3 Best Sprints Running Spikes in 2024

Among all the sprint track spikes we tested against flat-out and intense workouts, Adidas Prime SP2 is undoubtedly the best overall. It melts away on foot, but its massive energy return makes its presence felt. From the propulsive Lightstrike Pro cushion, rigid carbon plate, grippy spikes, and its visuals, its aggressive nature is undeniable. On foot, the steep offset encourages smooth and fast forward transitions. Our precise measurement reveals a -5.8 mm incline, a result of its thin 11.0 mm heel and 16.8 mm forefoot, the latter boasting Lightstrike Pro’s powerful rebound. We found this shoe performs best in 60m to 400m distances and hurdles.

The ultra-breathable upper and continuous momentum give a light and effortless sensation. It’s lined with a stiff full-length carbon plate that ensures great propulsion for toe-offs and maximum speed. Our bend test reveals it’s 104.9% more rigid than the average spike.

We had no slip issues even as we ran through fast corners on track thanks to the outsole’s grippy pattern and adjustable 6 pins. At 2.0 mm thin, the outsole gave us higher ground sensitivity.

Though not overly heavy, its 6.5 oz (183g) weight does pull us down a bit when compared to other lightweight elite competitors.

Nike Air Zoom MaxFly showed unmatched speed and comfort among all the sprint spikes we brought on track, making it our top lightweight choice for races. It has all the advanced technology to enhance speed while ensuring a light, steady, and comfortable ride. It’s undoubtedly one of the most advanced and aggressive spikes — we think its £190 price is well worth the maximum performance.

MaxFly has a unique ride — blending insane snappiness and comfort into one. It feels airy on foot with its 5.6oz (162g) 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. This is balanced by the ZoomX foam and the Air Zoom Unit in the forefoot, which promotes smooth transitions and dampens landing impact. MaxFly can be used for hurdles too. Yet we discovered it performs best on 100-400m events.

The spike plate ensures reliable traction, allowing us to focus on our races. There is a full-length ShockWave Generated Outsole Plate for a smooth ride, while the 7 forefoot spikes guarantee optimal traction on speed curves.

Note that MaxFly’s ride takes some time to get used to. We recommend testing it out for better adaptation before bringing it to races.

We tested sprint track spikes against hard efforts and found Adidas Sprintstar to be the most beginner-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.