Updated March 2026 — Long-term durability notes added
Nike Maxfly 2 Review By A Sprinter & Track Coach
The Nike Maxfly 2 is the most anticipated pair of track spikes that I have seen come onto the market in my 18 years of sprinting.
Coming off of the successful yet checkered past of the original Nike Maxfly, the Maxfly 2 promised to deliver better performance and durability than its predecessor.
The question is, can these spikes deliver where the first model fell short? After racing and training in the Maxfly 2 across two full track seasons, I can now answer that question with confidence.
Nike Maxfly 2 — Quick Specs
| Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2 — Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Price | $200–$210 (varies by colorway) — Check latest price |
| Weight | 5.8 oz (men's size 9) |
| Heel Stack Height | 15.9mm |
| Forefoot Stack Height | 17.5mm |
| Drop | -1.6mm (negative drop — forefoot higher than heel) |
| Spike Plate | Full-length carbon fiber Flyplate + 6-pin spike plate |
| Cushioning | Dual-chamber forefoot Air Zoom + ZoomX foam |
| Upper | Flyweave — secure, conforming fit |
| Events | 60m, 100m, 200m, 400m, hurdles, relays |
| Experience Level | Advanced |
| World Athletics Approved | Yes |
| Original Release | May 2024 |
What's New With The Nike Maxfly 2
The Maxfly 2 introduces several design improvements over the original:
- Updated upper with Flyweave yarns for a more secure, conforming fit across different foot shapes.
- Redesigned carbon fiber Flyplate — lighter, more responsive, and matched to the new spike plate.
- Updated spike plate with 6 pins instead of 7, a flatter profile than the original Maxfly, and an elevated medial platform for improved stability on curves.
- Textured spike plate finish for increased traction and improved durability.
- Middle spike removed and big-toe side elevated for better straightaway stability.
My Experience Sprinting In The Maxfly 2
I was sent a pair of these shoes to try out when they first launched in May 2024. I took them to the 2024 Oxy Invite at Occidental College, racing both the 100m and 200m dash in these brand new spikes and winning my 100m heat.
The following week, I set my new season's best time of 10.98 in the 100m in these spikes. Suffice to say, I was pleased with how they perform.
Performance
The Nike Maxfly 2 performs as well as any spike I have worn. I was able to run season's best times in both the 100m and 200m, and the shoe felt especially strong during the maximal velocity phase of the race where the Air Zoom units really come alive.
Fit & Comfort
The Maxfly 2 fits my foot significantly better than its predecessor. The original Maxfly was too tight around the ball of my foot and base of my pinky toe, while the Maxfly 2 gives a good balance of room for your foot without being loose. The Flyweave upper material is soft and comfortable, allowing sprinters to wear these spikes with or without socks.
Sizing note: The Maxfly 2 runs slightly small. I recommend going up half a size from your normal running shoe. Athletes with wider feet may need a full size up.
Ride & Responsiveness
The Maxfly 2 ride is more refined than the first version, feeling more stable while just as responsive. The flatter spike plate eliminates the wobbly feel that came with the original Maxfly, giving more confidence in each step both on the straight and in the turns. Acceleration feels more predictable, and the 200m curve feels noticeably better than in the original model.
These are great spikes for athletes who like a stiff spike plate and bouncy feel, but who want something more stable than the original version.
Long-Term Durability Update (March 2026)
After racing and training in the Maxfly 2 across two full seasons, I can give a more complete picture of durability — which was the original Maxfly's biggest weakness.
The good news: The Maxfly 2 is meaningfully more durable than the original. The spike plate is stronger and more resistant to bending, and the Flyweave upper has held up well. I haven't had an Air Zoom unit pop since 2024, which is a significant improvement over the original where I blew out a Zoom Air unit after just a few practice sessions.
The bad news: I have still had two pairs break over this period, and I've heard from other athletes who have dealt with cracked spike plates or deflating/popping air chambers. Durability remains the Maxfly 2's weakest area relative to its price. If you are training and competing in them heavily, you may go through more than one pair per season.
