Updated: January 15, 2024
While there are many fun and exhilarating track and field events, few capture the attention and excitement that comes with sprinting and hurdle events. There’s something special about watching the fastest athletes in the world go head-to-head for those few seconds to see just how fast humans are. Thus, it’s no wonder why sprint events are so popular. And one of the keys to unlocking that kind of speed is a having a good pair of spikes on feet.
What Shoes are Best For Sprinting
Sprint spikes are best suited for sprint and hurdle events like the 100m, 200m, 400m, 100/110m hurdles, 300m/400m hurdles, 4 x 100m and 4 x 400m relays. In terms of characteristics, sprint spikes have a contoured and snug fit to give a next-to-nothing feel that's like an extension of the foot. They will be very stiff and engineered to get athletes on their toes as quickly as possible, usually by way of a stiff carbon fiber or TPU plate and minimal cushioning. The upper will be extremely minimal and offer a snug and secure fit. Speed is the name of the game so these spikes will be as lightweight as possible.
Whether you are just starting or have years of sprinting under your belt, picking the right shoe for your event is vital for getting that edge on race day. This is why our team of experts has compiled this list of our top track-and-field sprint and hurdle spikes of the year. Not sure where to start? Read our guide on how to choose a track-and-field spike.
| The Best Sprint Spikes of 2024 | |
Best Overall Sprint Spike | Nike Zoom Maxfly |
Most Aggressive Sprint Spike | PUMA evoSPEED Tokyo Future Faster+ 4 |
Best Traditional Sprint Spike | Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 |
Best Sprint Spike for Power Sprinters | New Balance FuelCell PWR-X |
Best for Long Sprint Distances | New Balance FuelCell SD-X |
Best Super Shoe Sprint Spike | ASICS METASPEED SP |
Best Sprint Spike for Beginners and High School Athletes | Nike Zoom Rival Sprint |
Shop All The Sprint Spikes
Best Overall Sprint Spike
Nike Zoom Maxfly Spike
The Air Zoom Maxfly is designed with Nike's most innovative technology to explode out of the blocks and propel sprinters to new PRs and record-setting times. Featuring a forefoot Zoom Air unit, responsive ZoomX foam, and a tuned carbon fiber plate, the Air Zoom Maxfly amplifies performance for sprinters in events ranging from 100 to 400 meters.
| Highlights |
Lightweight and responsive ZoomX midsole Air Zoom Unit for added energy return and stability Carbon fiber plate for maximum propulsion |
Shop Nike Zoom Maxfly Spike
Most Aggressive Sprint Spike
PUMA evoSpeed Tokyo Future Faster+ 4
If you are an elite sprinter looking for a spike that is as aggressive as you are out of the blocks, the PUMA evoSPEED Tokyo Future Faster+ 4 is ready to help you lead the pack. Aggressive geometries meet a stiff carbon fiber plate to deliver ultimate propulsion in an incredibly lightweight and no-nonsense package. With its Matryx Micro upper that uses infused carbon-fiber threads, even the fit of this spike is designed to be lightweight, aggressive, and fast!
| Highlights |
Stiff carbon fiber plate Matryx Micro technology in upper is lightweight and durable Aggressive design for no energy lost |
Shop PUMA evoSPEED Tokyo Future Faster
Best Traditional Sprint Spike
Nike Superfly Elite 2 Spike
For those who enjoy the feeling of a more traditional sprint spike with very little cushioning underfoot, the Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 is a great choice. Now lighter and faster than ever, the Superfly Elite has a stiff and aggressive design to quickly accelerate out of the blocks. This spike can handle any sprint or hurdle distance and will help carry athletes to record-setting times.
Highlights |
Ultra-lightweight design Full-length injected Pebax spike plate AtomKnit upper for maximum weight savings |
Shop Nike Superfly Elite 2
Best Sprint Spike for Power Sprinters
New Balance FuelCell PWR-X Spikes
Designed for the most explosive sprinters competeting in shorter sprint distance events, the New Balance FuelCell PWR-X has everything elite-athletes are looking for in a powerful sprint spike. Right off the blocks, this spike's rigid carbon plate works with the resilient layer of FuelCell foam to propel you down the track. And it'll feel like you're wearing nothing at all thanks to the lightweight no-sew construction of the mesh upper. The built in spike pins further proves how much New Balance prioritized weight savings in the construction of this spike.
| Highlights |
Stiff and responsive carbon fiber plate Energetic and propulsive FuelCell foam Race fit no-sew upper construction |
Shop New Balance FuelCell PWR-X Spikes
Best Spike for Long Sprint Distances
New Balance FuelCell SD-X Spikes
The New Balance FuelCell SD-X is a powerful and explosive spike geared towards longer sprint distances from 200m-500m. The FuelCell SD-X features a dense and resilient FuelCell foam compound that is stabilized by a very stiff carbon plate that works to propel you forward with every stride and at every turn. Like the FuelCell PWR-X, the FuelCell SD-X keeps weight as low as possible by cementing the pins into he spike plate. Rounding out this spike is the lightweight and breathable knit upper that offers a soft and snug wrap around the foot.
| Highlights |
Full-Length carbon-fiber plate for excellent propulsion Denser FuelCell foam for more power Wider forefoot platform for greater stability |
Shop New Balance FuelCell SD-X Spikes
Best Super Shoe Sprint Spike
ASICS METASPEED SP
Combining the magic ingredients of FLYTEFOAM turbo and a carbon plate, the ASICS METASPEED SP is a super spike that delivers a powerful and explosive ride for competitive sprinters. This sprint spike uses the technologies seen in marathon racing super shoes to deliver ultimate efficiency with every stride, resulting in sprint athletes flying past the competition and onto the podium.
