6 Best Sprinting Shoes, 40+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.5
6 Best Sprinting Shoes, 40+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Fast and light — these are the marks of a good sprint spike. With so many track and field sprinting shoes possessing these, finding the right pair can be a challenge. 

But don't fret. We've done the job for you. Setting their popularity aside, we've examined and selected the ten best sprint spikes on the market. 

Even more, we've chosen our top picks from five different categories because when it comes to sprint shoes, it's not a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Best overall
Nike Air Zoom MaxFly Nike Air Zoom MaxFly
$180 From Running Warehouse
Best Nike
Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2
$150 From Running Warehouse
Best running
Saucony Spitfire 5 Saucony Spitfire 5
$65 $55 From Running Warehouse
Best Adidas
Adidas Adizero Prime Finesse Adidas Adizero Prime Finesse
$110 $70 From Amazon
Best value
Nike Zoom Rival MD 8 Nike Zoom Rival MD 8
$65 $15 From Running Room US
Most popular
Nike Zoom Rival M 9 Nike Zoom Rival M 9
$65 From Road Runner Sports
See all 49 sprinting shoes
Table of contents How we test track & Field shoesBest overallBest NikeBest runningBest AdidasBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview

How we test track & Field shoes

Our choices for the best sprinting shoes are based on multiple (rigorous) testing. And to stay objective we: 

  • buy the shoes with our own money to avoid brand loyalty
  • clock up 30 to 50 miles of test runs in each shoe
  • generate each model's Corescore based on thousands of expert and user reviews

Best sprinting shoes overall

Nike Air Zoom MaxFly
Nike Air Zoom MaxFly
$180
See deal  
$180
See deal  
$180
See deal  
No stock  

CoreScore

89
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 61 users
93 / 100 from 4 experts

Pros

  • True to size
  • Fairly light
  • Very springy
  • Quite comfortable
  • Snug race-like ft
  • Extremely well-engineered
  • Premium design and feel
  • Perfeect for 100-400m
  • Works for hurdles as well
  • Superb comfort+speed combo
  • Breathable
  • Notched laces stay tied

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Adaptation period might be needed
  • Feels unstable on curves

Verdict

At 0, the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly 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.
Nike Air Zoom MaxFly full review

Best Nike sprints track & Field shoes

Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2
Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2
$150
See deal  
$150
See deal  
$150
See deal  
$299
See deal  

CoreScore

86
Great!
4.8 / 5 from 48 users
95 / 100 from 2 experts

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Light
  • Snappy & propulsive
  • See-through breathable upper
  • Sock-like fit
  • Great heel lockdown
  • Head-turning sleek design
  • Elite-level spike
  • Perfect for 100-400m sprints
  • Notched laces keep the shoe tied

Cons

  • Pricey

Verdict

The Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 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!
Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 full review

Best running sprints track & Field shoes

Saucony Spitfire 5
Saucony Spitfire 5
$55
See deal  
$56
See deal  
$57
See deal  
$65
See deal  

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 1,444 users
97 / 100 from 1 expert

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Very lightweight
  • Sturdy enough for sprinting
  • Value for money
  • Reliable traction
  • Durable
  • Eye-catching design
  • Excellent speed
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Hard arch
  • Slightly uncomfortable
  • Bottom feels like hard plastic

Verdict

The Saucony Spitfire 5 is the sprinting track spike that does it all. Whether used for running in a 400m or a 60m event, the Spitfire 5 offers a lightweight and responsive ride. It features a plate with seven removable spikes that help deliver the power and quick strides needed to leave the competition far behind in the race. The positive reception shows that this shoe is a real winner.
Saucony Spitfire 5 full review

Best Adidas sprints track & Field shoes

Adidas Adizero Prime Finesse
Adidas Adizero Prime Finesse
$70
See deal  
$130
See deal  
$130
See deal  
No stock  

CoreScore

84
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 312 users
N/A

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Exceptionally light
  • Flexible
  • Durable
  • Secure fit
  • Breathable upper

Cons

  • Lacks rigidity
  • Fits too tight

Verdict

The Adidas Adizero Prime Finesse is engineered to have the most robust energy return and cushioning among all track shoes. With the sprint spike’s makeup, Adidas has made it a point to integrate some of its state-of-the-art technologies. With the Adizero Prime Finesse, prepare to have the lightest yet most propulsive track running experience.
Adidas Adizero Prime Finesse full review

Best value sprinting shoes

Nike Zoom Rival MD 8
Nike Zoom Rival MD 8
$15
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
No stock  

CoreScore

84
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 204 users
N/A

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Excellent traction
  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Too tight
  • Needs long break-in period

Verdict

Touted as an all-around track and field shoe, the Zoom Rival M 8 features extreme traction, helping athletes beat their own PR. Engineered with Nike’s most remarkable technologies, this running spike is intended for a smooth, responsive ride. At an affordable price, one can experience maximum grip and propulsion.
Nike Zoom Rival MD 8 full review

Most popular sprinting shoes

Nike Zoom Rival M 9
Nike Zoom Rival M 9
$65
See deal  
$65
See deal  
$65
See deal  
$68
See deal  

CoreScore

85
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 757 users
N/A

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Perfect for chasing PBs
  • Lightweight
  • Snug fit
  • Comfortable
  • Great colorways
  • Bag and spike tool included
  • No break-in
  • Very breathable

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Best for mid distances only

Verdict

These spikes are being bought over and over again, many times by the same runners. It's about getting different colorways for different seasons - they are that good according to the reviews. Many have reported that the Rival M 9 is perfect for middle-distance racing and that the shoe gets the job done - whether you're running on grass, track, or mud.
Nike Zoom Rival M 9 full review
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.

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