iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
[The Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra is a highly cushioned, lively road trainer. In independent testing it earns its strongest marks for cushioning and rebound, and its main drawbacks are a soft, tall platform that can feel unstable and an unusually narrow arch. It suits neutral runners who want a protective ride for long runs and occasional faster sessions. It is a cautious choice for runners who need stability or a generous fit.]
Who the Red Hare 9 Ultra suits
The shoe is built around a protective, bouncy ride. Whether it fits your running depends mostly on your foot type and what you ask of a daily trainer.
- Good fit for: neutral runners who want a soft, springy platform for long runs, marathon-block mileage and occasional uptempo efforts.
- Use with caution if: you overpronate, land hard on the heel, or rely on a stable platform to stay controlled when tired.
- Likely a poor fit if: you have wide feet or a high, wide arch, since the reviewer found the arch exceptionally narrow.
- Less suited to: short, top-speed 5K and 10K work, where the soft forefoot limits a crisp toe-off.
The assessment below is based on a single men’s US 9 test sample, so it describes that fit profile rather than every size.
Cushioning and rebound: the clearest strength
RTINGS, in its review updated September 30, 2026, rated the Red Hare 9 Ultra 9.4 for cushioning and 8.5 for energy return. Its long-run simulation found the cushioning held up well, and the reviewer described the ride as very bouncy. These are one publisher’s ratings and test observations. They do not predict how any individual runner will feel after 20 or 30 kilometres.
#1 Best Overall
- SUPER BOOM: The innovative midsole possesses exceptional performance management capabilities, allowing it to exhibit outstanding balanced soft and stiff rebound performance and adapt to the diverse professional requirements under multiple sporting scenarios, and facilitating an enhanced athletic performance
- BOOM FIBER: BOOM FIBER is a new type of thermoplastic elastomer that can be prepared into lightweight "silk" through advanced spinning technology; Its flexibility, elasticity and durability are superior to ordinary fibers, and the feel is very comfortable; By combining "silk" with advanced weaving technology, a lightweight, breathable, and comfortable shoe upper can be obtained, which is not easily deformed and has a longer service life
- BOOM: LI-NING BOOM Technology is a revolutionary midsole material independently developed by LI-NING, prepared through supercritical fluid foaming process; Compared with traditional materials, it significantly reduces the weight of the midsole, significantly improves rebound performance, and has a longer service life, greatly improving product functionality
- GCU LOC: GCU (Ground Control Unit) is a new type of cast polyurethane; This product innovatively applies it to the outsole of shoes; Through a special molecular structure design, the sole has excellent slip resistance and wear resistance, breaking the contradiction between the wear resistance and slip resistance of traditional sports shoe outsoles; Moreover, its wet slip resistance is more prominent, and it can adapt to more environmental climates and sports scenes
- YOUR SATISFACTION MATTERS: We are committed to ensuring you are happy with your purchase; If you have any issues, our customer service team is here to help
The cushioning is also what makes the shoe’s weak points matter. A softer, taller platform is the source of both the protection and the wobble.
Stability: the main trade-off
The same review rated stability 6.3, the lowest of the shoe’s headline scores. The reviewer says the tall, soft platform can feel wobbly, especially on rearfoot landings, and specifically cautions runners with pronation issues.
Fatigue makes this worse. In the long-run assessment, the effort the shoe takes to stay stable appeared to build up as the run went on. A shoe that feels controlled for the first few kilometres may feel less predictable late in a long run, which is why this matters more for marathon training than for short easy runs.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Fit and sizing
Length was generally true to size in the tested pair. Width is where the shoe departs from most trainers.
Rank #2
- SUPER BOOM: The innovative midsole possesses exceptional performance management capabilities, allowing it to exhibit outstanding balanced soft and stiff rebound performance and adapt to the diverse professional requirements under multiple sporting scenarios, and facilitating an enhanced athletic performance
- BOOM FIBER: BOOM FIBER is a new type of thermoplastic elastomer that can be prepared into lightweight "silk" through advanced spinning technology; Its flexibility, elasticity and durability are superior to ordinary fibers, and the feel is very comfortable; By combining "silk" with advanced weaving technology, a lightweight, breathable, and comfortable shoe upper can be obtained, which is not easily deformed and has a longer service life
- BOOM: LI-NING BOOM Technology is a revolutionary midsole material independently developed by LI-NING, prepared through supercritical fluid foaming process; Compared with traditional materials, it significantly reduces the weight of the midsole, significantly improves rebound performance, and has a longer service life, greatly improving product functionality
- GCU LOC: GCU (Ground Control Unit) is a new type of cast polyurethane; This product innovatively applies it to the outsole of shoes; Through a special molecular structure design, the sole has excellent slip resistance and wear resistance, breaking the contradiction between the wear resistance and slip resistance of traditional sports shoe outsoles; Moreover, its wet slip resistance is more prominent, and it can adapt to more environmental climates and sports scenes
- YOUR SATISFACTION MATTERS: We are committed to ensuring you are happy with your purchase; If you have any issues, our customer service team is here to help
Arch width
The arch was exceptionally narrow. Against RTINGS’ internal true-to-size reference, its arch-width measurement deviated by -16.7 mm. The reviewer says wide-footed runners may find the shoe prohibitively tight, and no wide version was listed for the model.
