5 Best Sprint Running Spikes in 2026

The Nike MaxFly 2 showed unmatched speed in our intense and flat-out efforts on track without foregoing comfort, making it our top sprint spike. Our lab verifies it has all the advanced technology to enhance speed while ensuring a light, steady, and comfortable ride. It’s undeniably one of the most aggressive spikes out there.

MaxFly 2 offers otherworldly responsiveness. It feels airy on foot with its 6.4 oz (181g) weight but feels way lighter because of its speed-enhancing features. The Flyplate is one of the stiffest we’ve tried, ensuring maximum energy return. Our flex test confirms it’s 80.2% stiffer than average.

The stiffness is balanced by the ZoomX foam in the heel and dual Air Zoom units in the forefoot, which dampens landing impact. MaxFly 2 features an aggressive set-up with its -2.0 mm drop that promotes powerful forefoot striking, perfect for 60-400m events.

The spike plate is dotted with ultra-mini lugs for steady strides, allowing us to go all out. Meanwhile, the 6 forefoot spikes guarantee optimal traction, especially on speed curves.

Note that MaxFly’s 2 ride takes some time to get used to. We recommend easing into it with drills for better adaptation and injury prevention.

No spike can match Nike Rival Sprint’s flexible, durable, snappy, yet gentle construction—making it an excellent choice for beginners diving into track sprints. Other than its accommodating and comfortable nature, its £80 price tag is very accessible too.

A standout feature is the supportive midsole. Our 13.3/10.0 mm stack measurement creates a steep 3.3 mm drop, contrasting our nearly flat 0.7 mm lab average. This incline offers added support to our calves and tendons, particularly beneficial for newcomers on track.

Underfoot, Rival Sprint showcases a robust 2.8 mm rubber outsole in the heel area, while the Pebax plate makes up the forefoot for dynamic toe-offs. With six removable pins, we felt confident to sprint through fast corners. Despite its plate, Rival Sprint feels comfortable with its remarkable flexibility, outperforming the average by 39.9%.

When we tested the upper, we were delighted with its comfort and ventilation, making it suitable for sockless use. In our smoke test, we rated it a perfect breathability score. Even against our Dremel, the toe cap defended the fort easily with a high 4/5 durability score.

Unfortunately, this spike is noticeably hefty at 6.1 oz (174g). Those who want to go faster with lighter spikes should look elsewhere.

Among all the sprint running spikes we tested against hard efforts, Nike’s Zoom Superfly Elite 2 undoubtedly delivered the best track feel. It feels almost weightless on foot, but the ground connection, power, and speed it delivers are hard to ignore. This elite-level spike shines best in our 60m-400m sprints.

We experienced a different kind of energy with this lightweight and snappy spike. Our scales reveal a mere 5.5 oz (156g) build, attributed to its minimal cushioning. The insole and outsole mostly comprise the 12.3 mm heel and forefoot we measured. With an aggressive zero drop, this spike delivers the raw leg speed that some runners crave.

Underfoot, the sole has a honeycomb pattern with 8 removable stainless-steel pins that effectively grip the track. We had no slip issues even as we sped through corners. The outsole doubles as a plate, with its plastic nature allowing some flexion for smooth toe-offs, and is comfortable enough to go all-out until 400m.

The upper feels delightful on top, hugging our feet with a breathable Atomknit upper, which our smoke test confirms with a 4/5 score. It fits like a glove with enough wiggle room in the big toe area that measures 75.0 mm vs. the 73.1 mm average.

Unfortunately, this elite shoe shines best at top speed. We recommend this spike for more advanced runners to fully enjoy its features.

We tested sprint running spikes against hard efforts and found the Nike Ja Fly 4 to be the best lightweight in our lab. Besides its non-intimidating £120 price tag, it delivers raw speed and a more natural feel. Its exceptional flexibility, lightness, and grip generate effortless times on track.

We instantly felt this spike's remarkably low number on the scale and high ground feel on our feet. Our lab confirms it’s only 5.1 oz (145g) vs. the 5.6 oz (158g) average, attributed to its lack of rubber in the outsole which is made of 4.5 mm plastic instead.

Additionally, we measured a humble 11.2/11.2 mm stack height and an authentic zero drop, perfect for developing leg muscle strength during 60-200m sprints. The low profile improves Ja Fly 4’s flexibility, allowing for our natural movement. In our manual twist assessment, the shoe freely gave in, earning the lowest 1/5 torsional rigidity rating.

Conversely, our bend test tells a different story. At 15.1N, this Nike resisted more than the average spike (13.0N). This level of stiffness translates to some propulsion without the harshness of a carbon plate. Further enhancing our confidence on track is the grip delivered by the 7 removable pins underfoot.

Unfortunately, we cannot recommend this to runners with wide feet because of the tightly snug upper. Our measurements show the toebox tapers quite aggressively too.

We tested sprint running spikes against hard efforts and found Adidas Sprintstar to be the most budget-friendly. For an affordable £70 price tag vs. the £120 average, it delivers raw speed and power and a more natural feel. It’s a great entry-level sprint spike that also promises a long lifespan due to its impressive durability in our lab.

We instantly felt the remarkable ground feel this spike delivers, perfect for developing leg muscle strength during 60-400m sprints. Its humble 10.4/8.6 mm stack height enhances an authentic barefoot experience. 

Furthermore, the absence of a carbon plate in the midsole enhances its flexibility, which allows for our natural movement. Our bend test confirms its gentle nature when it emerged 48.6% more flexible than average.

Impressively, despite its budget-friendly price, its durability is outstanding! Extensive testing showed minimal signs of wear, with both the toebox and heel resisting our rigorous Dremel. The outsole, measuring a robust 88.0 HC and 1.1 mm thicker than average, promises it will last long.

Unfortunately, the upper lacks ventilation which may lead to hotspots and blisters. We couldn’t wait to take the shoes off on warmer days.