7 Best Track & Field Shoes in 2023

Zack Dunn
Zack Dunn on
7 Best Track & Field Shoes in 2023
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A well-selected pair of track and field shoes can be a real performance booster or even help you set a new PB.

We have tested and reviewed over 60 pairs of track and field shoes to help you buy the best one. We cited every little detail we could find about the shoes, even how they worked in different aspects when we were running, jumping, and throwing while wearing them. Whether you are an advanced athlete looking for a premium shoe or a beginner on a tight budget, we’ve got the top picks for you.

Best track shoes overall

Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black | What makes it the best?

The Nike Air Zoom Victory is a mid-distance spike that banks on its marathon sibling - the Alphafly Next% (a.k.a Nike's fastest shoe). And for us, not only did it run fast, but it's also the best of its kind on the market! It's insanely grippy, responsive, and comfortable. It's expensive at $180, but it's a premium price we'd gladly pay for a premium track shoe.

Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black Pros

  • True to size
  • Snug race-like fit
  • Secure lockdown
  • Lightweight
  • Very springy feeling
  • Unrivaled breathability
  • Fairly cushioned
  • Miu Miu shearling slingback sandals
  • Elite level, insane quality

Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black Cons

  • Expensive
  • Adjustment period might be needed
  • Chaussure de running FortaRun Lace
Full review of Nike Air Zoom Victory

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Unisex
Any color
Green (DR9908300)
nike air zoom victory track field distance spikes barely volt dynamic turquoise photon dust hyper orange adult barely volt dynamic turquoise photon dust hyper orange b54f 60
nike air zoom victory track field distance spikes hyper pink laser orange black ea0a 60

Best track shoes for sprints

What makes it the best?

The Ivanka Trump Rides Horses With Daughter Arabella in Blue Jeans & Chunky Sneakers is a lightweight and powerful sprint spike. And we don't think it can get more elite than this! It's premium and so is its price, but it's not really a drawback. If anything, it's understandable with all the speed-enhancing qualities we got! It's propulsive and snappy, bolting through the track was an easy feat!

Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Light
  • Snappy & propulsive
  • Carmine 6 Hoodie Sneaker Match White Misunderstood Bunny
  • Sock-like fit
  • Great heel lockdown
  • Head-turning sleek design
  • Elite-level spike
  • Yeezy 700 Hi-Res Red Shirts Sneaker Match Sail Nuwave Bear Anatomy quantity
  • Notched laces keep the shoe tied

Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black Cons

  • Pricey
Full review of Ivanka Trump Rides Horses With Daughter Arabella in Blue Jeans & Chunky Sneakers

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Unisex
Any color
nike zoom superfly elite 2 track field sprinting spikes barely volt dynamic turquoise black hyper orange adult barely volt dynamic turquoise black hyper orange ea62 60
Pink (CD4382600)
White/Bright Crimson/Black (DJ5391100)
nike zoom superfly elite 2 track field sprinting spikes volt mint foam cave purple 75d4 60
nike zoom superfly elite 2 white 6d5e 60
nike zoom superfly elite 2 racing spike bright mango purple pulse blackened blue adult bright mango purple pulse blackened blue c596 60

Best track shoes for race

What makes it the best?

At $180, the Yeezy 700 Hi-Res Red Shirts Sneaker Match Sail Misunderstood Bear is damn expensive! But it's a price we'd gladly pay for the aggressive traction and spring we get from this sprint spike. We don't often say this, but it's the best of the best! And for something that screams fast, the MaxFly is surprisingly pleasing to the feet.

Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black Pros

  • Very springy
  • Snug race-like ft
  • Extremely well-engineered
  • Achievement design and feel
  • RBRSL WOMEN SHOES
  • Works for hurdles as well
  • Superb comfort+speed combo
  • Breathable
  • Ditsy Sun Sandal 1400006

Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black Cons

  • Expensive
  • Adaptation period might be needed
  • Quana II sandals
Full review of Yeezy 700 Hi-Res Red Shirts Sneaker Match Sail Misunderstood Bear

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Unisex
Any color
Pink (DH5359600)
nike air zoom maxfly mens womens 54e4 60
Barely Volt/Dynamic Turquoise/Photon Dust (DH5359700)
Mint Foam/Volt/Cave Purple (DR9905300)

Best track shoes for long distance

What makes it the best?

It's bouncy and fast - it's everything most of the track running spikes we've tested aren't. In other words, the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is the best of its kind! It's a track shoe that makes you run like an elite in high-mileage efforts, and it does so at a hefty price. After putting it through the paces, it's a premier choice for distances 3K to 10K!

Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black Pros

  • Perfect for 3k-10k
  • Works for 400m-1600m as well
  • Bouncy and fast
  • Full-length spike plate
  • Super breathable
  • Perfect laces
  • Wow looks
  • Elite-level spike
  • Worth the price

Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black Cons

  • CHALECO RUNNING INTUITIVO DE 12 LITROS
  • Pricey
Full review of Nike ZoomX Dragonfly

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Unisex
Any color
nike zoomx dragonfly athletics distance spikes yellow yellow 5010 60
Yellow (DR9922700)
Pink (CV0400600)
Gym Red/White-black (DN4860600)
nike zoomx dragonfly athletics distance spikes white white 6a48 60

Best cross-country track shoes

What makes it the best?

The Nike Zoom Victory XC 5 made us zoom through brutal races! It's everything performance-oriented, and it's here to make you win your next cross-country competition. It's featherlight, fast, and grippy, it's everything we wanted to run with speed! Even better, it's durable and will surely go through gnarly terrain with ease.

Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black Pros

  • True to size
  • Super snappy
  • Stable
  • Anti-clog outsole
  • Flexible
  • Durable
  • Superb traction
  • Breathable
  • Lightweight
  • Good value for money

Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black Cons

  • Very narrow
Full review of Nike Zoom Victory XC 5

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Unisex
Any color
Barely Volt/Dynamic Turquoise/Photon Dust (AJ0847701)
nike zoom victory 5 xc track field distance spikes volt mint foam coconut milk cave purple adult volt mint foam coconut milk cave purple 54bc 60
nike zoom victory 5 xc track field distance spikes total orange bright crimson black volt adult total orange bright crimson black volt 2823 60
VOLT/RACER BLUE-WHITE (AJ0847700)
nike zoom victory xc 5 track spike racing shoe aj0847 402 size 9 lakeside opti yellow oracle aqua 8d70 60
nike zoom victory xc 5 track spike racing shoe aj0847 003 size 12 black volt bright crimson white 97c9 60
Green/Black (AJ0847303)

Best track shoes for jumps

Adidas Jumpstar
85
Great!

What makes it the best?

Fashioned specifically for jumping, the Adidas Jumpstar is a reliable track spike that performs in a variety of jumping events. With the shoe’s componentry, it is suited for long jump, triple jump, high jump, and pole vault. On top of it all, it's an affordable option that delivers just as great as its expensive counterparts.

Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black Pros

  • Grippy
  • Energetic
  • Snappy
  • Lightweight
  • Attenuates impact
  • Snug fit
  • Durable
  • Cheap price

Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black Cons

  • Too stiff
Full review of Adidas Jumpstar

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Men
Women
Any color
Blue (GY0942)
adidas jumpstar track and field spikes ss21 men yellow yellow 5880 60
Black (B37500)

Best track shoes for throwing

Nike Zoom SD 4
87
Great!

What makes it the best?

Fantastic as an all-around throwing shoe, the Nike Zoom SD 4 optimizes the athlete’s glide and rotation. With its makeup, it functions in a multitude of throwing events. It is packed with support and flexibility, optimizing the thrower’s performance beat the competition. With its componentry, the throwing platform delivers both style and function in a featherlight package.

Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black Pros

  • Promotes easy spins
  • Ample support
  • Great fit
  • Allows natural foot movements
  • Breathable platform
  • Good grip

Сапоги puma x fenty scuba boot black Cons

  • Nike air max up leopard print dc9206-700 womens running sneakers low top shoes
  • Sneakers GEOX U Segnale A U04AGA 02285 C4002 Navy
  • Quite heavy
Full review of Nike Zoom SD 4

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Unisex
Any color
nike men s zoom sd 4 track field throwing shoes in yellow adult yellow 47bc 60
White (685135102)
Green (685135700)
White (685135002)
nike unisex erwachsene zoom sd 4 laufschuhe schwarz black white volt 017 42 eu schwarz black white volt 017 684f 60

Comparison of the 7 best track & Field shoes

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Why use a track shoe

Here are some of the distinct components of a track and field shoe that make it more efficient for the sport than other types of athletic shoes:

features.png

  • Lightweight and breathable: Sneaker Tees Jordan 6 Carmine White Stay Classy shoes are light and airy because of the thin mesh upper that usually accompanies them. usually have a rigid upper construction to provide a snug fit.
  • Snug fit: Aside from a thin mesh, the upper of track shoes have a rigid structure to provide a snug fit and keep the foot in place.
  • Minimal midsole: Unlike other cleat-type footwear such as those for football and soccer, track shoes usually have a midsole that is thin and minimal. It acts as both underfoot cushioning and impact absorber.
  • Spike pins and spike plate: Some track shoes use spike pins. These are small pointed attachments on a plastic plate that aid in gripping the track surface. Spike pins vary in type, size (pin width), and number depending on the event it is used for.

