Top 7 Running Spikes (2025)

1. Nike MaxFly 2 – Best Overall

• Score: 94/100
• Key Features:
  • ZoomX foam in heel + dual Air Zoom in forefoot, aggressive ~–2 mm drop, stiff FlyPlate, 6-track pins
  • Highly responsive and stable—ideal up to 800 m and hurdling
  • Demands strong technique; premium price (£190); less beginner-friendly (runrepeat.com)

2. Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 – Best for 100–400 m

• Score: 91/100
• Key Features:
  • Ultra-low profile (~12.3 mm), zero drop, honeycomb outsole with 8 spikes, Atomknit upper
  • Extreme track feel, very lightweight (156 g), demands advanced technique (runrepeat.com)

3. Nike Dragonfly 2 – Best for Long Distance

• Score: 95/100
• Key Features:
  • ZoomX cushioning (~20 mm stack), Pebax plate, 4 removable pins, breathable, very light (145 g)
  • Great for 1500 m and beyond; pricey (£160); upper durability is a concern (runrepeat.com)

4. Nike Victory 2 – Best Superspike for Long Distance

• Score: 90/100
• Key Features:
  • ZoomX + dual Air Zoom + FlyPlate, featherweight (135 g), full-length plate
  • Bouncy, breathable, high performance; expensive and upper less durable (runrepeat.com)

5. Nike Ja Fly 4 – Best Lightweight

• Score: 96/100
• Key Features:
  • Minimalist setup: ~145 g, zero-drop, flexible 4.5 mm plastic outsole, 7 spikes
  • Great for 60–200 m, develops strength; lacks cushioning; very narrow (runrepeat.com)

6. Nike Rival Sprint – Best for Beginners

• Score: 91/100
• Key Features:
  • £80 price, moderate cushion (~3.3 mm drop), Pebax plate, 6 spikes, roomy toebox, breathable, durable
  • Heavier (174 g), less rigid—good stability but not race-millisecond speed (runrepeat.com)

7. Adidas Sprintstar – Best Budget

• Score: 89/100
• Key Features:
  • £70, minimalist ground feel (~10 mm), plateless, 6 spikes, very durable
  • Affordable and ideal for power/speed drills up to 400 m, but no cushioning and poor ventilation (runrepeat.com)

RunRepeat’s Testing Protocol

• Purchased all shoes independently and tested on track and in lab (~9–13 hours per model).
• Detailed analysis of ~30+ metrics: stack height, drop, stiffness, Flex/bend, torsional rigidity, breathability, upper durability (Dremel test), cushion softness (Shore A durometer), weight, pin setup (runrepeat.com)

Technical Highlights & Trends

Spike Categories

• Sprint (100–400 m): Aggressive plate, short drop, many pins (6–10)
• Middle/Long Distance (800–10 k): Softer cushioning, fewer spikes (4–6), more flex in forefoot (runrepeat.com)

Cushioning & Stack Height

• Modern spikes may have up to the legal max of ~20 mm stack; cushioning varies widely between budget and premium options (runrepeat.com)

Stiffness & Plate

• No clear sprint vs. distance stiffness rule anymore; some distance spikes pack plates, others don’t

Weight & Upper

• Weights range from ~135 g (Victory 2) to ~174 g (Rival Sprint). Breathability and durability trade off with cage design and mesh (runrepeat.com)

Spike Pins

• Removable pins in pyramid, needle, Christmas-tree styles; number and length vary per event and track surface requirements (runrepeat.com)

Best Fit Based on Your Needs

Goal / Event	Recommended Model
All-round elite performance	Nike MaxFly 2
Pure sprint power	Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2
Long-distance racing	Nike Dragonfly 2 or Victory 2
Lightweight & minimalist	Nike Ja Fly 4
Beginner-friendly	Nike Rival Sprint
Budget-conscious speed drills	Adidas Sprintstar

Choosing Your Spike

• Performance vs Comfort: Premium spikes (MaxFly, Dragonfly, Victory) offer top-tier responsiveness but need good form and may sacrifice durability.
• Event-Specific Layout: Heavier, cushioned spikes aid longer distances; ultralight, stiff ones excel in sprints.
• Beginner-Friendly vs Elite: Beginners should start with supportive, breathable, and forgiving spikes like the Rival Sprint or Sprintstar.
• Durability Considerations: Budget models like Sprintstar offer longevity but minimal cushioning; premium uppers are breathable but delicate.

Quick Buyer’s Checklist

1. Distance/Event: choose based on your primary discipline.
2. Foot Strike & Drop: forefoot runners may like zero-drop; others benefit from slight drop and cushion.
3. Form & Experience: stiff elite spikes require strong technique.
4. Track Rules: check allowed pin length/type for your venue.
5. Budget vs Quality: £150–190 for elite spikes, £70–80 for durable entry options.

See the full review here https://runrepeat.com/uk/guides/best-running-spikes