10 Best Track & Field Shoes in 2022

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 reviewed over 60 pairs of track shoes for running, jumping, and throwing to help you buy the best one. No matter if you are an advanced athlete looking for a premium shoe or a beginner on a tight budget, we’ve got some top picks for you.
Overview of this guide
- 1. How we test track & Field shoes
- 2. Best for long distance
- 3. Best for sprints
- 4. Best for jumps
- 5. Best for throwing
- 6. Best value shoe
- 7. Why use a track shoe
- 8. Track shoes vs running shoes: 3 key differences
- 9. Track and field shoe categories
- 10. Frequently asked questions
- 11. What are the most popular track & Field shoes in 2022?
- 12. What are the cheapest track & Field shoes in 2022?
How we test track & Field shoes
RunRepeat provides the user with recommendations for the best track and field shoes based on user ratings and expert reviews. These data are aggregated to form the Corescore, which is a numerical value (from 0 to 100) that indicates how well-liked a shoe is.
- We have 3,000+ user reviews for over 180 track and field shoes.
- Each track shoe product page has been done with around 7 hours of research on shoe details and reviews.
Best track & Field shoes for long distance
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all track & field shoes.
This shoe has a 5% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 4% in track & Field shoes
- Top 7% in Nike track & Field shoes
- Top 4% most popular tracking shoes
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
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all track & field shoes.
This shoe has a 5% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. It also has a 5% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 6% in track & Field shoes
- Top 11% in Nike track & Field shoes
Pros
- Light and fast
- Cushioned
- Good support
- Very comfortable
- Amazing traction
- Breathable
- Great value for money
Cons
- Rough upper material
Best track & Field shoes for sprints
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all track & field shoes.
This shoe has a 5% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. It also has a 5% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 1% most popular tracking shoes
Pros
- True to size
- Fairly light
- Very springy
- Quite comfortable
- 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
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all track & field shoes.
This shoe has a 5% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. It also has a 5% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 18% in track & Field shoes
- Top 25% in Nike track & Field shoes
- Top 5% most popular tracking shoes
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 & Field shoes for jumps
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all track & field shoes.
This shoe has a 5% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 17% in track & Field shoes
- Top 19% in Adidas track & Field shoes
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Supportive
- Enhances performance
Cons
- Some dislike the fit
- Too tight to some
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all track & field shoes.
This shoe has a 5% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 16% in track & Field shoes
- Top 17% in Asics track & Field shoes
Pros
- Comfortable
- Excellent support
- Lightweight
- Great for competitions
- Optimum support
- Excellent traction
- Increases jumping power
Cons
- Higher price range
- Thin midfoot strap
Best track & Field shoes for throwing
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all track & field shoes.
This shoe has a 5% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 7% in track & Field shoes
- Top 14% in Nike track & Field shoes
- Top 14% most popular tracking shoes
Pros
- Promotes easy spins
- Ample support
- Great fit
- Allows natural foot movements
- Breathable platform
- Good grip
Cons
- Causes arch discomfort
- Wears out quickly
- Quite heavy
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all track & field shoes.
This shoe has a 5% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 20% in track & Field shoes
Pros
- Lockdown fit
- Delivers traction
- Sufficient support
- Breathable
- Reduced weight
Cons
- Too stiff
- Causes discomfort
Best value track & Field shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all track & field shoes.
This shoe has a 5% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 17% most popular tracking shoes
Pros
- Effective for various terrain
- Comfort from the box
- Featherlight
- Laces stay tied throughout the run
- Easy to put on and take off
Cons
- Too few reviews
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all track & field shoes.
This shoe has a 5% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 6% most popular tracking shoes
Pros
- Many purchasers find the Nike Zoom Rival M 9 to be an affordable track shoe. Others also attest it has a quality pricing that is a great value for their money.
- Several athletes claim that the Zoom Rival M 9 helped improve their running time. Some have also reported that they are more confident in their performance because of the shoe.
- Some runners with narrow feet are satisfied with the excellent fit of the shoe and say that it holds their foot properly.
- The Nike Rival M 9 is a comfortable shoe, according to a number of wearers.
- The shoe provides an efficient performance, especially at the starting blocks, a few athletes reported.
- A lot of purchasers were pleased with the stylish appearance of the shoe and its various color options.
- The Nike Zoom Rival M 9 presents effective features that are ideal for mid-distance running, a reviewer attested.
Cons
- A few buyers think that the sizing scheme of the Nike Rival M 9 is a bit inaccurate.
- One athlete noted that the spike pins included with the shoe are too soft.
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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See track and field shoes for sprints | See track and field shoes for mid-distance | See track and field shoes for long-distance |
Jumping spikes
Jumping | ||
Long-jump / Triple-jump | High-jump | Pole vault |
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See long-jump and triple-jump shoes | See high-jump shoes | See pole vault shoes |
Throwing events
Throwing | |||
Javelin / Shot put / Discus throw / Hammer throw | |||
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See javelin shoes | See shot-put shoes | See discus throw shoes | See hammer throw shoes |
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.
What are the most popular track & Field shoes in 2022?
- Nike Air Zoom MaxFly
- Nike Air Zoom Victory
- Nike ZoomX Dragonfly
- Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2
- Nike Zoom Rival Waffle 5
- Nike Zoom Victory XC 5
- Nike Zoom Victory Waffle 5
- Nike Zoom Rival XC 5
- Nike Spike-Flat
- Brooks Mach 19 Spikeless
- Saucony Carrera XC4
- Saucony Havok XC 3
- Saucony Kilkenny XC8
- New Balance XC5K v5
What are the cheapest track & Field shoes in 2022?
- Nike Zoom Rival Waffle 5 - from £60
- Nike Zoom Rival XC 5 - from £60
- Nike Zoom Victory XC 5 - from £95
- Nike ZoomX Dragonfly - from £130
- Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 - from £139
- Nike Air Zoom Victory - from £159
- Nike Air Zoom MaxFly - from £159
- Nike Spike-Flat - from £110
- Nike Zoom Victory Waffle 5 - from £120
- Saucony Kilkenny XC8 - from £70
- Saucony Havok XC 3 - from £90
- Saucony Carrera XC4 - from £120
- New Balance XC5K v5 - from £120
- Brooks Mach 19 Spikeless - from £100