To build a winning track season, you need the right tools. And that starts with choosing the right shoes. Whether you need explosive sprint spikes or powerful throwing shoes, we’ve got you covered with a breakdown of our top choices for every event.
Speed: Sprint
When your race only lasts a few seconds, you need to make every step count — You need to explode out of the blocks and stay light on your feet. That means you need sprint spikes with two important features: aggressive traction and a snug, barely there fit and feel. Our top picks deliver both.
Nike Zoom 400
When it comes to power, Nike’s unique spike plate really delivers. This cutting-edge design combines strategic areas of flex and rigidity so you get maximum acceleration out of every step. Seven spike receptacles in the forefoot dig into the track and help launch you forward. Flyweave construction in the upper snugly wraps and supports your foot, while the shoe’s integrated tongue eliminates seams for a one-to-one fit that lets you focus on the finish.
Nike Zoom Superfly Elite
Lightweight and locked down. That’s what you get in the Nike Zoom Superfly Elite. This shoe’s breathable Flymesh upper delivers zoned areas of ventilation, while Dynamic Fit technology wraps the foot and locks you firmly in place over the footbed. That footbed is built on a stiff plate with 8 receptacles that have recently been updated from permanent to removable spikes. The biggest difference between the Zoom 400 and Superfly Elite can be found in Nike’s generative plate design. Each is made with areas of stiffness and flex that are unique to the distances they were built for. So, choose wisely. Your race may depend on it.
Grit: Mid Distance
Mid-distance spikes need to deliver a performance triple threat: speed, cushion, and support around the curve. When it’s time to make your move and break away from the pack, you need a spike that’s going to work as hard as you do.
adidas AdiZero MD
When you’re running anywhere from 800-1,500m, your feet are going to take a beating. To stay fresh and fast, you need Boost cushioning. It not only protects your feet from the pounding they’ll take, but it also stores the energy you create at impact and returns it to your stride. And more energy = less fatigue and faster times. Five spike receptacles in the forefoot make the most of this energy return by gripping the track and adding power to every toe-off. Most importantly, these spikes feature an asymmetrical plate design that helps provide balance and support as you race through the turn.
Stamina: Distance
In it for the long haul? Then you need an ultra-breathable shoe and a stride that packs a punch. That punch comes from a strong, stable platform and traction you can depend on mile after mile.
Nike Zoom Victory 3
The Nike Zoom Victory 3 is built to win, with a cool, lightweight mesh upper that uses an anatomical heel design to securely wrap your foot and deliver comfort through your 5K. Increased space in the toebox allows for natural toe splay, leading to stronger takeoffs and faster times. Finally, the Victory features Nike’s generative plate design paired with six spike receptacles for dependable traction and response.
Power: Field
Whether you’re a jumper or a thrower, you need shoes that deliver power. And that power is built from the ground up. To go higher and farther this season, you need shoes that deliver secure lockdown and strategic traction.
adidas AdiZero Discus/Hammer
Locked and loaded. That’s how you’ll feel when you lace up in the adidas AdiZero Discus/Hammer. The shoe’s synthetic cage upper construction wraps around your foot, and a large hook-and-loop strap crosses over the top, locking you securely in place and creating a strong, stable platform for your throw. On the outsole, a smooth spin patch under the ball of the foot helps you flawlessly execute every time you compete.
adidas adiZero TJ/PV
Jumping shoes need to combine the stability of throwing shoes and the lightweight speed of racing spikes. The adidas AdiZero TJ/PV does just that, thanks to a hook-and-loop strap that locks your foot in place over the footbed, eliminating wiggle room so you can focus on your approach. Lightweight EVA foam in the midsole delivers just enough cushioning and impact protection — perfect for the triple jump — and a seven-spike outsole plate with Sharkskin traction pattern grips the track and encourages unrivaled acceleration.
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