
[Editors Note: Cuyler is a sophomore at Plainfield South that i have the pleasure of coaching. He is extremely passionate about the sport and the running gear that comes with it. Cuyler will be providing Illinois Running News different shoe and apparel articles, hope you all enjoy!]
Now that the track and field season is in full effect, everyone thinks about what their race day spike should be. In today’s market, there are a plethora of options and brands; many of which are very similar. Everyone loves Nike’s beloved spike options, but are they the best choice for every distance? Do you truly need multiple spikes, or is there a spike that can do it all? In this article, we will dive into what I believe to be the top 3 spikes for each event group.
But first, let’s look at what makes a good spike. A great spike choice depends on which events you do and what you need the shoe to do on the track. Distance spikes are usually the lightest and often provide runners with a far more cushioned ride. However, sprint spikes are far more stiff and aggressively get the runner up on their toes in every step. Middle distance spikes sit happily in the middle with both the stiffness and aggression of a sprint shoe and the cushion and versatility of a distance spike. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the top 3 spikes for each event group:
Distance Spikes (1600m - 10K)
Dragonfly 2/Elite
Price: $160, Elite $190
142g, Elite 136g
Pebax Plate, Elite Carbon Fiber Plate
ZoomX Midsole
4 Removable Pins, Elite 4 Non Removable Pins
Adidas Adizero Avanti
$150
170g
Lightstrike Pro Midsole
6 Removable Pins
HOKA Cielo FlyX
$180
164g
Composite Plate
6 Removable Pins
Middle Distance Spikes (800m-1600m)
Nike Victory 2
Price: $190
135g
Carbon Fiber Plate, Dual Chamber Air Zoom Unit
ZoomX Midsole
4 Removable Pins
Adidas Adizero Ambition
$150
147g
Lightstrike Pro Midsole
5 Removable Pins
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3
Price: $160
170g
Carbon Fiber Plate
FuelCell Midsole
6 Removable Pins
Sprint Spikes (60m-400m)
Nike Maxfly 2
$190
187g
Carbon Fiber Plate, Dual Chamber Air Zoom Unit
ZoomX Midsole
6 Removable Pins
Adidas Adizero Prime SP 3 Strung
$180
196g
LightStrike Pro Midsole
6 Removable Pins
PUMA evoSpeed Sprint Nitro 2
$250
167g
Pebax Plate
Nitro Elite Midsole
8 Non Removable Pins
Jumps Spikes (HJ, LJ, TJ, PV)
Nike Air Zoom LJ Elite
$160
244g
Carbon Fiber Plate, Air Zoom Unit
7 Spike Pins
Versatile and can be used for different jumps
PUMA evoSpeed Future Jump 6
$180
215g
Pebax Plate
8 Spike Pins
Nike Zoom High Jump Elite
$135
278g
Pebax Plate
11 Spike Pins
Throwing Shoes (Discus and Shot Put)
Nike Zoom Rotational 6
$110
306g
Pebax Plate
PUMA evoSpeed Throw 10.5 Throw Shoes
$100
422g
Underfoot Pivot Point
Adidas Adizero Throw Shoes
$120
360g
Underfoot Grip Rubber
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