SPIKED & PSYCHED 2024 TRACK AND FIELD EVENT SHOE GUIDE

Track and Field event shoes, more often called Track Spikes, are highly-specialized competition footwear that provide a unique advantage to the athlete.  In this guide we’ll break down the best track and field shoe options for 2024, by event group.

We are often asked ‘does my son or daughter need spikes’ or ‘what is the best track spike for _____?’  A general rule of thumb is if they’re in their first year of track, let them find their event specialty before purchasing spikes.  Once you have a clearer picture of the events they’ll be participating in, it’s a great time to get them ‘spiked up’. 

The good news is spikes don’t cost an arm and a leg.  You can expect a good track spike to be around $70.  You can spend all the way up to $200, but those are far from a necessity for a vast majority of athletes.

Our goal is to help you learn a little about the subtle differences that exist among event specific spikes.  If it’s the aggressive toe-off action of a sprint spike, or the smooth bottom of a throws shoe, we’ll highlight the differences between the event shoes in this post.

Sprint Spikes

Events include 60m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 60m hurdles, 110m hurdles, 300/400m hurdles.

The Nike RIVAL SPRINT 10 has a 3/4 length black spikeplate as seen here

Sprint spikes have a singular goal: to have you running as fast as you can over a short distance.  The sprint events include races as short as 55 meters up to the ‘long sprint’ of 400 meters.  

A more versatile or entry level sprint spike will often have a flexible, rubberized bottom on the back half of the shoe.  This will allow for versatility in the events it can be used for (long jump, triple jump, pole vault, and high jump are all suitable uses for an entry level sprint spike). All sprint spikes will generally have an aggressive spike plate that runs part of the length of the shoe that will encourage the athlete to run almost exclusively on their toes. 

A higher end, more advanced sprint spike is often worn at the collegiate and professional level. These will usually have a very stiff, plastic or carbon spike plate that runs the length of the sole.  A higher end sprint spike will have an outsole that’s nearly impossible to flex.  With that lack of flexibility comes an efficient transfer from the legs/feet (the levers) down through the spike and propelling the runner forward with minimal energy lost.  The downside is that these spikes are exclusively meant for running, and most field events (jumps/pole vault) are almost entirely out of the question.

Nike Zoom Rival Sprint 10 | $75

Events:

Short Sprints | 60m - 400m

Experience Level:

Beginner to Intermediate

The Zoom Rival Sprint 10 is a great option for new track runners. It's lightweight and comfortable for learning proper form. It features a Pebax plate for some responsiveness, but isn't the most aggressive spike. This makes it budget-friendly and a good choice for getting started before needing a super technical racing shoe.

Nike Zoom Rival Multi 10 | $75

Events:

Sprints & Jumps | 60m - 400m, long, triple, pole vault.

Experience Level:

Beginner - Intermediate

The Nike Zoom Rival Multi 10 is a versatile track spike designed for new athletes. It features a supportive plate for stability during various events like sprints, jumps, and hurdles. With removable spikes and a comfortable fit, it allows you to focus on technique without worrying about your footwear at the starting line.

ASICS Hypersprint 8 | $85

Events:

Short Sprints | 60m - 400m

Experience Level:

Intermediate

The ASICS Hypersprint 8 is a lightweight track spike designed for short-distance events and a great option for those who like an extra snug fit. Its minimal design focuses on speed with removable spikes for various track surfaces. While it offers less support than a training shoe, its snug fit and responsive cushioning can help beginning runners perfect their form and feel the track.

Nike Zoom Maxfly | $190

Events:

Short Sprints | 60m - 400m

Experience Level:

Most Advanced

This is the most top-of-the-line sprint spike and is designed specifically for elite athletes. It features a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for responsive cushioning, a carbon fiber plate for propulsion, and a Flyknit upper for a lightweight, breathable fit. While all of these features give the spike that extra edge where every milisecond counts the overall design leads to a very firm and unforgiving experience for newcomers to the sport.

New Balance SD100 v5| $75

Events:

Short Sprints & Jumps | 60m - 400m

Experience Level:

Beginner to Intermediate

The New Balance FuelCell SD100 v5 is a versatile track spike suitable for sprints and jumps. Its full-length FuelCell midsole provides a propulsive feel for efficient running, while the 6-pin TPU plate with removable spikes offers aggressive traction on various track surfaces. Notably, the SD100 v5 comes in a wider fit compared to other track spikes, which some athletes might find more comfortable.

Saucony Spitfire 5 | $65

Events:

Short Sprints | 60m - 400m

Experience Level:

Beginner to Intermediate

The Saucony Spitfire 5 is a solid choice for new track athletes looking for a versatile and affordable sprint spike. It features a lightweight synthetic upper that provides a snug fit and keeps your foot secure. The Pebax plate offers a good balance of responsiveness and flexibility, allowing for efficient power transfer during your strides. This 7-pin spike plate delivers the grip you need for explosive starts and quick turns on the track.

