Nike Zoom Rival Multi review

We believe that the Nike Zoom Rival Multi is a good option for:

• Runners who want to do a bit of everything on the track without spending much.
• Athletes looking for a durable and reliable spike for track and field use.
• Owners of a long-distance spike who want a versatile, low-cost pair for other events.

Runners focused only on 1500 metres and longer should skip the Rival Multi. We found in testing that its multi-event design gives away too much distance-specific comfort and cushioning. Instead, go for the Nike Zoom Rival Distance.

We also think pure sprinters should choose a speed-focused model instead. In our experience, the Rival Multi feels too all-around and not sharp enough. We recommend the Nike Ja Fly 4 or the Nike Maxfly 2.

The Zoom Rival Multi stays well below the 20 mm World Athletics limit with 12.7 mm of heel stack height, and we think that’s the right approach.

This spike is built for a wide range of events rather than long-distance races, so maximising foam would only add unnecessary weight.

The forefoot is even more aggressive in its design, with just 8.3 mm of thickness.

During our testing, we found that the connection with the track feels very direct, whether you enjoy that sensation or not.

Nike takes a beginner-friendly approach here that fits the Zoom Rival Multi’s low price. Instead of a flat geometry, we measured a 4.4 mm drop, which better supports runners who are used to heel striking in road shoes.

We found that Nike uses only a thin layer of foam in the heel and both sides of the midfoot, and it’s quite firm at 43.1 AC. 

While that sits around our lab average, it’s worth noting that most running spikes lean firm. This approach makes sense, as softer foams can feel weird on the track, especially in events like hurdles or jumps.

To verify how the Rival Multi fits, we created a gel mould of the interior and took precise measurements.

The result came in at 88.0 mm of width, which aligns closely with the average and matches the snug fit we expect from Nike spikes.

The toebox sits around average (68.7 mm) and maintains that same feel. We noted that it’s definitely not roomy, as expected from a track spike. 

A snug fit that limits toe movement may not suit road or trail shoes, but here it's key to enhance security and control.

We found a bit more room in the toe area, measuring 27.3 mm.

There’s nothing concerning here, and it may even be a benefit for runners who prefer a slightly more relaxed fit. In fact, it could be ideal for those tackling varied track workouts across multiple events and wanting to rely on a single pair.

Without a carbon plate and designed for newcomers to the sport, we see it as a positive that the Nike Zoom Rival Multi proved to be quite flexible in our longitudinal stiffness test. It scored a well-below-average 8.9N.

By using slightly less foam than the Rival Distance, Nike trims a few grammes and brings the Rival Multi down to 6.0 oz or 170g.

It’s not exceptionally light, but still quite solid considering its low price, which limits the use of advanced lightweight materials.

The engineered mesh of the Rival Multi differs from the one used in the Distance version. However, both approaches lead to a similar outcome, as it also scored 3/5 in our breathability test.

Nike concentrates ventilation in the tongue and toebox, while reinforcing the midfoot more than in most spikes. This makes sense for a model designed for multiple events, where the upper must handle twisting forces beyond straight-line running.

Under the microscope, we observed a material without large ventilation holes, yet open enough to allow a decent level of airflow. Overall, we think this is a well-judged design choice given the obvious budget limitations here.

The upper uses a two-layer construction, which stood out to us, as most running spikes rely on a single-layer mesh to save weight.

We also want to highlight the heel area, where comfort is noticeably improved thanks to the generous padding.

Need more proof of the Zoom Rival Multi’s flexible nature? With just 6.7 Nm of torsional rigidity, it stands out as one of the most bendable and forgiving spikes available right now.

In our manual test, the Rival Multi received a 2/5 heel counter score. It provides a bit of structure and light support, which is a good idea given the versatile focus of this spike.

Given that the Rival Multi is less focused on efforts lasting more than one minute, it makes sense that Nike made this spike slightly narrower than the Rival Distance, prioritizing agility and stable landings. That’s why we measured 90.1 mm here instead of the 97.6 mm found in its sibling.

On the other hand, the heel has the exact same width at 66.7 mm. That places it around average and reinforces the beginner-friendly focus we found throughout the shoe.

The engineered mesh of the Rival Multi earned a solid 3/5 in our test, which is already quite good. But Nike also aimed for outstanding durability, adding substantial TPU overlays to protect the upper from damage caused by the big toenail, so real-use durability is just exceptional.

The heel padding also scored 3 out of 5, which is not outstanding but certainly enough to ensure a solid lifespan.

We found that Nike played it safe here as well, using 2.7 mm of outsole thickness, a solid amount that should prevent premature wear after only a few training sessions.

The Zoom Rival Multi includes a non-removable insole with a thickness of 3.2 mm.

Nike goes the extra mile here by equipping this budget-friendly and versatile spike with the same textured laces seen in the Alphafly 3.

The tongue also caught our attention for its ultra-thin build, exactly what we expect in a track spike, and we verified our feelings finding just 1.4 mm of cushioning.

The heel features a simple design without any added elements, clearly prioritising cost-effectiveness.

One of the main reasons to choose the Rival Distance is its affordable price. It costs roughly half as much as a Nike daily trainer for road running, making it a great value.

The Rival Multi features a 6-pin layout, and you can easily swap all the pins for different shapes or depths, as the required tool is included in the box.