Best Sprint Spikes for Track in 2023
To run as fast as you can at track events like the 100 meters, you’ll want to find the best possible track spike for sprinting.
Sprinting spikes are designed to keep you on your toes and provide maximum traction for thrust and power. They typically fit snugly – they should feel like they are an extension of your foot.
The best sprinting spikes can cost upwards of $180; however, there are still great spikes out there at budget-friendly prices. Beginner spikes won’t be as light or have as much traction as higher-end sprinting spikes. But these are fine for most athletes and runners.
We’ve reviewed over 20+ sprinting spikes. Here are our favorites….
How We Chose These Spikes
When looking to buy sprint spikes, you want to find a stiff spike with a very aggressive spike plate. The stiffness will help you stay on your toes as you run – the optimal form for sprinting. And the spike plate will ensure you have maximum traction while accelerating off the blocks.
We also considered weight, along with comfort. A heavier spike won’t encourage you to run your fastest. And while sprint spikes will never be considered a plush, luxurious shoe – it should still fit well while wearing it.
Finally, sprint spikes come in a range of prices. We found the very best (and most expensive) but also more moderately priced options for those who just want a good value spike.
Top 3 Best and Favorites
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Best Overall
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Best Overall
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New Balance Sigma Harmony
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Top for New Sprinters
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Top for New Sprinters
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Saucony Spitfire 5 |
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Check Men’s PriceCheck Women’s Price |
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Best Value
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Best Value
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Nike Zoom Rival S 9 |
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Best Overall
1. New Balance Sigma Harmony
This unisex New Balance spike is our top choice for the best sprint spike currently available.
It features a snug upper with the BOA lacing system to fine-tune a perfect fit. The knit heel keeps the weight down while providing a fit as if the spike is an extension of your foot.
A newly designed spike plate provides awesome traction and a dynamic toe-off to propel you down the track. With an 8-spike plate, you’ll have plenty of grip while you sprint.
Ideal for 100m to 400m, the Sigma Harmony is not an inexpensive spike. But it’s the lightest and best option available right now.
PROS:
- Lightest sprint spike available
- Dialed-in fit in upper
- Awesome traction from spike plate
CONS:
- Expensive
- Unisex sizing – could feel too wide for women with narrow feet
Best for 100 meters
2. Saucony Showdown 5
The Showdown is Saucony’s premier sprint spike. Featuring an aggressive spike plate and a unique ISO fit that securely wraps the foot, these spikes are fast and feather-light.
ISO lacing secures the foot without any pressure points or hot spots. It’s designed for a soft fit that still keeps your feet snugly in the spikes.
The 10-spike plate on the bottom is the most aggressive on the market. You’ll have insane traction and flex in these spikes.
PROS:
- Snug but comfortable fit with the ISO lacing
- Tons of traction from the spike plate
CONS:
- Some complaints about durability on the sidewalls of the spike
Best for 200 meters
3. Nike Zoom Ja Fly 3
This pair of Nike sprint spikes is designed specifically for the 200-meters. While it would work fine for other sprint distances, the fit, support, and traction make it ideal for 200 meters.
The Ja Fly 3s feature a supportive upper made from flyweave. It locks in your feet and feels tough when you run.
The lacing is asymmetrical with a tongue design, both which should provide a more customizable fit.
8 spike pins in the plate provide plenty of traction. The spike plate itself combines stiffness and flex to run fast.
PROS:
- Asymmetrical lacing for a more precise fit
- 8 spike pin plate
- Durable design
CONS:
- Pricey
Best for New Sprinters
4. Saucony Spitfire 5
The budget Spitfire 5 is the ideal sprinting spike for an athlete new to sprinting distances.
The 7-spike plate has traction on the track, but remains nimble enough for a responsive feel.
While it lacks the aggressive traction and ISO fit of the Showdown, it has a soft upper that keeps you securely in the shoe at nearly half the price.
The latest version of the Spitfire features a newly redesigned upper for a sleek look and snugger fit.
Its combination of value, aggressive running features, and stylish looks make a great choice for new athletes.