Tongue and lockdown
The semi-gusseted tongue can feel restrictive at first and may stretch with wear. Even so, the reviewer cautions that a wide arch can stay uncomfortable after break-in.
Toe box
Forefoot height is low. Runners with taller toes may experience contact or chafing at the front of the shoe.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Whether to size up
The evidence does not show whether sizing up improves lockdown. Changing size would change length and volume together, so a half size up is not a safe workaround for a narrow arch. If you are between sizes, try the shoe on before committing, and check the return terms first.
Rank #3
- SUPER BOOM: The innovative midsole possesses exceptional performance management capabilities, allowing it to exhibit outstanding balanced soft and stiff rebound performance and adapt to the diverse professional requirements under multiple sporting scenarios, and facilitating an enhanced athletic performance
- BOOM FIBER: BOOM FIBER is a new type of thermoplastic elastomer that can be prepared into lightweight "silk" through advanced spinning technology; Its flexibility, elasticity and durability are superior to ordinary fibers, and the feel is very comfortable; By combining "silk" with advanced weaving technology, a lightweight, breathable, and comfortable shoe upper can be obtained, which is not easily deformed and has a longer service life
- BOOM: LI-NING BOOM Technology is a revolutionary midsole material independently developed by LI-NING, prepared through supercritical fluid foaming process; Compared with traditional materials, it significantly reduces the weight of the midsole, significantly improves rebound performance, and has a longer service life, greatly improving product functionality
- GCU LOC: GCU (Ground Control Unit) is a new type of cast polyurethane; This product innovatively applies it to the outsole of shoes; Through a special molecular structure design, the sole has excellent slip resistance and wear resistance, breaking the contradiction between the wear resistance and slip resistance of traditional sports shoe outsoles; Moreover, its wet slip resistance is more prominent, and it can adapt to more environmental climates and sports scenes
- YOUR SATISFACTION MATTERS: We are committed to ensuring you are happy with your purchase; If you have any issues, our customer service team is here to help
Measurements of the tested sample
These figures are RTINGS’ own measurements of a men’s US 9 sample. They are not manufacturer specifications, and they may not match other sizes.
| Measurement | RTINGS result (men’s US 9) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 237.2 g (8.37 oz) |
| Heel stack height | 46.2 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 37.1 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 9.1 mm |
| Forefoot energy return | 83.9% |
| Forefoot energy absorption, long-run simulation at 10 km | 11.07 J |
| Forefoot energy absorption, long-run simulation at 40 km | 10.49 J |
| Time to dry in water test | 26.6 hours |
| Arch width deviation from internal true-to-size reference | -16.7 mm |
Performance by use case
RTINGS scored the shoe for specific uses on its own 10-point framework. The scores show where the Red Hare 9 Ultra is strongest and where its soft forefoot becomes a limitation.
| Use case | RTINGS score | What the review says |
|---|---|---|
| Half and full marathon racing | 8.0 | Long-distance cushioning and energy return are strong. |
| Long runs | 7.8 | Protective, but stability effort can accumulate with fatigue. |
| Daily training | 7.6 | The same instability applies to easy runs. |
| 5K and 10K racing | 6.5 | The soft forefoot can sink under high force and limit a crisp toe-off at top speed. |
Long runs and marathon training
This is the shoe’s best use. Cushioning held up in the long-run simulation, and the ride stays comfortable over distance. The trade-off is that you need to be comfortable with a softer, less predictable platform as fatigue sets in.
Uptempo and faster sessions
The shoe handles moderate-pace and uptempo running reasonably well, with its bounce helping the stride. Top-speed efforts are less suitable because the soft forefoot compresses under high force, which takes away the firm toe-off that fast running needs.
Rank #4
- SUPER BOOM: The innovative midsole possesses exceptional performance management capabilities, allowing it to exhibit outstanding balanced soft and stiff rebound performance and adapt to the diverse professional requirements under multiple sporting scenarios, and facilitating an enhanced athletic performance
- BOOM FIBER: BOOM FIBER is a new type of thermoplastic elastomer that can be prepared into lightweight "silk" through advanced spinning technology; Its flexibility, elasticity and durability are superior to ordinary fibers, and the feel is very comfortable; By combining "silk" with advanced weaving technology, a lightweight, breathable, and comfortable shoe upper can be obtained, which is not easily deformed and has a longer service life
- BOOM: LI-NING BOOM Technology is a revolutionary midsole material independently developed by LI-NING, prepared through supercritical fluid foaming process; Compared with traditional materials, it significantly reduces the weight of the midsole, significantly improves rebound performance, and has a longer service life, greatly improving product functionality
- GCU LOC: GCU (Ground Control Unit) is a new type of cast polyurethane; This product innovatively applies it to the outsole of shoes; Through a special molecular structure design, the sole has excellent slip resistance and wear resistance, breaking the contradiction between the wear resistance and slip resistance of traditional sports shoe outsoles; Moreover, its wet slip resistance is more prominent, and it can adapt to more environmental climates and sports scenes
- YOUR SATISFACTION MATTERS: We are committed to ensuring you are happy with your purchase; If you have any issues, our customer service team is here to help
How it compares with other trainers
RTINGS compares the Red Hare 9 Ultra with two Li-Ning and ASICS models. It describes the ASICS Superblast 3 as more stable and smoother for long runs, and the Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Pro as a lower, more stable everyday trainer. The Ultra is bouncier and more protective but less stable. These are the reviewer’s judgments, not universal rankings. The comparison below uses only what the review states.