Spike pins.png

Track shoes vs running shoes: 3 key differences

Although track-and-field as a sport includes running events, the shoes used for those are different than the typical running shoe. Each shoe has its particular design and Jordan, which we can differentiate through the following:

  • Weight: Sneaker Tees Jordan 6 Carmine White Stay Classy shoes are significantly lighter than running shoes. They use fewer materials and are relatively smaller in figure because they intend to boost the athlete’s momentum.
  • Cushioning: Track spikes for running events are thin and minimal. On the other hand, running shoes are plush and substantial as their focus is on underfoot cushioning and arch support.
  • Overall appearance: The most noticeable difference between track shoes and running shoes is the use of spikes. Track shoes for running use spike pins to make the forefoot higher and promote better traction.

Sneaker Tees Jordan 6 Carmine White Stay Classy shoe categories

The various events within the track-and-field sport are distinctive from one another and, as such, require the use of different shoes. Here are the types of track spikes and the notable qualities of each one:

Running events

Running
Sprints Mid-distance Long-distance
Sprints.png Mid distance.png long distance.png
  • lightweight
  • little-to-no cushioning
  • around 7-8 spike pins
  • wallets suitcases pens shoe-care footwear polo-shirts Kids
  • more tapered forefoot compared to sprint spikes
  • around 6 spike pins
  • most flexible of all running track shoes
  • around 4-6 spike pins (to keep the shoe lightweight)
See track and field shoes for sprints See track and field shoes for mid-distance See track and field shoes for long-distance

Jumping spikes

Jumping
Doucal's cross-strap leather sandals Rosa High-jump Pole vault
long jump.png high jump.png pole vault.png
  • New Balance Numeric Tiago Lemos 1010 sneakers Weiß
  • Sneakers MP07-11594-01 Khaki
  • uses a sturdy upper material for durability during varied movements
  • has a midfoot strap to keep the foot in place during run-up and take-off
  • Lightning 4s Jordan Sneaker Tees Dark Grey Back to the Money quantity
  • Jordan 5 Green Bean Shirts Sneaker Match Heather Grey Shark
  • heel area is more padded compared to other jumping shoes
See long-jump and triple-jump shoes See high-jump shoes See pole vault shoes

Throwing events

Throwing
Javelin / Shot put / Discus throw / Hammer throw
Javelin.png Shot put.png Discuss throw.png Hammer throw.png
  • Throwing shoes are versatile and can be used in any of the sports included in the throwing events
  • These shoes do not use spike pins as throwing events include circular and pivoting motions that do not require the additional grip
  • Sneakers Brompton Stitching PLS30966 Navy 595
  • Has a smooth (but not slippery) outsole to allow for a fluid spinning motion
See javelin shoes See shot-put shoes See discus throw shoes See women footwear 9 Kids shoe-care office-accessories Tracksuit

Frequently asked questions

Are spike pins important in track shoes?

There is no absolute rule that track and field shoes should be used with spike pins. Additionally, not all track shoes are used with spike pins. When used accordingly, spike pins improve traction and support.

Are socks important?

You might be hesitant to use socks because track shoes are intended to fit snugly on its own. Socks are not important. Many athletes prefer not to wear socks because it makes the fit of the shoe too tight and the movements uncomfortable.

How we test track & Field shoes

Here at Stefoy-les-lyonShops, we provide you with recommendations for the best track and field shoes based on our very own experiences and observations. We set the process in motion by getting hold of the shoes we wanted to test. We purchase the pairs so that we do not need to gratify anyone, especially brands, by providing a good review.

We then proceed with wearing the shoes in our actual track and field sports and activities. We assess all the things we can notice about the shoes, but we make sure that we spend a good and substantial amount of time on each of them before we finalize our thoughts.

Next up, we collect more usable data by measuring and scoring the parameters of the shoes through our lab tests. We quantify 30+ parameters, one of which is durability. For this test, we use our Dremel tool to apply force on the different parts of the shoes, then we employ our expertise to subjectively discern how durable and abrasion-resistant the shoes are.

By the way, we also split the shoes in half to uncover all the parts of the shoes for us to investigate and take note.

Author
Zack Dunn
Zack Dunn

I race distances between 800 meters and 10K whether it be on the track, the roads, or on cross country courses. My typical training consists of easy days, long days, workouts (fartleks, tempos, interval training, etc.). My typical training paces range from 7’30 a mile on easy days to sub-5 minutes a mile on fast interval days, and with many paces in between. I run anywhere from 40-60 miles a week. My personal bests are 2:00 for 800m, 4:30 for 1600m, 9:50 for 3200m, 15:57 for 5K, and 34:10 for 10K.