When choosing a sprint spike, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the choices that are on the market. And just like when you race, you want to get to the finish fast. That’s why we’re here.
Eastbay has a large selection of sprint spikes from eight of the top brands. To help you choose the perfect pair, we’re going to break down what you need to know about spikes and what our top options are for unbeatable speed on the track. So, here are the three things to keep in mind when trying to choose a spike.
The Three Elements Of Speed
Fit: In order to reach top speed, your spikes need to be a lightweight extension of your foot. That means a snug, breathable fit and with weight that’s barely noticeable.
Power: Power is all in the plate. You need to choose one that’s stiff and responsive, so you get the most energy return out of every step.
Traction: These are called spikes for a reason. Your racing shoes need to dig into the track so you can launch yourself through each stride.
All of our sprint spike picks are built with these three elements in mind, so you can step into the blocks with confidence, knowing your shoes are designed to maximize your effort. These top picks are great from 60-400m and hurdle events, but slight differences in construction make them uniquely suited for more specific distances.
Nike
Zoom JA Fly 2 + Zoom Superfly R4: best for 60-200m
Fit: If you want a strong start out of the blocks, you need strong, stable feet that won’t wiggle around when you take off. The Flywire cables in the JA Fly 2 and Superfly R4 are adjustable through the laces, putting you in control of your fit. Tighten the cables until your feet are locked firmly in place, and you’re off to the races. The JA Fly and Superfly 4 weigh in at 6.6 oz. and 7.8 oz., respectively — light as a feather.
Power: The JA Fly 2 and Superfly R4 both feature an aggressive eight-spike power plate. Its super rigid design returns some of the energy you expend with each step, pushing you forward to the finish in record time.
Traction: Both of these high-speed options come with 3/8” spikes. Four of the plate’s spike receptacles span the ball of your foot, with the majority of the traction focused near the front to keep you forward and running on your toes. This spike configuration is meant to get the most explosive speed and power out of every stride so you cross the finish ahead of the competition.
Under Armour
SpeedForm Sprint Pro: best for 60-200m
Fit: The Sprint Pro’s synthetic leather upper is constructed with smooth seams to eliminate all distractions during your race. Additionally, an external heel counter holds your foot firmly in place, creating a stable platform with no wiggle room for injury.
Power: The SpeedForm Sprint Pro comes equipped with a super stiff power plate for maximum energy return. This means that once you explode out of the blocks, you’ll be gaining ground with every stride.
Traction: With eight 1/4” spikes digging into the track with every step, nothing can stand between you and a victory lap. Arranged at the ball of the foot and the toes, the spike configuration encourages natural forward motion, working with your body’s mechanics to reach explosive speeds.
adidas
adiZero Prime SP: best for 60-400m
Fit: The adiZero Prime SP’s synthetic upper fits like a glove for lightweight lockdown. It works together with the SPRINTPLATE design to keep your foot in the best position for the most speed, increasing your forward momentum with every step.
Power: The adiZero Nano Plate is stiff as a board, providing as much energy return as possible. It also cuts down on torque, reducing the side-to-side movement of your foot to keep you running strong.
Traction: What sets the Prime SP apart from the other shoes on this list are the six permanent ceramic spikes. Without the rivets required to secure replaceable spikes, the Prime SP weighs in at an incredible 3.4 oz. You get all the traction and none of the weight.
adiZero Prime Accelerator: best for 60-200m
Fit: The adiZero Prime Accelerator is all about lockdown. A hook-and-loop strap sits across the forefoot, allowing you to choose how the shoe fits. Pull it tight, and your foot will be securely held against the power plate, lining up with the three spikes that span the ball of the foot.
Power: A SPRINTFRAME, six-spike outsole power plate returns energy with every step, helping you pick up the pace and demolish the competition.
Traction: With your foot locked down onto the power plate, the 1/4” spikes across the front half of the outsole plate can really get to work. Additionally, adidas’ Sharkskin traction pattern adds extra grip points throughout, so the whole bottom of the shoe is working to make you faster than ever before.
adiZero Prime Finesse: best for 200-400m
Fit: The synthetic upper of the adiZero Prime Finesse holds your foot firmly in place, while a soft micro-suede liner makes this shoe comfortable enough for barefoot wear and a tighter, high-speed fit.
Power: What makes this spike great for slightly longer distances is the spike plate. Slightly more flexible than a true power plate, it is designed specifically with curve running in mind, allowing you to use the shape of the track to your advantage.
Traction: The Finesse features six 1/4” compression-tiered spikes that grip the track, even around the curves, so you never miss a step.
ASICS
SonicSprint Elite: best for 60-400m
Fit: At 4.0 oz, the SonicSprint Elite is ASICS’ lightest. Its streamlined synthetic leather and mesh upper fits like a glove,
Power: This shoe features a full-length, six-spike Pebax plate for great response from the gun until you cross the finish.
Traction: The SonicSprint Elite comes with 6mm pyramid spikes that grip the rubber and help you reach top speed. The spikes are configured to keep you on your toes so each step results in the most power possible.
Saucony
Showdown 3: best for 200-400m
Fit: Saucony’s ISOFIT upper conforms to your foot for a sock-like fit, while FlexFilm overlays offer support and hold your foot firmly in place without adding extra weight. At only 5.9 oz., the Showdown 3 will have you flying to the finish.
Power: The Showdown 3’s Pebax outsole plate offers the perfect combination of stiffness and response, helping you get faster with every step and leaving the competition in the dust.
Traction: The Showdown 3 takes traction to a whole new level, with 10 spike receptacles covering the entire surface area under the forefoot. With so many 1/4” pyramid spikes working to grip the track with every step, you’re destined for PR-worthy speeds.
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