Best Track & Field Spikes of 2024 (2024)

For track-and-field athletes looking to gain an edge this season, the spike you are wearing can make all the difference. Whether you are a sprinter, jumper, thrower, or distance athlete, read on to learn our experts' top spike and shoe picks for each track-and-field event. If you are new to track and field and are unsure where to start, check out our guide on how to choose a track-and-field shoe.

What Are The Different Track & Field Events

How We Made Our List

Without further ado, we hereby present our staff picks for the best track and field shoes of the year. In making our selections, our team of experts (including the GOAT himself, “Connor from Running Warehouse”) huddled together and came to consensus for each category. Spoiler alert, Nike wins every category. This is not to say there are not fantastic options from other brands, some of which are called out as honorable mentions in this article, but as of now, Nike is at the top of the track and field food chain. Who's going to come for them this year?

The Best Long Distance Spike

Long distance track events include 3000m, 3200m (2-mile), 5k, and 10k races. To cover that distance comfortably, long distance spikes have a more relaxed fit, more cushioning in the midsole, and a more durable upper. To read more about some of our favorite distance spikes, check out our guide on the Best Distance Spikes of 2024.

A fantastic super spike in its own right, the adidas adizero Avanti TYO spike delivers a fast and resilient ride in long distance races. This spike is engineered with adidas's best technologies, including the lightweight and responsive Lightstrike Pro foam midsole and innovative EnergryRODs for a snappy toe-off.

Best Middle Distance Spike

Mid-distance spikes are ideal for races ranging from the 800m to the 1600m (mile). These spikes will fit and perform similarly to long distance spikes, but will have less cushioning and will be less built up and therefore lighter. They will also be more rigid than long distance spikes to promote speed over shorter distances.

For Best Middle Distance spike, we went with one that is light, aggressive, fast, and one that lives up to its name--it's the Nike Air Zoom Victory. Records will be broken, PRs will be crushed, and the competition will be in your rearview mirror when you lace up these bad boys. Highlighting this spike is the Zoom Air unit that provides a high level of energy return, the ultra-responsive ZoomX foam, and a finely tuned carbon fiber plate that adds torsional rigidity for a highly efficient transition.

Boasting a highly responsive FuelCell midsole compound and carbon-fiber plate, the New Balance FuelCell MD-X v2 is a serious candidate to break records on race day. And when you have a spike that looks as good as it performs, you know it's going to be a good day on the track.

Best Sprint Spike

Sprint spikes cover a number of track events, including: 60m-400m, hurdles, and relays. Sprint spikes are designed to be extremely lightweight and aggressive, keeping runners on their toes for quick transitions. They should fit snugly and have a sock-like feel. There is little to no cushioning in order to get athletes on their toes faster and the spikes will be grouped at the forefoot to maximize grip on the track. Check out our gear guide on the Best Sprint Spikes of 2024 to learn more about our favorite sprint spikes.

Nike has another hit in their hands with the incredibly fast Zoom Maxfly. The Zoom Maxfly is designed with Nike’s most innovative technology to explode out of the blocks and propel sprinters to new PRs and record-setting times. Featuring a forefoot Zoom Air unit, responsive ZoomX foam, and a tuned carbon fiber plate, the Zoom Maxfly amplifies performances for sprinters in events ranging from 100m to 400m and is the clear pick for us in this category.

Best High Jump Spike

High jump spikes are spikes specifically designed for the the high jump event and differ from running track spikes in that they also have spikes in the heel in addition to the forefoot in order to maintain traction through the curve and at lift-off. For more information, check out our gear guide for Best Jump Spikes of 2024.

Out of all the jump spikes in the game, the Nike Zoom High Jump Elite reigns supreme. This spike is crafted specifically to handle the high jump with perfect ease. The Nike Zoom High Jump Elite is designed to give athletes a swifter approach and springier takeoff thanks to its responsive feel and lightweight plate.

Best Long Jump Spike

Long jump spikes are similar to sprint spikes and fit nearly the same. The difference is that long jump spikes are designed to handle the load of the event and are equipped with thicker heels and greater support around the foot. They will also be more durable.

