4 Best Track Spikes 2021 (2024)

4 Best Track Spikes 2021 (2)

There are many different shoe designs to choose from when you are an athlete, and when you’re on the track and field team, there is an additional component that makes it important to choose carefully: the spikes.

Finding the right shoe-and-spike combination can be a bit tricky, so below we’ll show you the four best track spikes that will give you that extra edge you’re looking for as an athlete.

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Ultimate Guide for Chosing the Right Track Shoes

Before you purchase a pair of track spikes, consider where and at what events you will be running.

Indoor or Outdoor: Determine where the majority of your events will take place throughout the season to help you select the right pair. Some events are mostly indoors, others are mostly outdoors or you will have a mixture of both. If you are only running outdoors you can opt for a cross-country shoe with more cushioning meant for long runs.

Running Distance: There are different types of shoes depending on the distance of the race you will be competing in. Sprinting track runners if you are doing short distances, middle distance spikes for 800m sprints to 1500m sprints, and long-distance shoes for races over 1500m.

What Size of Spikes to Choose?

Track 6mm. For sprinters or distance runners, other sizes are usually not permitted.

Cross Country 9mm. For those who run through muddy or wet outdoor fields

Cross Country 12mm. For better grip in muddy and wet conditions.

What are the Different Types of Spikes?

Spikes come in a variety of shapes

Pyramid.These are wider spikes used on indoor and outdoor tracks. They have a sharp point on the top and usually a wider base, very much like the shape of a pyramid. Some pyramid spikes have a narrower base. It varies from brand to brand. Some indoor tracks will only allow these spikes.

Needle.A steep spike with a sharp point, best on dirt or grass cross-country course or else cinder tracks.

Christmas Tree or Compression.These are tiered spikes with a dull top, designed not to puncture or penetrate the track and thus making it more difficult to pull the foot back up again. Just imagine a Christmas tree with the top cut off!

Spike Material: The spikes on the bottom of the shoe are made of different materials. Ceramic (the lightest in weight), Titanium Alloy, or Steel.

Extra tips

Wear really good technical socks check out our top picks. Know the fit will be tighterthan your regular running shoes. Carry a pair of pliers with you to your events for spike removal. Have extra pins in your bag in case some are worn down or you need to replace any damaged ones.

Top 4 Best Track Spikes Reviews

The pyramid spikes on these Adidas are perfect for young high school sprinters and hurdlers. The synthetic uppers are perforated to offer ventilation to your feet and your Achilles tendon will appreciate the soft collar around the ankle.

The padded tongue is tacked down on the medial side of the shoe to offer you a snug fit and the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) spike plate helps you stay on your forefoot while offering excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.

One of the best track spikes for the aspiring athlete! Middle distance runners (anywhere from 800 meters all the way up to 5,000 meters) will appreciate the Saucony Endorphin track spikes.

The overlays in the midfoot and the heel, which renders it very light, and it features a six-pin spike plate for excellent traction. This is a great indoor or outdoor track shoe!

The Saucony Endorphin 3 shoes will have you shooting around the track like a bullet. They feature a four-pin spike plate that you can customize with multifunctional pyramid spikes that are great for indoor tracks or outdoor tracks

The narrow heel and support strap helps keep the shoe in place as you run, giving you the secure, comfortable fit that you need. You’ll definitely be able to use these durable shoes for a few seasons, so they are worth the investment in the long run (no pun intended!).

The Saucony Havok is a great shoe for a varsity cross country runner. It features a sock-like fit, as it has its own seamless sock layer and a breathable mesh upper. It has a perfect amount of cushioning throughout the shoe. It features a full-length 6 pin base plate; this cross-country shoe is made for aggressive terrain. One of the best track spikes for cross country runners at an affordable price.

4 Best Track Spikes 2021 (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular track spike? ›

Coming in as the preferred track spike for all sprint events, the Nike Max Fly is every bit a super spike.