My recommendation: Reserve the Maxfly 2 for competitions and key speed workouts. Use a cheaper spike like the Nike Superfly Elite 2 or Nike Zoom Rival Sprint for regular practice sessions to extend the Maxfly 2's lifespan.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Elite-level propulsion from dual-chamber Air Zoom units
- Flatter spike plate eliminates the wobbly feel of the original
- Improved fit — more room around ball of foot and pinky toe
- Excellent stability on curves (200m/400m)
- Comfortable Flyweave upper works with or without socks
- Good traction despite fewer spike pins (6 vs 7)
- More durable than the original Maxfly
- World Athletics approved for competition
Cons
- Expensive at $200–$210
- Air Zoom chambers can still deflate/pop over extended use
- Some athletes report cracked spike plates
- Runs small — most need to size up ½ size
- Too aggressive for beginner/intermediate sprinters
- Not ideal for daily training — best reserved for racing
Should You Buy The Nike Maxfly 2?
Yes, if you are an advanced sprinter competing in the 60m through 400m and want the most propulsive sprint spike Nike makes. The Maxfly 2 delivers unmatched responsiveness from its Air Zoom and carbon Flyplate combination. I ran my fastest times in these spikes.
No, if you are a beginner or intermediate sprinter, or if you need a spike that can handle heavy daily training without breaking down. The aggressive ride and premium price point make this a competition-focused spike for experienced athletes.
Alternatives to consider:
- Nike Superfly Elite 2 (~$170) — Traditional feel, more durable, great for athletes who prefer firm ground feedback. Read my review.
- Adidas Adizero Prime SP4 — Lightstrike Pro foam and carbon fiber plate offer a different flavor of super spike propulsion with improved durability.
- Nike Zoom Rival Sprint (~$80) — Best entry-level option for athletes not ready for super spikes.
For a full comparison of all Nike sprint spikes, see my best Nike shoes for sprinters guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nike Maxfly 2 worth $200–$210?
For advanced sprinters competing in the 60m through 400m, yes. The Maxfly 2 delivers elite-level propulsion from its Air Zoom units and carbon Flyplate that no other Nike spike matches. However, durability remains a concern — some athletes report cracked spike plates or deflating Air Zoom chambers. If you're a beginner or intermediate sprinter, the Superfly Elite 2 or Zoom Rival Sprint offer better value.
Nike Maxfly 2 vs Maxfly 1: what changed?
The Maxfly 2 features a flatter, more stable spike plate (6 pins instead of 7), an improved Flyweave upper that fits wider across the toe box, an elevated medial platform for better curve running, and improved durability. The ride feels more refined and stable while retaining the same explosive Air Zoom responsiveness.
How does the Nike Maxfly 2 fit?
The Maxfly 2 runs slightly small. Most sprinters should go up half a size from their normal running shoe. Athletes with wider feet may need to go up a full size. The fit is improved over the original Maxfly, with more room around the ball of the foot and pinky toe. See our sizing guide for more details.
How durable is the Nike Maxfly 2?
Durability is improved over the original Maxfly but remains a weak point for the price. After two seasons of use, I've had two pairs break. Other athletes have reported cracked spike plates or deflating Air Zoom chambers. I recommend reserving the Maxfly 2 for competitions and key workouts rather than daily training.
What events is the Maxfly 2 best for?
The Nike Maxfly 2 is designed for sprint events from 60m to 400m, including hurdles and relays. It excels in the maximal velocity and speed endurance phases. Some 800m runners also use it for its propulsive feel, though it is quite aggressive for that distance.
Nike Maxfly 2 vs Superfly Elite 2: which is better?
The Maxfly 2 offers more propulsion and cushioning through its Air Zoom units and is better for top-end speed. The Superfly Elite 2 provides a firmer, more traditional feel with better ground feedback and costs less at around $170. Advanced sprinters prioritizing speed choose the Maxfly 2, while those wanting a direct track connection prefer the Superfly Elite 2. See my head-to-head comparison.
Nike Maxfly 2 vs Adidas Prime SP4: which should I choose?
Both are elite carbon-plated super spikes. The Maxfly 2 uses Air Zoom cushioning for a bouncier, more propulsive ride. The Adidas Prime SP4 uses Lightstrike Pro foam and a Speed Wedge geometry for a responsive but slightly different feel. The SP4 is generally considered more durable. Try both if possible — personal preference plays a big role at this level.