Verdict from 100+ user reviews
5 reasons to buy
- Several athletes claim that the Nike Zoom Rival MD 8 is very comfortable to wear.
- It has excellent traction, claimed quite a few.
- Many laud its lightweight composition.
- Some runners have observed that the track shoe has durable components.
- A number of users appreciate the breathability the running spike offers.
2 reasons not to buy
- Several users noted that it’s too tight; it constricts foot movements.
- It requires a long break-in period, remarked some.
Bottom line
Tip: see the best tracking shoes.
Good to know
Use - The Nike Zoom Rival M 8 is a versatile track running spike. It is suitable for running events that range from sprints to middle-distance races. It can also perform in hurdles and jumping tournaments.
Spike Type - For lightweight yet aggressive traction, the mid-distance running spike houses 7 pins. These are pyramid spikes—ideal for rubber track surfaces. These measure ¼ inch in length.
Spike Plate - To accommodate the pyramid pins, a 7-pin Pebax® plate is equipped to the outsole. This plate is responsible for the track spike’s surface grip and durability. To avoid drag, it maintains a featherlight composition.
To boost the quality and function of the Zoom Rival M 8, several iterations have been made to the model. A 7-pin Pebax® plate has been outfitted to generate versatile, aggressive surface traction.
For a well-ventilated platform, a single-layer spacer mesh upper is integrated into the design. This also coheres to the ultra-light composition of the track shoe.
Sporting Nike’s very own Phylon midsole, the Zoom Rival M 8 is engineered for responsiveness and comfort.
Only available in men’s sizing measurement, the Nike Zoom Rival M 8 is fashioned in standard width. For women, it is recommended that 1.5 be deducted from their usual size preference. This is to secure the precise size of the track running spike.
There are several aspects of the Zoom Rival M 8 that affect its fit. One of these is Nike’s Flywire technology targets an adjustable fit. For foot conformity, a single-layer spacer mesh is incorporated. Internal synthetic overlays are bonded to the upper intended for structural integrity.
The makeup of the Zoom Rival M 8’s outsole is a combination of rubber and Pebax® plate. This blend of outsole materials solicits superior grip and durability.
The Pebax® plate is made out of high-strength thermoplastic elastomer. This material also supplements shock-mitigating properties, protecting the foot from any injury. Its construction also permits propulsion because of its rigidity. To avoid drag, it keeps minimal weight.
To complement the traction supplied by the spike plate, a rubber outsole is also implemented. Rubber is known for its superb surface grip and sturdiness. This attribute lengthens the life span of the track shoe.
A proprietary midsole innovation from Nike, Phylon is embedded within the platform. It is made out of compressed EVA foam pellets. These are expanded through heat then cooled down into a mold.
The Phylon midsole deploys that needed rebound during the run with its responsive cushioning. It keeps a lightweight profile for energy conservation.
The same midsole component is present in the popular Nike Zoom 400.
To keep the weight down as much as possible, a single-layer spacer mesh is added to the mid-distance shoe’s upper design. This upper element permits lightweight breathability. It also allows the runner to have unrestricted foot movements with its flexibility.
For security and internal structural reinforcement, synthetic underlays are affixed.
Another innovation from Nike, the Flywire technology, integrates the lacing system for an adaptive and lockdown fit across the midfoot.