I picked up my new "THE 9" shoes today, and threw 3 games to make sure I didn't make an expensive mistake.   
 
Here are some of my first impressions: 

The 9s have a more streamlined profile than my SST8s. When I first looked at them, I almost thought they would be too small. But when on the feet, they're every bit as roomy as my SST8s. As advertised, the leather is soft, and they're comfortable without any need for break-in. It did take me the first two games to comfortably wear in the new S7 sole. I used one of my broken-in H7 red leather soles from my SST8s. The H5 that comes with the 9s is too much brake for my tastes.
 
The design of the 9s should correct a few of the major complains about the SST8s. First, there is finally a replaceable toe guard. It's built into the replaceable soles that integrate perfectly into the shoe. Wear out the toe guard? Simply replace the sole. It's a vast improvement over the clunky toe cap used on the 3G Ultras. Second, the 9s have built-in sole flex points that should largely eliminate the cracking many experienced on the SST8s. That's the problem that finally killed my SST8, although I got 5 years and close to 3,000 games out of the pair.
 
Only time will tell if the improved design translates to longevity. My initial impressions of the 9s is that they're solid and should last as long as I want to keep them. Given the total dollar investment, I'm hoping so…...

Now we need a comparison of them and the TPX-U's.

thanks

Now, only if they came in white......

You sold me on REPLACABLE TOE CAP!  My TPU-X toe cap is slowly wearing down.  Slowly because I put tape on that area to protect it. The 9's may possible be my next shoe.

The toe cap is what is finally going to retire my SST 8s after 7+ years.

I have been considering getting THE 9.  one of my biggest issues with my black/red SST8 is that as a toe dragger I tend to leave marks on the approach.

The marks seem to come from the side of the sole, not from the leather top of the shoe.

any one have information regarding if THE 9 marks up the lanes if I drag the toe?  my old worn out SST5s, SST6s and Tour ultra's that I have had over the years never did this.

The TPUX are by the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. What is ridiculous about the bowling shoe industry is that they seem to focus on bowling needs first (15K replaceable heel and soles) and not shoe and feel comfort (i.e. golf shoes).  The TPUX seems like the first shoe where they emphasized the shoe first and added bowling features second.

I tried SST8s a few years ago and they were horrible for my arch and heels.  Sold them after a few weeks.  The 9s seem like they continue with that same flat base support which is ridiculous given the price.