Track & field season is almost here, and this is your year to be bold. To command attention, you need gear that ups your performance and looks good doing it.
That’s why we’re breaking down what’s new in track & field and how it will help you crush the competition.
New From Nike
The Tech
For 2017, Nike has updated its spike plate design with one goal in mind: speed. These new plates, built using generative design, are based on nature’s honeycomb structure, cutting weight while maintaining strong connective bonds. The result? An ultra-light, ultra-stiff plate capable of shaving seconds off your race time.
The Shoes
Sprinters, the Nike Zoom Superfly Elite was built just for you.
Best for 100-400m, this sprint spike features a seamless Flymesh upper that uses zoned ventilation and support. The material’s weave is inspired by seatbelt construction, creating tension as you accelerate and slinging you forward through each stride. The new plate features eight permanent, stainless-steel spikes, cutting even more weight and increasing your power on the track.
On the opposite end of the distance spectrum is the Nike Zoom Victory 3, best for 1,500m through the 5K.
The anatomical upper of the Victory 3 follows the natural shape and movement of your foot, allowing toes to splay and push off from the ground for a stronger, faster stride. The generative outsole plate fits six forefoot spikes, and the shoe comes with ¼” pyramid spikes and a wrench.
Shoes Of The Future
The Tech
This season, take control of your fit with lace-less track spikes. Using The BOA System, you can optimize your level of lockdown every time you run. So, how does it work? Simply press down on The BOA System dial, turn to the right to tighten, and when you’re done, pull up on the dial for immediate release.
The BOA System is so dependable and easy to use that several of the top brands in track & field are adding it to their racing spikes.
The Shoes
The New Balance Vazee Sigma sprint spike incorporates The BOA System with a large midfoot strap.
When you turn the dial to the right, the entire strap tightens snugly over the top of the foot, keeping you locked in place over the footbed and eliminating wiggle room. This powerful fit, combined with an aggressive eight-spike outsole plate, puts a new PR well within your reach.
The Under Armour SpeedForm Sprint Pro BOA features two BOA System dials.
This design is similar to the midfoot strap of the Vazee Sigma, spreading the pressure evenly over the top of your foot as you tighten the dial. For additional stability, an external TPU heel counter prevents the back of your foot from sliding in and out of the spike as you race. A full-length Pebax plate and eight forefoot spikes complete this high-speed racing shoe.
Style Statements
The Colors
Nike’s fastest spikes to date deserve to pop on the track, and that’s why Nike chose to carry over the bright volt and hyper punch colorway seen in Rio. Wearing these spikes promises unlimited potential, so set high goals for yourself this season. Then lace up, and put in the work to make them happen.
adidas is also carrying over it’s Olympic colors with a fresh, simple white and solar red color scheme that lets the brand’s Three Stripes take center stage. So, if you prefer to let your speed and performance speak for themselves, try adidas spikes like the adiZero Prime SP, and let the competition know you’ve earned your racing stripes.
The Legend
For Jesse Owens, finding success was an uphill battle. His incredible on-track record includes setting three World Records, tying a fourth, and claiming four gold medals in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. But at home, Owens faced derision and scorn from a segregated country and government. This year, Under Armour is honoring his track & field legacy with sprint spikes inspired by his bravery and skill.
The Exclusive
If you like to set the trends, both on and off the track, then this sleek, black & white version of the Saucony Showdown 4 was made just for you. This exclusive spike is only sold at Eastbay, and we’ve got bragging rights on the insole. Lace ‘em up, fly across the finish, and you’ll have bragging rights over the competition.
The post New This Season: 2017’s Top Track Spikes appeared first on Eastbay Blog.