 

Distance Spikes

Events include 800m, 1600m, the Mile, 3200m, 5000m, 10,000m, and Steeplechase.

The Nike Zoomx Dragonfly

Distance spikes run the gamut of longer track races. A good rule of thumb is if your race is longer than one lap, you should wear a distance spike.  Most distance spikes have a modest amount of cushioning, specifically in the heel as the runner is likely to spend some time heel striking during their races (as opposed to sprinters, who spend most of the race on their toes).  A quality distance spike will have a plastic spike plate on the front half of the shoe and a foam or rubber back half that provides some support and cushion.  A recent advent are carbon or plastic plated distance spikes, where a lightweight shank is sandwiched between foams. This provides added efficiency and energy return during races. 

Nike ZoomX Dragonfly | $160

Events:

Distance | 800m - 10000m

Experience Level:

Intermediate to Expert

The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly prioritizes lightweight construction and a propulsive feel for experienced middle-distance runners. The full-length ZoomX foam midsole delivers exceptional energy return, reducing fatigue throughout longer races. A data-driven forefoot plate ensures a smooth transition from heel strike to toe-off, maximizing efficiency with each stride. The breathable mesh upper offers a comfortable, secure fit.

Nike Zoom Rival Distance | $75

Events:

Distance | 400m - 5000m

Experience Level:

Beginner - Intermediate

The Nike Zoom Rival Distance is a track spike that balances affordability with features to benefit new and developing runners. Its lightweight, breathable upper keeps your feet cool, while added cushioning in the midsole and heel provides comfort over longer distances. A single plate design offers a balance of support and flexibility for efficient running form. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a comfortable training spike, the Zoom Rival Distance can be a versatile option.

Saucony Endorphin 3 | $120

Events:

Distance | 800m - 10000m

Experience Level:

Intermediate

The Saucony Endorphin 3 offers a lightweight and breathable mesh upper that provides a secure fit while also giving some room for those with wider feet. A thin layer of EVA foam cushioning provides some impact protection without sacrificing ground feel. The key feature is the four-pin Pebax plate which delivers reliable grip on the track, propelling you forward throughout your race.

Hoka Crescendo MD | $80

Events:

Mid-Distance | 400m - 1600m

Experience Level:

Entry-Level

The Hoka Crescendo MD offers a unique combination of cushioning and stability for new track runners. It features a thicker midsole than elite Hoka spikes, providing more comfort for athletes who are still developing their running form. The single-layer mesh upper keeps your feet cool, while the six-pin spike plate delivers the grip you need for optimal traction on the track.

Nike Air Zoom Victory | $190

Events:

Mid-Distance | 400m - 3200m

Experience Level:

Most Advanced

The Nike Air Zoom Victory is built for speed and stability. It features a lightweight, breathable Flyknit upper that conforms to your foot for a secure fit. The ZoomX foam in the heel delivers responsive cushioning, while a Zoom Air unit adds an extra boost of energy return with every stride. A carbon fiber plate provides a propulsive feel to propel you forward, while strategically placed traction elements on the outsole ensure confident grip throughout the race.

On Cloudspike 1500 | $150

Events:

Mid-Distance | 400m - 3200m

Experience Level:

Intermediate

The On Cloudspike 1500 is a lightweight spike that prioritizes a smooth and efficient ride for mid-distance races. It features a combination of CloudTec® cushioning and Helion™ HF hyper foam for shock absorption without sacrificing responsiveness. A unique part-length Speedboard® with 15% carbon fiber offers a propulsive feel, while the five-removable spike plate ensures optimal grip on the track.

 

Throwing Shoes

Events include the discus throw, shot put, weight throw, and hammer throw.

Throwing shoes - or throws shoes- are beautiful in their simplicity. They come in two forms: smooth bottomed and textured, pebbled bottoms.  Generally, smooth bottomed throws shoes are for advanced high school, collegiate, and professional athletes.  They are meant to be nearly friction free as the thrower rotates through the circle (often called ‘spin technique’).  Pebbled bottomed shoes are often best for throwers new to the sport, refining their technique, or preferring the ‘glide technique’ over the spin.  

Nike Zoom Rival SD 2 - “pebbled” outsole for glide technique

Nike Zoom Rotational 6 - smooth outsole for advanced spin technique

Nike Zoom Rotational 6 | $110

Events:

Throws | Shotput, Discus, Hammer/Weight Throw

Experience Level:

Intermediate to Expert

The Zoom Rotational 6 focuses on keeping you grounded and secure during throws. It features a durable outsole with a Pebax® plate for powerful rotations on the throwing circle. The upper is made from synthetic leather with a bootie construction for a locked-in fit, minimizing internal movement. While not the lightest shoe on the market, the Zoom Rotational 6 prioritizes stability and a supportive platform for rotational throws.

