5 Best Track Spikes in 2023
A well-selected pair of track and field shoes can be a real performance booster or even help you set a new PB.
We have tested and reviewed over 60 pairs of track and field shoes to help you buy the best one. We cited every little detail we could find about the shoes, even how they worked in different aspects when we were running, jumping, and throwing while wearing them. Whether you are an advanced athlete looking for a premium shoe or a beginner on a tight budget, we’ve got the top picks for you.
Best track shoes overall
What makes it the best?
We tested the best spikes on track and discovered Nike’s Air Zoom Victory to be the best of its kind. In our track sessions, it shines best in mid-distances with its unrivaled speed, almost weightless build, and insane grip. At £190, it’s a premium shoe that matches the performance of elites.
Deserving of its name, Air Zoom Victory is an aggressive speedster. The heel feels cushioned for comfort, whereas the forefoot has a one-of-a-kind feel. We experience two phases distinctly with every stride. The first is some compression because of the Air Zoom Unit, and then we get a springy response upon takeoff due to the Flyplate. We find that this spike performs best in 800m-3k distances.
This pair is race-ready with an immensely breathable Atomknit upper that stretches to fit our feet like a glove. The high-quality material secures our feet in place. It helps us fly on track as it’s much lighter than the average track spike (4.6 oz/130g vs. 6.2 oz/175g).
No matter how fast we run, Nike’s ShockWave Generated Outsole Plate keeps the ride smooth and steady. There are 6 spikes in the forefoot to ensure grip during races, while the heel perimeter has sharkskin for traction and durability.
On fast curves, we sometimes felt unstable because of its unique ride. It also takes some time to get used to it. Best to test this out before taking it to races.
Pros
- True to size
- Snug race-like fit
- Secure lockdown
- Lightweight
- Very springy feeling
- Unrivaled breathability
- Fairly cushioned
- Perfect for middle distance
- Elite level, insane quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Adjustment period might be needed
- Unstable on curves
Best track shoes for sprints
What makes it the best?
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
Best track shoes for race
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Very springy
- 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
Best track shoes for long distance
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Perfect for 3k-10k
- Works for 400m-1600m as well
- Bouncy and fast
- Full-length spike plate
- Super breathable
- Perfect laces
- Wow looks
- Elite-level spike
- Worth the price
Cons
- Tongue bunches up
- Pricey
Best cross-country track shoes
What makes it the best?
Pros
- True to size
- Super snappy
- Stable
- Anti-clog outsole
- Flexible
- Durable
- Superb traction
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Good value for money
Cons
- Very narrow
Comparison of the 5 best track spikes
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Why use a track shoe
Here are some of the distinct components of a track and field shoe that make it more efficient for the sport than other types of athletic shoes:
- Lightweight and breathable: Track and field shoes are light and airy because of the thin mesh upper that usually accompanies them. usually have a rigid upper construction to provide a snug fit.
- Snug fit: Aside from a thin mesh, the upper of track shoes have a rigid structure to provide a snug fit and keep the foot in place.
- Minimal midsole: Unlike other cleat-type footwear such as those for football and soccer, track shoes usually have a midsole that is thin and minimal. It acts as both underfoot cushioning and impact absorber.
- Spike pins and spike plate: Some track shoes use spike pins. These are small pointed attachments on a plastic plate that aid in gripping the track surface. Spike pins vary in type, size (pin width), and number depending on the event it is used for.
Track shoes vs running shoes: 3 key differences
Although track-and-field as a sport includes running events, the shoes used for those are different than the typical running shoe. Each shoe has its particular design and purpose, which we can differentiate through the following:
- Weight: Track and field shoes are significantly lighter than running shoes. They use fewer materials and are relatively smaller in figure because they intend to boost the athlete’s momentum.
- Cushioning: Track spikes for running events are thin and minimal. On the other hand, running shoes are plush and substantial as their focus is on underfoot cushioning and arch support.
- Overall appearance: The most noticeable difference between track shoes and running shoes is the use of spikes. Track shoes for running use spike pins to make the forefoot higher and promote better traction.
Track and field shoe categories
The various events within the track-and-field sport are distinctive from one another and, as such, require the use of different shoes. Here are the types of track spikes and the notable qualities of each one:
Running events
| Running | ||
| Sprints | Mid-distance | Long-distance |
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Jumping spikes
| Jumping | ||
| Long-jump / Triple-jump | High-jump | Pole vault |
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Throwing events
| Throwing | |||
| Javelin / Shot put / Discus throw / Hammer throw | |||
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Frequently asked questions
Are spike pins important in track shoes?
There is no absolute rule that track and field shoes should be used with spike pins. Additionally, not all track shoes are used with spike pins. When used accordingly, spike pins improve traction and support.
Are socks important?
You might be hesitant to use socks because track shoes are intended to fit snugly on its own. Socks are not important. Many athletes prefer not to wear socks because it makes the fit of the shoe too tight and the movements uncomfortable.
How we test track spikes
Here at RunRepeat, we provide you with recommendations for the best track and field shoes based on our very own experiences and observations. We set the process in motion by getting hold of the shoes we wanted to test. We purchase the pairs so that we do not need to gratify anyone, especially brands, by providing a good review.
We then proceed with wearing the shoes in our actual track and field sports and activities. We assess all the things we can notice about the shoes, but we make sure that we spend a good and substantial amount of time on each of them before we finalize our thoughts.
Next up, we collect more usable data by measuring and scoring the parameters of the shoes through our lab tests. We quantify 30+ parameters, one of which is durability. For this test, we use our Dremel tool to apply force on the different parts of the shoes, then we employ our expertise to subjectively discern how durable and abrasion-resistant the shoes are.
By the way, we also split the shoes in half to uncover all the parts of the shoes for us to investigate and take note.
