Nike Zoom 400 review

Nike Zoom 400 review 

This spike is great for exactly what it was intended for: 400m. It also works great for the 200-800m. It has a great amount of snappiness and power with just the right amount of comfort for longer sprint events, along with shorter ones as well. 

I was impressed with the way it performed and is definitely one of my favorite track spikes I’ve used for shorter distances. 

Who this shoe is (not) for

If you’re a sprinter who wants a fast spike with some extra cushion or a sprinter who runs the longer-based events such as the 400-800m, then these spikes will be the ones for you. 

Don’t buy this shoe if:

• You prefer distances longer than 800m (Nike Spike Flat is worth checking out then), or
• You want a dedicated <400m shoe, in this case, look at the Zoom Superfly Elite 2 or Rival S 9.  

How Zoom 400 was tested

Here are some sessions have used it for:

• 800m Race (2:02),
• 400m Race (53 seconds),
• 2 x 50m, 3 x 100m, 2 x 200m @ hard sprint effort.

Perfect for long sprint races

I really enjoyed the way this spike felt for what I’ve used it for. 

• For under 400m I had found it to be snappy and provide good amounts of power to go your fastest for 100-200m, while still being comfortable. 
• For 400m to 800m (nothing more than 800m), these spikes were just cushioned enough to still be comfortable for a longer sprint, as well as being snappy enough to go fast, but not too stiff to hurt the feet. 

Just enough cushion to be comfortable

The midsole of this spike consists of a thin layer of a phylon foam slab.

I found it to be comfortable just up to 800m distances while not feeling too soft, just absorbing more of an impact in the 400-800m distances but still keeping a low to the ground profile. 

Zoom 400 is snappy and a little forgiving

The plate of this spike is a full-length Pebax Spike Plate that utilizes a honeycomb pattern. (clarification: stiffness of the plate is based on the size of the holes in the spike pattern; the larger the holes the more the flexibility).

It is stiff enough that it provides the right amount of power and forward propulsion for the 400m, which means it's not as stiff as say a 100m-200m spike, such as the Nike Ja Fly 3 or the Nike Superfly Elite 2, but still provides enough power and aggressiveness to be able to sprint the shorter distances. 

Being that the spike plate is a little more forgiving, it worked amazing for the 800m race, providing great power throughout the race, especially the last 300m when you’re starting your kick.

Superb traction

This spike utilizes 7 removable stainless-steel pins to grip the track and ensure no slipping.

Great lockdown

This spike utilizes a Flyweave upper that provides good durability and a lightweight fit. One detail I enjoyed is that the spike has a more reinforced toe which provides extra durability for block starts.

I found the upper to be very comfortable and to fit just right while providing good overall lockdown. 

Durability issues

The only problem I worry about with the upper is the tongue has thinner sections that seem to be able to tear easily. 

Not so breathable

A slight downside is that the spike upper is not the most breathable but is not overly warm either. 

Nike Zoom 400 looks fast

In terms of looks, it has a simplistic design yet still looks fast and sleek.

Great quality for the value

The price of this spike is great at $110. With most Nike high-quality track spikes being around $125, I found these to be great for that price with the same quality!