The Best Nike Shoes For Sprinters
Sprinters need the right shoes so they can complete sprint workouts safely and effectively.
Sprinters need both quality running shoes and fast sprinting spikes. Based on my personal testing of various shoes for sprinting, this article will discuss the best Nike sprint spikes Nike running shoes for sprinters
What this article will cover:
- Best Nike Sprint Spikes
- Best Nike Running Shoes For Sprinters
- Descriptions Of Best Nike Shoes For Spritners
- Types Of Shoes Sprinters Use
- Why Sprinters Use Track Spikes
Best Nike Track Spikes For Sprinters
- Nike Air Zoom Maxfly (Best for performance)
- Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 (Great upgrade from Rival S)
- Nike Zoom Rival (Best for beginner sprinters)
Best Nike Running Shoes For Sprinters
- Nike Structure 24 (Supportive & neutral feel)
- Nike Pegasus 39 (Lower profile, more drop from heel to toe)
- Nike Winflo 9 (Good budget option, lightweight)
The Best Nike Track Spikes For Sprinters
Here are the three best Nike sprint spikes available in 2023.
#1 - Nike Air Zoom Maxfly Sprint Spikes
The Nike Air Zoom Maxfly holds the title of the best Nike sprint spikes in 2023.
The Nike MaxFly utilizes two full-length plates, including a carbon fiber plate and an additional stiff spike plate.
The MaxFly is a very stiff spike, but the ZoomX foam makes these track spikes feel soft during ground contacts yet bouncy and reactive off of the ground. Since using them, I noticed that my lower legs felt less stressed, likely due to the impact reduction of the foam.
These spikes shine during the sprint's maximal velocity and speed endurance phases. The combination of rigid plates and bouncy foam makes it easier to stay relaxed while maintaining a high stride frequency and stride length, which helps improve your top speed and speed maintenance.
I used the Nike Maxfly last season and ended up running my fastest times since college, which suggests that these spikes are great for sprinting fast and running good times.
Sprinters looking for the highest performance level in a pair of Nike track spikes, especially those who want to improve their speed and speed endurance, should consider the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly.
Learn more about these Nike sprinter spikes in my Nike Air Zoom Maxfly review.
Nike Air Zoom MaxFly Details:
- Weight: 5.7 ounces
- Events: 60m, 100m, 110mH/100mH, 4x100m, 200m, 400m, 4x400m
- Experience Level: Advanced
- Check The Latest Price.
#2 - Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 Track Spikes
Another great pair of Nike sprint spikes is the Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2.
Compared to the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly, the Superfly Elite 2's are a more traditionally designed sprinting shoe that provides excellent comfort, moderate stiffness, and great grip.
When sprinting in the Superfly Elite 2 spikes, I found they fit comfortably, are lightweight, and have good breathability.
Because these spikes lack the foam of the Nike Maxfly, you will likely feel the impact of each stride more in your lower legs when you sprint in the Superfly Elite 2's. This isn't a problem, as it gives you more feedback from the ground so you can control every step.
Sprinters on my track team who upgraded from the Nike Zoom Rival S love the Superfly Elite 2's, as they feel much more springy and reactive than the entry-level Rival S.
The Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 is a good choice for athletes looking for a low-profile pair of spikes that combine simplicity with high performance.
You can learn more about these spikes in my Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 review.
Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 Details:
- Weight: 5.2 Ounces
- Events: 60m,100m, 110mH/100mH, 4x100m, 200m, 400m, 4x400m
- Experience Level: Intermediate & Advanced
- Check the latest price at.
#3 - Nike Zoom Rival Spikes
The Nike Zoom Rival is the best pair of Nike sprint spikes for high school and youth athletes new to track & field.
The Nike Zoom Rival spikes are dseigned for beginner sprinters.
The Nike Zoom Rival features a lightweight and comfortable design with a forgiving half-length spike plate. This spike plate is not as stiff as the MaxFly or Superfly Elite spikes.
Since new sprinters do not have the same foot and calf strength as advanced sprinters, starting with a more flexible pair of spikes can be an excellent way to introduce athletes to sprinting spikes.
Additionally, these are the cheapest sprint spikes in the Nike lineup, allowing athletes to try out sprinting spikes without investing too much.
If you are a youth or high school sprinter still developing, the Nike Zoom Rival is a good choice for you.
Nike Zoom Rival Details:
- Weight: 6.2 Ounces
- Events: 60m, 100m, 110mH/100mH, 4x100m, 200m, 400m, 4x400m
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Check the latest price.
3 Best Nike Running Shoes For Sprinters
Here are my favorite Nike running shoes that are great for sprinters. After testing out various options, these three Nike shoes are my top choices for sprinters.
#1 - Nike Structure 24
The Nike Structure 24 is my favorite Nike running shoe for sprinters.
With the lowest heel drop and most stability out of the three shoes mentioned here, the Nike Structure 24 keeps me feeling good during warm-ups and workouts.
