5 Best Sprinting Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
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.
See all
21 sprinting shoes
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 Zoom Superfly Elite 2
92
Superb!
What makes it the best?
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!
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
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$50
Nike
$105
Stadium Goods
$105
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$150
Best running sprints track & Field shoes
Nike Air Zoom MaxFly
91
Superb!
What makes it the best?
At $180, 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.
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
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Nike
$126
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best sprints lace-up track & Field shoes
Nike Zoom Rival S 9
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
If you're looking for an entry-level sprint spike that's got the goods, look no further than the Nike Zoom Rival S9. At $65, it's snappy and comfortable, it's got the makings of a fast shoe and it can even compete against those in the $100 mark! The slight hiccup here is that yes, it can run at speed, just not as seamlessly as the more expensive ones.
Pros
- True to size
- Snug race fit
- Fast and snappy
- Good traction
- Very breathable
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavy
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
More colors
Nike
$45
Stadium Goods
$55
Amazon
Free shipping
$60
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$65
Fleet Feet
$65
Best sprinting shoes for rubber track
Adidas Sprintstar
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Adidas Sprintstar Spikes are perfect for any sprinter wanting to feel the need for speed and upgrade for their event. Besides being lightweight, the shoe is also being praised for its efficient power and uncomparable fast performance. Despite the shoe’s narrow toe box, the Adidas Sprintstar is recommended by most reviewers for its properties that raise any athlete’s performance during race day.
Pros
- True to size
- Lockdown fit
- Awesome grip
- Lightweight
- Nice laces
Cons
- Not breathable
- Lacks durability
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$39
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$40
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$65
Zappos
Best 1/4-inch sprints track & Field shoes
Nike Zoom 400
81
Good!
What makes it the best?
It's got a superb grip and it's snappy, the Nike Zoom 400 is easily one of our favorites when it comes to short-distance track events. And with its cushy ride, it can also handle longer sprints from 400-800m distances. Thanks to its upper, it delivers a supportive, slip-free wrap. But there's also a letdown to the upper - it wears easily!
Pros
- Perfect for 400-800m
- Snappy
- Excellent traction
- Great midfoot lockdown
- Great value
Cons
- Durability issues
- Not so breathable
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
eBay
$20
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Comparison of the 5 best sprinting shoes
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