Colankle leather sandals | 5 Best Running Spikes in 2024

We pushed running spikes to the limit and found Nike’s Air Zoom MaxFly as the best track spike overall. MaxFly screams maximum record-breaking speed with its light weight, race-ready fit, and snappy ride. We learned it showed optimum performance in 100-400m events and surprisingly felt comfortable on foot. We believe this premium spike is one of the most advanced of its kind, justifying its £190 price tag.

MaxFly gives one of the most unique rides we’ve ever tried. For a racer, it’s pleasantly cushioned with full-length ZoomX foam and has an Air Zoom unit in the forefoot that launches us forward. The ride feels incredibly energetic because of the stiff Flyplate, culminating in the most comfortable yet fastest spike we’ve raced in. We feel like flying since it’s so light on the foot.

Underfoot, transitions feel smooth and the overall ride feels steady thanks to the highly engineered spike plate. The forefoot has 7 spike pins for reliable traction on the track.

Nike’s Flyweave upper feels high-quality. Together with the laces and slightly padded heels, the fit is spot-on. We’re confident that the lockdown is secure, allowing us to focus on smashing our PBs.

We discovered MaxFly is not for maximum distances and performs best on events 800m and below. We recommend exploring other options for mid-to-long-distance track runs.

We bolted through 60m-400m distances in search of the spike with the best track feel—Nike’s Zoom Superfly Elite 2 undeniably dominated this category. Its lack of a midsole gives direct ground connection and its aggressive design feels insanely propulsive, grippy, and race-ready with its fit. This lightweight elite spike unleashed our speed and power beyond our imagination.

It's hard to ignore how close we felt to the track, with only 12.3 mm combined insole and outsole separating us from the ground. Our calliper measured a non-existent drop, further enhancing the barefoot experience, and is perfect for building muscle strength.

The spike feels airy on foot with its 5.5 oz (156g) build, but its energy return makes its presence undeniable. Underfoot, the honeycomb-patterned outsole doubles as a propulsion plate, offering both energy return and traction. We felt steady sprinting through curves as the 8-pin configuration bit the track well.

The Atomknit upper feels light and breathable as it hugs our feet snugly. Our smoke test confirms this with a high 4/5 score for ventilation. Thankfully, the shoe didn’t taper too much and had 75-mm wiggle room for our big toe.

Because of its aggressive nature, we don’t recommend this shoe to amateurs. More advanced and skilled runners will enjoy the full benefits this Nike can offer.

After countless tests on track and in the lab, the Nike Ja Fly 4 is our best lightweight track spike. Its grounded and minimalist nature makes it ideal for 60-200m sprints, delivering speed without the harsh stiffness of carbon plates. This spike is highly flexible and lightweight and ensures top speed without being too aggressive.

Underfoot, we discovered an outsole made of 4.5 mm of plastic. Essentially, the absence of the rubber outsole and minimal midsole contributes to its light 5.1 oz (145g) weight and flexibility. No matter how much we twisted the shoe on our manual assessment, it surrendered freely, earning the lowest 1/5 torsional rigidity rating.

Another standout feature is the spike's remarkable connection to the track, which we attribute to the low 11.2 mm heel and forefoot we measured with our calliper. As a true zero-drop shoe, it gives a genuine barefoot experience that develops leg muscle strength.

Interestingly, our bend test tells a different story vs. our twist test. At 33.0N, this Nike resisted more than the average spike (29.1N), providing some propulsion without the harsh stiffness of carbon plates. The grip from the 7 removable pins underfoot also boosts our speed and confidence on the track.

However, the lack of foam means we cannot recommend Ja Fly 4 for distances beyond 400m because the landing impact will feel too harsh on foot.

Nike Rival Sprint is all about comfort, support, and durability at a very accessible £80 price point, making it our best entry-level track spike in the lab. It’s a non-intimidating spike with a less aggressive, breathable, and flexible build, perfect for newcomers who want to conquer the track.

Starting with the midsole, we measured a steep 3.3 mm drop vs. our almost flat 0.7 mm lab average. The incline gave extra support to our calves and tendons, which beginners still need.

Rival Sprint features a tough 2.8 mm rubber outsole around the rear area and a Pebax plate along the forefoot for snappier toe-offs. The spike includes 6 removable pins that gripped the track excellently during testing. Despite the presence of a plate, this spike is one of the most flexible we’ve ever tested, boosting its comfort. Our bend test reveals it’s 39.9% more flexible than average.

Upon testing the upper, we were pleased with its perfect blend of breathability, comfort, and durability. It scored 5/5 on our smoke test and felt so soft, it’s suitable for Smith sockless. Even against our Dremel, the toe cap put up a tough fight with an impressive 4/5 durability rating.

However, the shoe tips the scale to a heavy 6.1 oz (174g). If every millisecond counts, we suggest exploring lighter options.

At only £80, Adidas Sprintstar is the most affordable option among our lab-tested running spikes (£120 average). For almost half the price, it who impressive durability and a natural feel. Based on actual tests, this spike suits runners who want to test their leg power and raw speed for 60-400m sprints.

As soon as we stepped on the track, this spike emphasised ground feel, which is a great way to strengthen our legs for shorter sprints. It has a very thin 10.4/8.6 mm heel and forefoot stack highlighting the barefoot experience.

The flexible and plateless midsole moves easily with our feet and keeps it all natural. We noticed the shoe wasn’t too rigid and felt gentle on foot. Our flex test confirms it’s 48.6% more adaptive than average.

What truly blows our minds is how durable this spike is, even for its budget-friendly price! We barely saw signs of wear after extensive testing. Both the toebox and heel strongly resisted our rigorous Dremel, showing promising signs of longevity. Meanwhile, the outsole measures a tough 88.0 HC and is 1.1 mm thicker than average. These results also translate to a longer shoe lifespan.

Unfortunately, because of the absence of a propulsive midsole, we experienced leg fatigue faster. We found that this spike is not suitable for sprints beyond 400m.