The Best Track & Field Sprint Spikes of 2024 (2024)

Updated: January 15, 2024

While there are many fun and exhilarating track and field events, few capture the attention and excitement that comes with sprinting and hurdle events. There’s something special about watching the fastest athletes in the world go head-to-head for those few seconds to see just how fast humans are. Thus, it’s no wonder why sprint events are so popular. And one of the keys to unlocking that kind of speed is a having a good pair of spikes on feet.

What Shoes are Best For Sprinting

Sprint spikes are best suited for sprint and hurdle events like the 100m, 200m, 400m, 100/110m hurdles, 300m/400m hurdles, 4 x 100m and 4 x 400m relays. In terms of characteristics, sprint spikes have a contoured and snug fit to give a next-to-nothing feel that's like an extension of the foot. They will be very stiff and engineered to get athletes on their toes as quickly as possible, usually by way of a stiff carbon fiber or TPU plate and minimal cushioning. The upper will be extremely minimal and offer a snug and secure fit. Speed is the name of the game so these spikes will be as lightweight as possible.

Whether you are just starting or have years of sprinting under your belt, picking the right shoe for your event is vital for getting that edge on race day. This is why our team of experts has compiled this list of our top track-and-field sprint and hurdle spikes of the year. Not sure where to start? Read our guide on how to choose a track-and-field spike.

The Best Sprint Spikes of 2024
Best Overall Sprint Spike	Nike Zoom Maxfly
*Most Aggressive Sprint Spike*	PUMA evoSPEED Tokyo Future Faster+ 4
Best Traditional Sprint Spike	Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2
*Best Sprint Spike for Power Sprinters*	New Balance FuelCell PWR-X
Best for Long Sprint Distances	New Balance FuelCell SD-X
Best Super Shoe Sprint Spike	ASICS METASPEED SP
Best Sprint Spike for Beginners and High School Athletes	Nike Zoom Rival Sprint

Shop All The Sprint Spikes

Best Overall Sprint Spike

Nike Zoom Maxfly Spike

The Air 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 Air Zoom Maxfly amplifies performance for sprinters in events ranging from 100 to 400 meters.

Highlights

Lightweight and responsive ZoomX midsole

Air Zoom Unit for added energy return and stability

Carbon fiber plate for maximum propulsion

Shop Nike Zoom Maxfly Spike

Most Aggressive Sprint Spike

PUMA evoSpeed Tokyo Future Faster+ 4

If you are an elite sprinter looking for a spike that is as aggressive as you are out of the blocks, the PUMA evoSPEED Tokyo Future Faster+ 4 is ready to help you lead the pack. Aggressive geometries meet a stiff carbon fiber plate to deliver ultimate propulsion in an incredibly lightweight and no-nonsense package. With its Matryx Micro upper that uses infused carbon-fiber threads, even the fit of this spike is designed to be lightweight, aggressive, and fast!

Highlights

Stiff carbon fiber plate

Matryx Micro technology in upper is lightweight and durable

Aggressive design for no energy lost

Shop PUMA evoSPEED Tokyo Future Faster

Best Traditional Sprint Spike

Nike Superfly Elite 2 Spike

For those who enjoy the feeling of a more traditional sprint spike with very little cushioning underfoot, the Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 is a great choice. Now lighter and faster than ever, the Superfly Elite has a stiff and aggressive design to quickly accelerate out of the blocks. This spike can handle any sprint or hurdle distance and will help carry athletes to record-setting times.

Best Sprint Spike for Power Sprinters

New Balance FuelCell PWR-X Spikes

Designed for the most explosive sprinters competeting in shorter sprint distance events, the New Balance FuelCell PWR-X has everything elite-athletes are looking for in a powerful sprint spike. Right off the blocks, this spike's rigid carbon plate works with the resilient layer of FuelCell foam to propel you down the track. And it'll feel like you're wearing nothing at all thanks to the lightweight no-sew construction of the mesh upper. The built in spike pins further proves how much New Balance prioritized weight savings in the construction of this spike.

Highlights

Stiff and responsive carbon fiber plate

Energetic and propulsive FuelCell foam

Race fit no-sew upper construction

Shop New Balance FuelCell PWR-X Spikes

Best Spike for Long Sprint Distances

New Balance FuelCell SD-X Spikes

The New Balance FuelCell SD-X is a powerful and explosive spike geared towards longer sprint distances from 200m-500m. The FuelCell SD-X features a dense and resilient FuelCell foam compound that is stabilized by a very stiff carbon plate that works to propel you forward with every stride and at every turn. Like the FuelCell PWR-X, the FuelCell SD-X keeps weight as low as possible by cementing the pins into he spike plate. Rounding out this spike is the lightweight and breathable knit upper that offers a soft and snug wrap around the foot.

Highlights

Full-Length carbon-fiber plate for excellent propulsion

Denser FuelCell foam for more power

Wider forefoot platform for greater stability

Shop New Balance FuelCell SD-X Spikes

Best Super Shoe Sprint Spike

ASICS METASPEED SP

Combining the magic ingredients of FLYTEFOAM turbo and a carbon plate, the ASICS METASPEED SP is a super spike that delivers a powerful and explosive ride for competitive sprinters. This sprint spike uses the technologies seen in marathon racing super shoes to deliver ultimate efficiency with every stride, resulting in sprint athletes flying past the competition and onto the podium.

Highlights

Pinless honeycomb carbon plate for power and propulsion

Balanced and stable landing

Optimal ground contact and power

Shop ASICS Metaspeed SP

Best Sprint Spike for Beginners & High School Athletes

Nike Zoom Rival Sprint Spike

For sprinters who run multiple events, the Nike Rival Sprint is the perfect spike. This spike can handle the power of the 60-meter, the finesse of relays, and the speed of the 400-meter.

Note: For beginner hurdlers, we recommend the Nike Rival Multi Spike due to added heel protection. It offers the same propulsive spike plate while offering increased levels of cushioning for those that are still developing proper form.

The Best Track & Field Sprint Spikes of 2024 (2024)

What Shoes are Best For Sprinting

Best Overall Sprint Spike

Most Aggressive Sprint Spike

Best Traditional Sprint Spike

Best Sprint Spike for Power Sprinters

Best Spike for Long Sprint Distances

Best Super Shoe Sprint Spike

Best Sprint Spike for Beginners & High School Athletes

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