Best Sprinting Shoes in 2023

If you're going to be sprinting fast, you need the best sprinting shoes. These are the best running shoes for track practice in my experience as a track coach & competitive sprinter.

6 Best Running Shoes For Track Practice

1. Antepes Muscle Runners
2. Nike Pegasus 40
3. Brooks Levitate 6
4. Hoka Carbon X 3
5. Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
6. Adidas Ultraboost 5.0

What Shoes Are Good For Sprinting?

To run your fastest, you need the right sprinting shoes.

Typically, sprinters will use running shoes for track practice during their warm ups, tempo endurance workouts, as well as in the gym or during plyometric training. Most sprinters will go through a pair of sprinting shoes once per season.

When competing, sprinters wear sprint spikes, as these provide grip, stability, great energy return, and weigh very little. Spikes are great for sprinting performance, but you need different footwear for different types of workouts. 

Because running shoes are used in much of the sprinters' training, as well as the fact that not everybody has access to synthetic tracks, it is important that you buy good shoes if you plan to sprint in them.

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What Makes A Good Shoe For Sprinting?

For sprinting, you want to look for running shoes that offer a snug fit, good stability, high energy return, and that strike a balance between low weight while being durable enough to handle the rigors of sprinting. This article seeks to provide you with shoes that fit our criteria for what makes a good sprinting shoe.

A Good Fit

As with any shoe, the best shoes for sprinting need to fit properly. For sprinting, we want something that hugs the feet without squeezing it too hard. If the shoes are too tight, they will put unnecessary pressure on the bones of the foot. If they’re too loose, the foot will move around excessively and lead to squishy ground contacts, premature wear on the shoes, and possibly injury.

Good Stability

Running shoes for sprinters need to offer enough stability that the athlete can be comfortable aggressively attacking the ground. Running shoes that lack support, are too tall, or have a rounded outsole may give the sprinter a feeling of instability. If the runner feels unstable, their brain will not produce as much force compared to if the brain feels it is safe to attack the ground in each stride.

High Energy Return

Sprinters use sprint spikes in large part because they help conserve energy by allowing the foot to easily bounce off of the ground each step. This allows for speed to be maintained and for short ground contact times to occur. Sprinting shoes with high-tech foam or carbon plates can help improve energy return and keep you sprinting fast.

Light Yet Durable

Lastly, running shoes for sprinting should be both durable and lightweight. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to go sprinting in work boots. With running shoes, we want to find shoes that are stable and durable enough to handle the high forces of sprinting, but lightweight enough to not disrupt sprinting technique. Shoes weighing less than 12 ounces will be comfortable for most people.

Best Running Shoes For Sprinting

#1 - Antepes Muscle Runner

The Antepes Muscle Runner is in my opinion the best running shoe for sprinting. I use them for most of my workouts, and recommend them highly for anyone serious about sprinting.

The Muscle Runners were designed specifically to facilitate proper sprinting foot strike and technique, and are unlike any other shoe that I have sprinted in. You can check out my review of these shoes on YouTube.

The Muscle Runners feature a shape similar to a pair of sprinting spikes, eliminating the thick heel of most running shoes. This design allows you to sprint with proper form, fully utilize the stretch shortening cycle of the calf and achilles during ground contact, and develop your lower legs like no other shoe on the market.

I have used these shoes during acceleration and speed workouts, tempo endurance runs, stair sprints, sled pushes, and on certain jumping exercises. In each case, the Muscle Runners ensured that I was contacting the ground on the ball of my foot, and allowed me to sprint like I was in spikes regardless of the surface I was training on.

Weighing 9 ounces, the Muscle Runners are lightweight enough to sprint fast in, while having ample cushioning and support so you can handle the high force impacts of sprinting.

These running shoes for sprinting feature a carbon plate that gives great bounce with each step, multiple layers of high quality foam, and a form-fitting breathable upper material that will keep you comfortable during grueling workouts.

Antepes Muscle Runner reviews:

• "After my first workout with these shoes I could already tell how effective these are going to be for my running improvement. The shoe forces perfect running form which by default forces the proper muscles to activate. Let me tell you… I was sore and I am excited to use them to grow and elevate my running ability!"
• "These shoes really forced me to run faster while engaging my calves all while reducing the joint impact. They work and they’ll make you sweat!"

Antepes Muscle Runner 40 Details:

• Weight: 9 ounces.
• Carbon Plate: Yes
• True To Size: Yes
• Price: $210.00 (On sale for $160)

#2 - Nike Pegasus 40

The Nike Pegasus 40 is a good shoe for sprinting. This is the go-to shoe for many NCAA track & field teams provided to their athletes.

Over time I have used many variations of the Nike Pegasus running shoe, and the Pegasus 39 is right up there with the best of them. These sprint shoes are good for sprinting as they are lightweight yet stable, provide good grip but are not clunky or too heavy.

Coming in at 8.8 ounces, the Nike Pegasus 40 will give you the support you need while allowing you to sprint without feeling like you're wearing bricks on your feet.

If you are looking for a quality, affordable running shoe for sprinting, the Nike Pegasus 40 is a good option.

Nike Pegasus 40reviews:

• "They are durable, light yet supportive, super comfortable, and form-fitting. The bottom of the shoe is equivalent to tires, as the traction is really good."
• "When I first wore these shoes it felt like walking on clouds. They’re very lightweight but also very durable. I’ve worn them jogging in the beginning and I’ve had to jog in rain and they held up really well!"

Nike Pegasus 40 Details:

• Weight: 8.8 ounces.
• Carbon Plate: No
• True To Size: Yes
• Price: $130.00

#3 - Brooks Levitate 6

The Brooks Levitate 6 is one of my favorite running shoes for sprinting. The neutral ride, responsive ground contacts, and stretchy upper material make this a great shoe for sprinting.