PROS:
- Best sprint spike for the price
- 7-spike design makes it aggressive at this price
- Nice look and style
CONS:
- Some people felt it runs small
Best Value
5. Nike Zoom Rival S 9
The unisex Zoom Rival S 9 is our second favorite budget sprinting spike.
With its synthetic upper, it’s soft yet durable. The rigid spike plate holds 7 spikes per shoe and has added traction built into the plastic plate itself.
The inner lining is soft, making it suitable for wearing without socks.
PROS:
- Great price for sprint spikes
- Soft upper and lining
CONS:
- Fit can be slightly narrow for some people
Best Brooks Sprint Spikes
6. Brooks QW-K v4
The QW-K v4 is Brook’s top sprint spike. This unisex spike is lightweight with an amazing fit and responsiveness.
The engineered upper provides a soft, custom-feel fit. It locks your feet in for a powerful launch at the start of the race.
The dual-layered spike plate has 7 spike pins for great traction. It’s also responsive while providing enough firmness to propel you down the track.
Like the New Balance Sigma Harmony, these are not the cheapest sprint spikes available. But for the fit and performance, they are a great spike.
PROS:
- Extremely lightweight
- Entire foot is tightly held in place with upper design
- Nice traction from spike plate
CONS:
- Only one color option
Best Nike Sprint Spikes
7. Nike Zoom 400
Nike’s Zoom 400 is similar to the Ja Fly but it’s a better all-round spike for sprinting.
It features a 7-spike design for aggressive traction. A foam midsole adds a thin layer of cushioning not commonly found in spikes.
But the shoe remains quite light thanks to a woven upper that’s supportive without adding weight. Like the Ja Fly, it features an asymmetrical upper and integrated tongue to a secure fit.
PROS:
- Secure but flexible in upper
- Nice cushioning in midsole
- Tongue design keeps shoe comfortable
CONS:
- Two color options
Top ASICS Sprint Spikes
8. ASICS Hyper Sprint 7
The ASICS Hyper Sprint is one of the few spikes to feature a synthetic leather upper (vs mesh). ASICS believes this provides a sturdier, more support upper that really locks you into the spikes.
It’s also unique in that it has a removable EVA sock liner. Theoretically, you could take this out and add a thin orthotic to the shoe, although it’s notoriously difficult to fit an insert into a spike.
The Hyper Sprint also features an aggressive spike plate made from resin to add an additional layer of traction.
PROS:
- Synthetic leather upper for locked-in fit
- Lightweight
- Durable
CONS:
- 6-pin spike plate less aggressive than other spikes
Best Puma Spikes
9. PUMA evoSPEED Sprint 10
These top-of-the-line unisex sprint spikes are designed to make the fastest athletes go even faster.
The evoSPEED Sprint 10 spikes have a soft upper for comfort but manage to keep you locked in with a firm synthetic upper. The microfiber suede is designed to be soft enough to wear without socks. The upper is designed to customize lacing, so you can fine tune to the perfect fit.
The 8-hole spike plate provides plenty of traction and stays flexible enough for a responsive feel. The spike plate also curves to keep you running on your toes.
This is a unisex shoe, so women should order 1.5 sizes down.
Worn by the best sprinters in the world, these spikes will keep you fast and nimble.
PROS:
- Spike plate designed to keep you on your toes
- Lightweight design
- Customized lacing
CONS:
- Blah style
Sprint Spike Buyers Guide
Fit
Sprinting spikes are meant to be tight but comfortable. For people who have never worn them before, be warned they won’t feel anywhere near as nice as your trainers. This is because they are designed to make you as fast as possible on the track – not for comfort and protection at practice.
Many spikes are narrow, especially in the mid-foot. This is by design to keep your foot locked securely in the shoe. If you have wider feet, it can be tricky to get a good fit because they run so narrow. Some people try going up in size to get extra width.
Sprinting spikes should also be fairly tight in the toes. You don’t want your toes smooshed in the front of the spike – instead you want them as close to the front as possible without touching.
This snug fit is to keep the spike as secure as possible. It should feel like an extension of your foot with the traction and stiffness to make you run faster.