What spikes does Usain Bolt use? ›

Bolt competed in Puma track spikes throughout his career, while Bromell does so in New Balance track spikes.

What is the best budget track spike shoe? ›

At only $65, Adidas Sprintstar is the most affordable option among our lab-tested track spikes ($117 average). For almost half the price, it delivers impressive durability and a natural feel. Based on actual tests, this spike suits runners who want to test their leg power and raw speed for 60-400m sprints.

What spikes do 400m runners use? ›

Shop Spikes for Sprints (Up To 400m)
  • Nike track spikes.
  • New Balance track spikes.
  • Saucony track spikes.

What brand is best for track spikes? ›

3 Best Sprints Track Spikes in 2024
  • Best overall. Adidas Prime SP2.
  • Best lightweight. Nike Air Zoom Maxfly.
  • Best for beginners. Adidas Sprintstar.
Mar 18, 2024

What are the fastest spikes? ›

The Best Sprinting Shoes
  • Best Overall: Under Armour Sprint Pro 3 Sprinting Shoe.
  • Best Beginner Spike: Nike Rival Sprint Sprinting Shoe.
  • Best Foot Security: New Balance Sigma Harmony Sprinting Shoe.
  • Fastest Road Racing Shoe: Nike Vaporfly 3 Sprinting Shoe.
  • Best for the Mile and 5k: Nike Streakfly Sprinting Shoe.
Sep 21, 2023

What shoes do 800m runners wear? ›

Mid-distance track spikes are lightweight, but they still offer some cushioning in the heel to provide comfort during 800 to 1600-meter runs. They're not as firm as track spikes for sprinters and not as cushioned as traditional running shoes.

What spikes do sprinters wear? ›

Spike studs, or 'pins', come in different shapes and sizes. 6mm - These are best for track and field events. This is the only size of spike pin that is permitted on most athletics tracks.

Does Spike shoes make you run faster? ›

While your regular trainers are built for, well, training, spikes are built for competition. They're lighter which reduces fatigue; they hug your feet for better control; and they provide extra grip where you need it most, resulting in greater responsiveness and powerful push offs that propel you forward, faster.

Do you run 800m in spikes? ›

Events include 800m, 1600m, the Mile, 3200m, 5000m, 10,000m, and Steeplechase. Distance spikes run the gamut of longer track races. A good rule of thumb is if your race is longer than one lap, you should wear a distance spike.

What spikes to use for 800m? ›

What Makes a Spike Good For Distance?
The Best Distance Spikes of 2024
Spike TypeOur Picks
Best Spike for Middle Distance (800m, 1500m, 1600m) EventsNike Air Zoom Victory
Best Spike for Long Distance (3000m, 3200m, 5000m, and 10,000m) EventsNike ZoomX Dragonfly
Best Distance Spike for BeginnersNike Zoom Rival Distance
Dec 29, 2023

Should track spikes be tight? ›

Your toes should be close to the front of the shoe but still have room to move around. The shoe should hold your heel in without movement and have a solid hold through the midfoot. There should be a small amount of space in the toebox, but with a snugger fit than standard running shoes.

What are the most common spikes? ›

Replacement track spikes come in many styles but the pyramid, needle, Christmas tree, and tartan are the most popular. A) Pyramid Spikes– For cross country and most tracks since they are less aggressive on the flooring.

What spikes do Noah Lyles wear? ›

Noah Lyles most recently has worn the Adidas Adizero Prime SP2. He calls these spikes his “favorites.”

Does it matter what spikes you get for track? ›

For long distance events on tartan or synthetic tracks, you will want to use spikes that are between 3-5mm long. These spikes will provide good traction without being too hard on your feet. For shorter distances or sprints, you can use running spikes that are 6mm long. These nails will give you more traction and grip.

Does the type of track spikes matter? ›

Of course, before you get too excited to get out there and crush it, you need to get your feet in the right spikes for the event or events you do. Not all track spikes are created equal – they're actually designed with specific events in mind.

References

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