easy and longer runs.
- Manageable weight: approximately 257 g in US 10.5, with smooth transitions and enjoyable toe-off.
- Versatile: comfortable at easy paces with enough responsiveness for tempo efforts.
- Encouraging early durability: no significant outsole wear in the 80 km review.
Keep in mind
- Upper attracts dirt: the light upper needs more care to keep clean.
- Forefoot room: the LEILI 2.0 wide 2E fit felt roomier in the same US 10.5 size.
- Higher price: the review discussed roughly ₱5,000–₱6,000, above the LEILI’s price.
- Early durability assessment: 80 km is encouraging but does not establish long-term wear.
Ride, fit and daily use
A shoe of the year contender? After 80 km in the Li-Ning Red Hare 9 ULTRA, this has become one of my favourite max-cushioned trainers. It combines a soft, protective ride with a lively bounce, and it feels surprisingly light for the amount of foam underfoot.
Upper and fit
The BOOM FIBER upper feels breathable, comfortable and lightweight. I really like the fit on my feet, and it held up well through my first 80 km. My main complaint is that the upper attracts dirt quite easily.
If you need more room in the forefoot, the Qiaodan TG 2.0 / LEILI 2.0 is worth comparing. I tested both in US 10.5, and the LEILI’s wide 2E fit feels noticeably roomier. Both are comfortable, but I prefer the LEILI for extra forefoot space.
SUPERBOOM Capsule: the highlight of the ride
The midsole is what makes the Red Hare 9 ULTRA special. Its layered setup combines a soft and bouncy SUPERBOOM top layer with the SUPERBOOM Capsule and a firmer BOOM layer underneath. On the run, that translates into a springy, almost trampoline-like sensation without feeling excessively mushy.
My first run straight out of the box was 20 km, and it was one of the most enjoyable long runs I had done in a while. There is plenty of cushioning for relaxed mileage, but the shoe still feels eager when I pick up the pace. I have enjoyed using it for tempo efforts as well as easy runs.
Light for a max-cushioned trainer
At around 257 g in my US 10.5, the ULTRA feels surprisingly manageable for a shoe with this much cushioning. The weight and rocker work together to make transitions feel smooth and toe-off enjoyable. It avoids the heavy, sluggish sensation that can put me off some max-cushioned shoes.
Stability and outsole durability
The broad platform and H-shaped fiberglass shank help keep the ride controlled. The shank adds structure through the midfoot and limits twisting, complementing the soft cushioning. This is a neutral trainer with a stable feel in my experience.
At the time of my 80 km review, I could not see significant outsole wear. The exposed capsule area had not caused any problems either. That is an encouraging early result, although 80 km is still an early durability assessment.
Specifications and price context
| Use | Easy runs, recovery, daily mileage and long runs; also used for tempo efforts |
|---|---|
| Weight (US 10.5) | Approximately 257 g |
| Midsole | SUPERBOOM top layer, SUPERBOOM Capsule and a firmer BOOM base |
| Support | H-shaped midfoot fiberglass shank; no full-length carbon racing plate |
| Upper / outsole | BOOM FIBER upper / GCU outsole coverage |
| Review stage | Full Review after 80 km |
| Price discussed in the review | Around ₱5,000–₱6,000; check the seller for today’s price |
Specifications and impressions come from the existing fabRunning review. Prices and availability vary. No exact current price has been entered in the shoe finder.
Is the Red Hare 9 ULTRA right for you?
Based on the fabRunning full review after 80 km. Watch my initial impressions after 30 km or explore more shoes with the fabRunning Shoe Finder.