Leaping its way to first place in this category is the Nike Zoom Long Jump Elite, a powerful and springy spike that takes your performance to new heights. Where this spike separates itself from the competition is the explosive combination of the full-length carbon fiber plate for propulsion and the Air Zoom Unit in the forefoot that minimizes energy loss as you prepare for lift off.

Best Triple Jump Spike

The keys to a good triple jump spike include: a flat sole, strong grip in the heel, and a locked in fit. Flat soles are beneficial for triple jump athletes because it allows their feet to fully roll through their jumps. A strong grip in the heel provides the traction needed to allow for an explosive takeoff and a snug and secure lockdown minimizes any undesirable foot movement and maximizes power every stage of the jump.

Ticking all the boxes and nabbing the top spot in this category is the Nike Zoom Triple Jump elite. The hop, skip, and jump in these spikes is unmatched thanks to the lightweight cushioning of the midsole foam and the full-length carbon fiber plate. This magical combination allows the athlete to be fast, efficient, and explosive from start to finish.

Best Pole Vault Spike

Pole vault spikes need to be fast, stable, and secure. Given the intensity and inherent risks involved in the sport, it's essential for elite athletes to have elite spikes on their feet as they sail through the sky.

Soaring its way to the top spot here is the Nike Zoom Pole Vault Elite spikes. Possessing all the qualities of a great pole vault spike, the Nike Zoom Pole Vault Elite spikes delivers an ultra fast ride as you sprint down the runway and an explosive takeoff after the plant. Made with a light, and stretchy inner sleeve, this spike gives athletes a snug fit when launching off the runway. Along with an extended Pebax plate, and mid-foot strap, this spike is made to get you on the podium.

Throwing events include the shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin (more on javelin in the next section). Throwing shoes should fit snug with the toes reaching the tip of the shoes without feeling jammed. Shot put, discus, and hammer shoes do not contain spikes and are flat due to the techniques used in those events. Rotational throw shoes are designed with a very smooth outsole that allows for the spinning movement that is followed by the release of a shot put, hammer, or discus. Glide movement throw shoes have a slight texture to the flat outsole that provide additional traction for glide and rotational techniques. All throw shoes prioritize durability to withstand the literal grind of the sport as well as comfort. Read out guide to the best throw shoes to discover the best options for your event.

The shoe with the highest marks in this category is the Nike Zoom Rotational 6. The shining feature of the Zoom Rotational 6 is its top-notch fit. The adjustable strap provides a personalized fit while the breathable mesh keeps you comfortable during competition. The contoured carbon rubber outsole provides excellent spin and durability while the Pebax plate in the forefoot offers a bit of spring. There will be next to no power or stability lost during the rapid pivots and spins in these. Nike engineered this shoe to spin faster, lock down longer, and the proof is in the pudding.

Nike SD 4 is the perfect shoe for athletes looking to maximize performance in the circle no matter the event. The support strap, paired with high quality carbon rubber pivot points and flex grooves, allows athletes to hit big marks each season. This versatile option is a great competition-focused shoe for anyone using the rotational or glide techniques in the shot put, discuss, or hammer throw.

Best Javelin Spikes

The javelin requires speed, power, and precision. Therefore, javelin throwers need a special shoe to handle the rigors of the event. Similar to high jump spikes, javelin spikes contain spikes in the forefoot and the heel in order to have optimal traction at the time of release. They also need to be snug and be protective.

Carefully crafted to meet the needs of the best javelin throwers in the world, the Nike Zoom Javelin Elite 3 is the most advanced javelin spike ever created. This shoe features a full-length outsole plate combined with a stiffer midsole foam to provide optimal energy transfer upon foot blocking. Finished off with a high-top ankle for support and a damping foam in the cap of the shoe, the Javelin Elite 3 protects your toes when your lead foot plants, channeling all the force upward into your body.

Best Beginner Spike

New track and field athletes usually don't know what event they're going to eventually specialize in. As a result, it is not unusual for beginners to opt for a spike that can handle a number of events as opposed to just one.

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