6 Best Track Spikes in 2024 (2024)

We pushed track spikes to the limit and found Nike’s Air Zoom MaxFly as the best racer. MaxFly screams maximum record-breaking speed with its light weight, race-ready fit, and snappy ride. We learned it showed optimum performance in 100-400m events and surprisingly felt comfortable on foot. We believe this premium spike is one of the most advanced of its kind, justifying its $180 price tag.

MaxFly gives one of the most unique rides we’ve ever tried. For a racer, it’s pleasantly cushioned with full-length ZoomX foam and has an Air Zoom unit in the forefoot that launches us forward. The ride feels incredibly energetic because of the stiff Flyplate, culminating in the most comfortable yet fastest spike we’ve raced in. We feel like flying since it’s so light on the foot.

Underfoot, transitions feel smooth and the overall ride feels steady thanks to the highly engineered spike plate. The forefoot has 7 spike pins for reliable traction on the track.

Nike’s Flyweave upper feels high-quality. Together with the laces and slightly padded heels, the fit is spot-on. We’re confident that the lockdown is secure, allowing us to focus on smashing our PBs.

We discovered MaxFly is not for maximum distances and performs best on events 800m and below. We recommend exploring other options for mid-to-long-distance track runs.

The Adidas Prime SP2 is a phenomenal track spike ready to dominate sprints from 60m to 400m, hurdles included. In our lab tests, we discovered its winning combination of energetic bounce, impressive durability, and exceptional breathability. While slightly heavier and with a premium price tag, the Prime SP2 delivers performance and reliability for demanding sprinters seeking fast times across various distances.

We tested the best spikes on track and discovered Nike’s Air Zoom Victory to be the best of its kind. In our track sessions, it shines best in mid-distances with its unrivaled speed, almost weightless build, and insane grip. At $180, it’s a premium shoe that matches the performance of elites.

Deserving of its name, Air Zoom Victory is an aggressive speedster. The heel feels cushioned for comfort, whereas the forefoot has a one-of-a-kind feel. We experience two phases distinctly with every stride. The first is some compression because of the Air Zoom Unit, and then we get a springy response upon takeoff due to the Flyplate. We find that this spike performs best in 800m-3k distances.

This pair is race-ready with an immensely breathable Atomknit upper that stretches to fit our feet like a glove. The high-quality material secures our feet in place. It helps us fly on track as it’s much lighter than the average track spike (4.6 oz/130g vs. 6.2 oz/175g).

No matter how fast we run, Nike’s ShockWave Generated Outsole Plate keeps the ride smooth and steady. There are 6 spikes in the forefoot to ensure grip during races, while the heel perimeter has sharkskin for traction and durability.

On fast curves, we sometimes felt unstable because of its unique ride. It also takes some time to get used to it. Best to test this out before taking it to races.

The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly feels like a dream with its airiness, speed, and comfort for track runs. We felt like flying in our high-mileage efforts as this elite racer shines best in 3K-10K distances. It’s extremely supportive and powerful, making it our best spike for long distances.

ZoomX Dragonfly feels pleasantly bouncy and fast throughout our track workouts. We noticed its capability to sustain our power for long efforts, thanks to the stiff Pebax plate that ensures a smooth and efficient ride. Its premium ZoomX foam is Nike’s lightest and most responsive foam and has really good arch support. It’s supportive enough that our legs don’t feel too beaten up even after intense efforts.

The bottom has a full-length spike plate with a sharkskin heel for extra grip. It also includes 6 removable stainless-steel pins for reliable traction on track. We had no slips even as we encountered curves at high speed.

This premium spike is a real pleasure to be in since the Fly Mesh upper feels lightweight and airy. It has many perforations for breathability and feels comfortable to be in.

To experience its elite performance means paying a higher price tag of $150. We recommend those on a budget to explore other options.

Nike Zoom Victory XC 5 is all about speed and we found it the best for cross-country races. Amidst all its snappiness, it feels so lightweight and comfortable. This high-quality spike provides great traction for rough terrains and prevents the build-up of dirt underfoot.

Zoom Victory is meant to race with its snug fit, airy build, and horseshoe-shaped carbon plate in the forefoot. Its Vaporweave upper is water-resistant so it doesn’t feel sluggish on wet and muddy races. Meanwhile, its carbon plate gives us responsive toe-offs and stability on uneven courses, which we highly appreciate on cross-country tracks.

Even with all its energy, this spike surprisingly offers a pleasant ride. Its flexible nature and full-length foam offer much comfort. It has the right amount of cushion to stay light and to provide protection from landing impact.

Underfoot is an outsole with non-identical lugs for multi-surface traction and less clogging of dirt and mud. It has 6 spike pins under the forefoot, which adds extra grip and evenly distributes the pressure on our feet.

We recommend those with wide feet to look elsewhere since this spike is very narrow. It took us more effort than usual to put our feet in.