Nike Zoom Rival SD 2 | $70

Events:

Throws | Shotput, Discus, Hammer/Weight Throw

Experience Level:

Beginner to Intermediate

The Nike Zoom Rival SD 2 is a solid choice for throwers new to the field. It features a synthetic leather upper for durability and support, with an adjustable midfoot strap for a secure fit during throws. The EVA midsole provides lightweight cushioning to absorb impact, while the flexible outsole offers traction for various throwing approaches. While not the most high-tech option, the Zoom Rival SD 2 prioritizes comfort, stability, and affordability for athletes starting their throwing careers.

Saucony Unleash SD 2 | $100

Events:

Throws | Shotput, Discus, Hammer/Weight Throw

Experience Level:

Beginner to Intermediate

The Saucony Unleash SD 2 is built for glide throws, providing a secure and locked-in fit for powerful movements. The shoe features an ISOFIT upper that adapts to your foot shape for comfort, while a midfoot strap offers additional lockdown. A durable outsole with a nylon forefoot plate and high-density rubber helps generate grip for optimal performance in the throwing circle

 

Jumping Spikes

Events include long jump, triple jump, pole vault, high jump.

Long jump and triple jump spikes prioritize explosiveness for a powerful takeoff. They often have an aggressive multi-pin plate for maximum grip on the runway and a lightweight, breathable upper for a natural feel. Triple jump spikes may also have additional cushioning in the heel to absorb impact during the hop phase.

High jump spikes will typically have traction in the heel as well the front half of the shoe.  This provides superior grip as the athlete runs the arc before launching themselves over the bar.  There is not a lot of versatility in high jump shoes, as in they can be used for that event only due to the specific movements. 

Pole vault spikes need to be extremely flexible for optimal plant and takeoff on the runway. They often have a Pebax® plate that allows for this flexibility while maintaining power transfer, and strategically placed pins for grip during the pole vault approach. Choosing the right jumping spike depends on the specific event and the jumper's needs

Nike Zoom Rival Jump | $75

Events:

Long, Triple, High, Polevault

Experience Level:

Beginner to Intermediate

The Nike Zoom Rival Jump offers a balance of support and cushioning for jumping events. Its durable synthetic upper with a midfoot strap keeps your foot secure during approach and takeoff. A lightweight EVA midsole provides cushioning for impact absorption, while a forefoot plate with six spikes ensures grip on various track surfaces. This versatile and affordable spike can help new jumpers focus on technique and performance.

Nike Long Jump Elite | $120

Events:

Long Jump

Experience Level:

Intermediate - Expert

The Nike Air Zoom Long Jump Elite prioritizes explosive take-off for long jumpers. The shoe incorporates a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for a springy feel during approach and jump. A full-length carbon fiber plate enhances responsiveness, while the wider design and flex grooves in the sole aim to deliver stability throughout the jump. An adjustable cross strap locks down the midfoot for a secure fit during the approach and ensures the foot stays planted at takeoff.

Nike Triple Jump Elite 2 | $125

Events:

Triple Jump

Experience Level:

Intermediate - Expert

The Nike Triple Jump Elite 2 caters to the unique demands of the triple jump. A supportive and breathable upper keeps your foot secure during all phases of the jump. A thicker midsole compared to previous versions offers impact absorption upon landing, while a full-length plate maintains stability throughout your approach and takeoff. The 9-pin configuration is optimized for the specific footwork patterns needed in the triple jump.

Nike High Jump Elite | $125

Events:

High Jump

Experience Level:

Intermediate to Expert

he Nike High Jump Elite prioritizes stability and a lightweight feel for optimal performance during high jump competitions. The Pebax® plate offers a balance of stiffness for take-off and flexibility for a natural approach. The upper is crafted from breathable mesh to keep your foot cool, while a midfoot strap secures your foot for a locked-in feel during your jump. With eleven spikes for exceptional grip on the high jump mat, the Nike High Jump Elite is designed to help you reach new heights.

Nike Pole Vault Elite | $150

Events:

Pole Vault

Experience Level:

Intermediate to Expert

The Nike Pole Vault Elite prioritizes flexibility and power transfer for peak pole vaulting performance. A lightweight, breathable upper offers a comfortable fit, while the flexible forefoot allows for optimal plant and takeoff. A Pebax® plate throughout the shoe provides stability for powerful jumps and efficient energy transfer. The outsole features a 9-pin configuration specifically designed for grip on the pole vault runway and plant.

 

Sizing - How should track spikes fit?  How to size track spikes is often a mystery to the new runner.  Our general rule of thumb for spikes is to have them be comfortably snug.  Runners with too much room in the toe will lose energy sliding around in the shoe, runners with too little room will likely lose a toenail!  A little bit (we’re talking centimeters) of distance between the end of the toe and the end of the shoe is perfect.


We hope this primer helps you find the right spike for your young athlete.  Always feel free to email us at info@millcityrunning.com or call the stores should you have specific questions.