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? ›

At a Glance
  • Best All-Around: Nike ZoomX Dragonfly ($160)
  • Bounciest: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp LD-X ($160)
  • Lightest: Saucony Terminal VT ($150)
  • Most Flexible: Brooks Hyperion Elite LD ($150)
  • Most Cushioned: Hoka Cielo FlyX ($180)
  • Best Value: Nike Zoom Rival Distance ($75)
Apr 22, 2024

What spikes did Usain Bolt use? ›

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

What spikes do 400m runners use? ›

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

What are the fastest spikes? ›

Maxfly 2: The Fastest Nike Track Spike

xx or so seconds. On one hand, Nike have kept the carbon fibre plate from the original. Strong and stiff to turn the vast levels of sprint power into forward propulsion. Furthermore, the gigantic Air Zoom cushions remain.

What spikes do 800m runners wear? ›

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

Can I sprint in XC spikes? ›

Can't I just wear Track (sprint) spikes in Cross Country races? While Cross Country spikes and Track spikes are similar, they are NOT the same. You can wear XC spikes in Track, but not the other way around.

Do sprint spikes make you 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.

Are socks better than no socks for track spikes? ›

As running spikes are a snug fit whether you wear socks or not is up to you. Going sock-free however can increase your chance of blisters so look for a thin technical sock to get the best of both. Always break in a pair of running spikes before competing in them to reduce your risk of injury.

Why is Usain Bolt so fast? ›

HIs longer leg length leads to longer step length and therefore greater speed (Debaere, 2013). With Usain Bolt towering at 1.96m and weighing 96 kg , he has a stride advantage over his smaller competitors. Joint Angles are another biomechanical variable to consider.

What are super spikes? ›

Super spikes are track spikes for middle and long distance events that use the two key innovations in shoe tech that have revolutionized marathon shoes: “super foam” with high deformation and excellent energy return, and carbon fiber plates in the midsole.

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.

Do spikes make you run faster on grass? ›

They do not magically make you faster therefore, but they will allow you to focus more on speed and have the effort you're applying to your running maximized. Also in sprint events, spikes help you with your rise out of the blocks and establishing drive phase.

How to break in spikes? ›

It takes time to break in your new track spikes. Don't wear them straight out of the box in your next race. Instead, wear them several times a week during early-season practices to get used to their feel and function. Here's a simple two-week schedule you can follow (pick any two days in your practice week).

What are the most common spikes? ›

Pyramid Spike These are the most common type of spike and a basically a wide base going to a point. Pin / Needle Spike Like a Pyramid spike, but with a thinner neck - tend to dig into tracks well, but can "stick" a little as the athlete takes off again.

What spikes do I get for track? ›

Spike Pins

6mm - These are best for track and field events. This is the only size of spike pin that is permitted on most athletics tracks.

What spikes does Noah Lyles wear? ›

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

Does the type of track spikes matter? ›

Needle/Pin

Slimmer than pyramid spikes and usually available in 3/16" length. These sink deeper into the track and may serve a lighter runner better than a heavier runner. Longer needle spikes (1/4" or 3/8") are more common on dirt/grass cross country courses or on cinder tracks, but these lengths are not as common.

References

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