Highlights |
Pinless honeycomb carbon plate for power and propulsion Balanced and stable landing Optimal ground contact and power |
Shop ASICS Metaspeed SP
Best Sprint Spike for Beginners & High School Athletes
Nike Zoom Rival Sprint Spike
For sprinters who run multiple events, the Nike Rival Sprint is the perfect spike. This spike can handle the power of the 60-meter, the finesse of relays, and the speed of the 400-meter.
Note: For beginner hurdlers, we recommend the Nike Rival Multi Spike due to added heel protection. It offers the same propulsive spike plate while offering increased levels of cushioning for those that are still developing proper form.
Highlights |
Great for a variety of events 3/4-length internal bootie for locked-down comfort Pebax plate for propulsion |
Shop Nike Zoom Rival Sprint
- Best SellerNike Zoom Maxfly SpikesUnisex - Racer Blue/White/Lime$189.95
- Best SellerNike Zoom Maxfly SpikesUnisex - Sail/Fierce Pink/Lemo$189.95
- Best SellerNike Zoom Rival Multi SpikesUnisex - Black/Silver/Grey$74.95
- Best SellerNike Zoom Rival Multi SpikesUnisex - White/Black/Silver$74.95
- Best SellerNike Zoom Rival Sprint SpikesUnisex - Black/Silver/Grey$74.95
- Best SellerNike Zoom Rival Sprint SpikesUnisex - White/Black/Silv$74.95
- Best SellerNike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 SpikesUnisex - Blue/Wht/Lime$159.95
- Best SellerNike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 SpikesUnisex - Sail/Pink/Lem$159.95
- Coming SoonNike Zoom Maxfly 2 SpikesUnisex - Proto$189.95
- Nike Zoom Rival Multi SpikesUnisex - Racer Blue/Wht/Org$74.95
- Nike Zoom Rival Sprint SpikesUnisex - Racer Blue/Wht/Lim$74.95
- Nike Zoom Rival Sprint SpikesUnisex - Sail/Pink/Lemon$74.95
- PUMA evoSpeed 400 Nitro 2 SpikesUnisex - Sun Stream/Blk$250.00
- PUMA evoSpeed Brush 6 SpikesUnisex - Sun Stream/Sunset$160.00
- PUMA evoSpeed Future Faster+ 4 SpikesUnisex - Sun Stream$200.00
- PUMA evoSpeed Sprint Nitro 2 SpikesUnisex - Sun Stream$250.00
- PUMA evoSpeed Star 8 SpikesUnisex - PUMA Black/White/Red$70.00
- Under Armour HOVR Smokerider SpikesUnisex - Black/Gray$89.95$100.00*
- Under Armour Kick Sprint 4 SpikesUnisex - Black/Wh/Mt$59.95$70.00*
- Under Armour Sprint Pro 3 SpikesUnisex - Black/Jet Gray$119.95
- ClearanceASICS METASPEED SP SpikesUnisex - Diva Pink/White$149.88$250.00*
- ClearanceNew Balance FuelCell PWR-X SpikesUnisex - Dragonfly$99.88$159.99*
- ClearanceNew Balance FuelCell SD100 v5 SpikesMen's - Watt/Black$49.88$74.99*
- ClearanceNew Balance FuelCell SD100 v5 SpikesUnisex - Dragonfly/B$49.88$74.99*
- ClearanceSaucony Velocity MP SpikesMen's - Black/VIZI$49.88$80.00*
- ClearanceSaucony Velocity MP SpikesMen's - Citron/Black$49.88$80.00*
- ClearanceSaucony Velocity MP SpikesMen's - White/Silver$49.88$80.00*
- adidas adizero Finesse SpikesUnisex - White/Black/Green$129.95
- Nike Zoom Ja Fly 4 SpikesUnisex - Racer Blue/White/Orang$119.95
- Nike Zoom Ja Fly 4 SpikesUnisex - Sail/Fierce Pink/Lemon$119.95
- PUMA evoSpeed Tokyo Brush 4 SpikesUnisex - Fireglow$155.00
- PUMA evoSpeed Tokyo Future Faster+ 2 SpikesUnisex - Fire$200.00
- ClearanceASICS HyperSprint 8 SpikesUnisex - Black/Gunmetal$49.88$85.00*
- ClearanceASICS Sonicsprint Elite 2 SpikesUnisex - Diva Pink/Whit$39.88$150.00*
- ClearanceSaucony Spitfire 5 SpikesWomen's - White/Slime$39.88$65.00*
- ClearanceSaucony Velocity MP SpikesWomen's - Black/VIZI$49.88$80.00*
- ClearanceSaucony Velocity MP SpikesWomen's - Citron/Black$49.88$80.00*
- ClearanceSaucony Velocity MP SpikesWomen's - White/Silver$49.88$80.00*
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