Arch Support
If you have flat or low arches, you may be concerned about finding a pair of sprinting spikes with arch support. But unlike trainers that come with varying levels of built-in support for over-pronators (often people with flat arches), sprinting spikes don’t come in categories with different levels of support or stability.
So what are your options if you have flat feet?
None, really. But don’t worry! Sprinting spikes are usually worn for such a short distance, extra support isn’t necessary. If your feet hurt wearing them, then only put them on for meets. Use trainers for practice.
There are thin inserts that might fit in sprinting spikes (like the Superfeet Carbon), but these are only necessary in special cases.
Traction
You may have noticed that the more expensive spikes have more holes for spikes as well as more traction on the plastic plate. When sprinting, you want the spikes with as much traction as possible. This helps you push off and accelerate.
You’ll also find that all the spikes and traction are on the ball of your foot and toes. This is perfect as you’ll be running on your toes for the entire race.
Weight
Your sprinting spikes should be as light as possible. They should feel like an extension of your feet – getting them as light and snug as possible will help you run to your max ability.
FAQs
What distances can I run in sprint spikes?
Most sprinting spikes are designed for distances of 400 meters or shorter. Anything longer and you’ll start heel striking as you run. Because sprint spikes are designed to make you run on your toes, they won’t feel comfortable or natural if you land on your heels.
If you plan on running distances longer than 400 meters, but still do some sprint distances, middle distance spikes are recommended. These have more flexibility to allow for heel striking, but offer enough stiffness that they’ll be appropriate for sprinting.
What’s the difference between sprint spikes and other types of track spikes?
Sprinting spikes have stiff, hard spike plates on the bottom of the shoe. They are designed to hold your feet firmly in place and keep you on your toes as you run. The upper is often more substantial than other spikes to lock in tighter to your feet.
Middle distance and long distance spikes are more flexible, making them better for heel striking. The uppers are often lighter and less substantial than sprinting spikes. They typically have fewer spikes since traction is less important for longer distances.
Are the spikes removable?
Yes! They can be taken in and out as needed. Depending on your meet, you may be required to run without spikes or with lengths different than what’s included with the shoes. The spikes can be removed with a spike wrench (included in these spikes).
How do I put the spikes on the shoes?
Start them off with your fingers, then tighten them with the included wrench.
Are spikes included? What length?
All good sprinting spikes come with spikes and a wrench to take them in and out. If your shoes didn’t come with spikes, they are likely an inferior brand or got lost somewhere in transit. Check with the store where you bought them.
1/4 inch spikes are the standard length for track spikes. Depending on your meet, you may need to swap them out for shorter or longer spikes. Always check with your coach to determine the correct length. When in doubt, use the 1/4 inch spikes included with the shoes.
What’s a spike bag and do I need one?
Spike bags are small, plastic bags with a cinch drawstring to hold your spikes when transporting them. The better spikes come with a spike bag. They can also be purchased separately.
What size should I order for unisex shoes?
Most spike shoes are listed in men’s sizes, even for unisex shoes.
Depending on the brand, women’s sizes are 1.5 to 2 sizes smaller than men’s. Check the brand for the exact difference. When in doubt, most brands use 1.5 as the size difference.
So if you are a women’s size 8, then order a men’s size 6.5.
Should I run with socks or without?
Many athletes feel they run faster without the burden of socks. They also claim they get a more responsive feel.
The downside to going sock-less is you’re more prone to hot spots and blisters. If you don’t get blisters and want to go sock-less, by all means, do it. If you are prone to blisters, a thin, moisture-wicking sock (like these) are a good compromise.
You might also want the extra cushioning and comfort of a thicker sock. That’s also fine.
Ultimately, it’s personal preference and your choice will likely have little impact on your final results.
Why Trust Us
After owning a running store for over 5 years, Ben Drew has tons of experience fitting track athletes for sprinting spikes. Ben knows which models and brands work best for which athletes. He also knows which spikes are good for beginners and which ones experienced athletes should use. Ben also researched and wrote this article using our testing and review process.