| Model | Cushioning and protection | Stability | Relative ride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra | Highest of the three in this comparison; very bouncy | Lower; can feel wobbly | Bouncier, more protective, less stable |
| ASICS Superblast 3 | Not stated in this comparison | Higher than the Ultra | Smoother and more stable for long runs |
| Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Pro | Not stated in this comparison | Higher than the Ultra | Lower, more stable everyday trainer |
If you compare trainers yourself, check four things: how much protection you need, how stable the shoe must be for your gait, whether your foot fits the arch and toe box, and whether the shoe suits the pace you plan to run.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Super BOOM Capsule and the midsole
Li-Ning’s annual report names the Red Hare 9 ULTRA among the core running shoes using Super BOOM Capsule technology. Treat that as the manufacturer’s description of its technology rather than independent proof of performance. RTINGS identifies a three-foam midsole arrangement in the shoe: Super BOOM Capsule as the middle layer, Super BOOM above it, and BOOM below as a carrier layer. The energy-return and cushioning figures above are the reviewer’s measurements, not confirmation of the company’s claims.
Buying checks before you order
Pricing, stock and seller reliability depend on the market you buy in, and none of them were verified for this review.
Best Value
- SUPER BOOM: The innovative midsole possesses exceptional performance management capabilities, allowing it to exhibit outstanding balanced soft and stiff rebound performance and adapt to the diverse professional requirements under multiple sporting scenarios, and facilitating an enhanced athletic performance
- BOOM FIBER: BOOM FIBER is a new type of thermoplastic elastomer that can be prepared into lightweight "silk" through advanced spinning technology; Its flexibility, elasticity and durability are superior to ordinary fibers, and the feel is very comfortable; By combining "silk" with advanced weaving technology, a lightweight, breathable, and comfortable shoe upper can be obtained, which is not easily deformed and has a longer service life
- BOOM: LI-NING BOOM Technology is a revolutionary midsole material independently developed by LI-NING, prepared through supercritical fluid foaming process; Compared with traditional materials, it significantly reduces the weight of the midsole, significantly improves rebound performance, and has a longer service life, greatly improving product functionality
- GCU LOC: GCU (Ground Control Unit) is a new type of cast polyurethane; This product innovatively applies it to the outsole of shoes; Through a special molecular structure design, the sole has excellent slip resistance and wear resistance, breaking the contradiction between the wear resistance and slip resistance of traditional sports shoe outsoles; Moreover, its wet slip resistance is more prominent, and it can adapt to more environmental climates and sports scenes
- YOUR SATISFACTION MATTERS: We are committed to ensuring you are happy with your purchase; If you have any issues, our customer service team is here to help
- Confirm the model code. A retailer listing identifies the Red Hare 9 Ultra as ARPW007.
- Check the seller. Buy from an authorised seller and confirm that the listing is for the Ultra, not the Pro or another Li-Ning trainer.
- Check size stock in your width. The arch is narrow, so a standard width may be a poor fit even in the right length.
- Read the return terms before you buy. Since the fit is the main risk, a returnable order matters more than a small price difference.
- Check the local price. Pelsports, citing Li-Ning, reports an official retail price of ¥899. That figure comes from secondary reporting, and it is not a current price in any market.
Pelsports also reports that Li-Ning publishes no weight or stack height for the Ultra. Its impressions were compiled from Chinese-language video reviews, and its author did not run in the shoe. Treat that article as secondary reporting, not as independently confirmed official detail.
Review context
A July 27, 2026 video description from Kofuzi says Li-Ning supplied the shoe, that no payment was made for the video or the brand’s inclusion, and that the brand did not preview the footage or opinions before publication. Keep that context in mind if you rely on video impressions of the shoe.
The Bottom Line
The Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra is a strong choice if you are a neutral runner who wants a very cushioned, bouncy shoe for long runs and occasional uptempo sessions. Choose it knowing that its soft, tall platform can feel unstable, especially on rearfoot landings and late in long runs. If you overpronate, need stability, have wide feet or a high arch, or race short and fast, a more stable or wider trainer is the safer option. Confirm the size, width, seller and return terms before you buy.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