The neutral, stable, and flat feel of the Nike Structure 24 helps me feel good when warming up for sprint workouts, performing sprint drills like ankle dribbles, and during plyometric exercises such as bounds or hops.
Because this shoe is more stable than other Nike running shoes, these are suitable for use when running at the track, performing sled pulls, or lifting weights. That said, I suggest you pick up a pair of Nike Metcon 8's for your strength training workouts.
The Nike Structure 24 weighs the most out of the top 3 Nike shoes for sprinters, but not so much that it is disruptive to your running. The extra couple of ounces will help strengthen your hip flexors and hamstrings as you run workouts in these shoes.
If you want a stable, dependable shoe that can handle the rigors of sprinting workouts, pick up a pair of Nike Structure 24 running shoes.
Nike Structure 24 Details:
- Weight: 11oz/312g
- Heel Drop: 8mm
- Shoe Type: Neutral Stability Running Shoe
- Check out the latest price.
#2 - Nike Pegasus 40
The Nike Pegasus 40 is likely the most popular Nike shoe amongst sprinters, especially collegiate athletes provided shoes by their team.
The Nike Pegasus 39 is designed with Zoom Air cushioning, which gives the Pegasus a soft but springy feel. The rocker style design makes it easy to roll through the ball of the foot and propel off your toes, making these a good shoe for running tempo workouts, warming up for sprints, or doing plyometric exercises.
While I like the Nike Pegasus 39, I went with the Nike Structure 24 because there is less drop from heel to toe. I prefer the more flat feel of the structure, but the Pegasus 39 is great for athletes looking for a lighter running shoe with more heel drop.
Overall, if you want a lightweight, responsive training shoe for track practice, the Nike Pegasus 39 will get the job done well.
Nike Pegasus 39 Details:
- Weight: 8.8oz/249g
- Heel Drop: 10mm
- Shoe Type: Neutral Running Shoe
- Check out the latest price.
#3 - Nike Winflo 10
The Nike Winflo 10 is another good pair of running shoes for sprinters.
The Winflo 10 sits between the Structure 24 and Pegasus 40 as a stable but light shoe with good cushioning.
Athletes who want more cushioning in the heel than the Pegasus but the same amount of heel drop will find the Nike Winflo 9 to fit their needs.
I have a pair of Winflos that I use at practice, and they are nearly as comfortable as my Nike Structure shoes. While the drop is measured as the same as the Pegasus 39, I do not notice the drop as much in the Winflo 9.
If you want a running shoe that you can use for sprints and other activities with ample cushioning and a soft feel, the Nike Winflo 9 will be a good choice.
Nike Winflo 9 Details:
- Weight: 10oz/283g
- Heel Drop: 10mm
- Shoe Type: Cushioned Running Shoe
- Check out the latest price.
Types Of Shoes You Need For Sprinting
Shoes for sprinters fall into two categories: running shoes and track spikes.
Running Shoes For Sprinters
Running shoes are used by sprinters in nearly all of their training, aside from sprints performed in spikes. Whether warming up for practice or going through a slower-paced workout, sprinters must have quality running shoes.
Sprinters use running shoes for various types of work, including:
- Warming up for practice
- Performing sprint drills
- Performing plyometrics
- Tempo endurance and circuit training
- Strength Training (though for that, I suggest reading the Nike Metcon 8 review I made)
Track Spikes For Sprinters
Track spikes are the specific type of shoe sprinters wear in their fast workouts and competitions. Sometimes called track cleats, sprint spikes feature rigid spike plates that store energy and help propel the athlete down the track while featuring metal spike pins that grip the track and ensure adequate traction.
To sprint as fast as possible, sprinters use track spikes to apply as much force as possible into the track with every step. Track spikes are typically very light and provide the most responsiveness of any other type of shoe.
To sprint as fast as possible and compete in track and field, you need a pair of sprint spikes for track.
Best Nike Shoes For Sprinting
Based on my experience as a sprinter and track coach, these are the best Nike shoes for sprinting:
- Nike Air Zoom Maxfly Spikes (Best for performance)
- Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 Spikes (Great upgrade from Rival S)
- Nike Zoom Rival Spikes (Best for beginner sprinters)
- Nike Structure 24 (Supportive & neutral feel)
- Nike Pegasus 40 (Lower profile, more drop from heel to toe)
- Nike Winflo 10 (Good budget option, lightweight)
As far as Nike track spikes, advanced sprinters will like the Maxflys most but will also find that the Superfly Elite 2's work nearly as well, and the Zoom Rival is best for beginner sprinters.
For the best Nike running shoes for sprinters, the Nike Structure 24, Pegasus 39, and Winflo 9 will all be good choices. The Structure 24 is best if you want a supportive, neutral feel, while the Pegasus 39 is the lightest, and the Winflo 9 has the softest feel.
Whichever way you go, these Nike shoes for sprinting will help you achieve your best performances and keep you feeling fast on the track!