One problem I have had with finding shoes that are good for sprinting is that many of the shoes on the market have a thick heel which disrupts my sprinting technique. With the Brooks Levitate 6, I feel like I can sprint properly, perform plyometrics, and even lift weights, all while feeling stable and planted into the ground. Compared to the Levitate 5, the 6th generation comes in at one ounce lighter.

The DNA Amp midsole helps return energy from the ground so you can sprint fast without leaving any speed on the table. The outer sole material provides good grip in both dry and wet conditions, and these shoes will make sprinting intervals or warming up a breeze.

Another aspect of these shoes that I appreciate is their breathable upper which stretches to fit your foot. This helps keep your feet dry, your shoes smelling fresh and ensures that your foot will not slide around while sprinting in this shoe.

I would consider ordering a half-size larger if you are in-between sizes, as some people complain the toe box is narrow and that the shoe runs slightly small.

Brooks Levitate 6 Reviews:

• "My new favorite shoe. Fits like a glove."
• "After trying numerous brands and styles, I found the Levitate 5 to be a very good choice. It has some cushioning which I prefer to very mushy cushioning which is now the latest fad."
• "Very comfortable and lightweight."

Brooks Levitate 6 Product Details:

• Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Carbon Plate: No
• True To Size: Yes, slightly small for some.
• Price: $149.95

#4 - Hoka Carbon X 3

The Hoka Carbon X 3 is well regarded by road runners and track runners alike for its responsive, propulsive ride, breathable upper material, and its carbon fiber plate.

The Carbon X 3 is a good shoe for sprinting if you like a very supportive but responsive shoe. This running shoe has ample support and cushioning to protect your body from the impacts of sprinting, while also feeling quick off of the ground and bouncy so you can sprint your fastest.

Hoka One One is known for building some of the best running shoes on the market, and over time they have moved from focusing on trail running to offering shoes that can fit a wider range of athletic needs.

If you are looking for a good shoe for sprinting that offers maximum support while also allowing for fast speeds and good energy return, the Hoka Carbon X 3 is a good option for you.

The main problem with these shoes is that they do not have a great amount of grip, so athletes who are sprinting fast on the turns or sprinting in wet environments might need a different shoe, such as the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 which is discussed later in this post.

Hoka Carbon X 3 reviews:

• "These are the greatest shoes I have ever wore. No exaggeration."
• "I didn't think it would make such a change in my running and time but it made me run better and faster."
• "True to size. Wide toe box. Super comfy sole and upper. Running in them is a smooth, comfy ride. Zero grip, though."

Hoka Carbon X 3 Details:

• Weight: 9.1 ounces.
• Carbon Plate: Yes
• True To Size: Yes
• Price: $200.00

#5 - Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a performance running shoe designed for speed and efficiency. It's a lightweight shoe with a sleek design and features that cater to runners who prioritize speed and responsiveness.

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is best for road running and track workouts, due to its speed-oriented design that is great for sprinting. It's not ideal for trail running or rougher terrain as it's designed for smooth surfaces.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Features:

• Lightweight design: The shoe weighs in at a mere 7 ounces, making it one of the lightest shoes on the market, providing a nimble and fast feel to runners.
• Responsive midsole: The Endorphin Speed 3 features a PWRRUN PB midsole, which provides a responsive and cushioned feel with every stride.
• Secure fit: The shoe has a snug fit and a lockdown lacing system that helps to keep the foot in place, preventing any slippage during runs.
• Breathable upper: The upper of the Endorphin Speed 3 is made of a breathable mesh material, which helps to keep the feet cool and dry during runs.

Overall, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a high-performance running shoe that's designed for speed and efficiency. With its lightweight design, responsive midsole, secure fit, and breathable upper, it's a great option for runners looking to pick up the pace and achieve their fastest times yet.

Athletes who perform fast sprints on the turn or who sprint in wet conditions will appreciate the grip of these running shoes.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Reviews:

• "The Endorphin Speed 3 has a fantastic fit and feel, providing a lightweight and responsive ride. It's a great shoe for fast-paced runs and track workouts."

• "I love the speed and efficiency of the Endorphin Speed 3. It's a shoe that really makes you feel like you can pick up the pace and go for it."

• "The lockdown lacing system is a game-changer for me. It keeps my foot securely in place, allowing me to focus on my run without any distractions."

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Product Details:

• Weight: 7 Ounces
• Carbon Plate: No
• True To Size: Yes
• Price: $169.95

#6 - Adidas Ultraboost 5.0

The Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 is a favorite of track athletes for its aesthetic style and lightweight feel. Athletes who prefer a low-profile shoe with a soft feel will find that the Ultraboost 5.0 is a good shoe for sprinting.

The Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 comes in at 1 ounce lighter than the Ultraboost DNA, but has the same overall design and quality.

This running shoe for sprinting has a "primeknit" upper that stretches to fit your foot, holding it snugly in place while you sprint or go for a run. The Torsion system of the middle of the shoe helps keep your foot planted within the shoe, and the molded heel ensures your Achilles tendon can operate optimally without being impeded by the build of the shoe.

This shoe is slightly heavier than the others on this list, but that extra weight can help improve stability during ground contact and ensure the shoe is durable enough for high-intensity sprinting workouts on the track.

Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 Reviews:

• "Super comfortable for walking and toe box allows enough room for the foot to not be scrunched."
• "Perfect fit and style. Love the support and comfort."

Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 Product Details:

• Weight: 10 ounces
• Carbon Plate: No
• True To Size: Yes
• Price: $189.95