Best Sprinting Shoes 2018 | Sprint Spikes – Runner’s World
Best Sprinting Shoes 2018 | Sprint Spikes Runner’s World
Here are eight racing shoes—including track spikes, racers, and lightweight running shoes—that will make that time goal more attainable on the bell lap.
If you have the need for speed, you want a shoe that’ll help launch you through all your sprinting efforts, whether you’re doing short intervals for longer race efforts (or just to get faster in your day-to-day running), or racing short to middle distance on the track.
Fast footwear means lightweight, relatively stiff-soled shoes with an outsole that’ll grip the track surface and help propel you toward greatness—or, at least, a great effort. Having the right footwear can make the experience all the more fun and swift.
Options
For serious racing on the track, and for the training that leads up to it, you’ll want track spikes—extremely lightweight, stiff-soled shoes that envelop your feet and have spikes (aka, “pins”) attached underneath the forefoot. Track spikes for sprinters features multiple pins under the forefoot and minimal structure in the heel, while spikes for middle and longer distance have less pins and a more supportive heel. The pros of track spikes are that there’s no faster footwear for track running. The cons are that, no, you can’t wear them anywhere else.
Racing flats, which are lightweight shoes with minimal cushioning meant to maximize a race effort, are more versatile than track spikes in that you can wear them to run and race on the track, and the road.
And lightweight running shoes still work on the track, and are better for fast efforts than heavier-weight trainers, but they’re not speed machines like track spikes or racing flats. You’ll have to rely more on yourself for that.
We’ve selections from the above categories to suit your preferences and need for speed.
Track Spikes
Brooks QW-K v3
Price: $110
Weight: 4.7 oz
Brooks
An aggressively rigid spike plate holds seven spikes that are placed specifically for sprints up to 400m. The Pebax spike plate with a nylon interior plate maximizes the strength-to-weight ratio of this shoe. A woven upper wraps around the foot for a sock-like fit. Note: Unisex sizing.
Hoka One One Rocket MD
Price: $80
Weight: 4.5 oz
Hoka One One
Yes, Hoka One One—famous for their fat midsoles—makes a track spike. The Rocket MD features a lightweight, yet supportive upper with heat-molded overlays (read: no heavy, stitched overlays). A partly carbon fiber spike plate tuned for middle distance—not too flimsy, not too firm—makes this a great choice for races and efforts like the 800, or the 300 hurdles. And an asymmetrical spike placement tuned for left turns on a track maximizes toe-off while saving weight.
Brooks ELMN8 v4
Price: $120
Weight: 4.2 oz
Brooks
These shoes feature a spike plate specifically designed for distances between 400 and 1200 meters. A new, woven upper wraps around feet like a supportive sock, and helps keep the weight of this shoe feathery light. The eight-pin spike plate is full-length, with carbon fiber on the interior to help propulsion. Note: Unisex sizing.
Under Armour Speedform Sprint 2
Price: $120
Weight: 6.25 oz
Under Armour
These eight-pin spikes employ Under Armour’s SpeedForm construction to maximize the feeling of the shoe molding around your foot for optimal efficiency. An embroidered upper and seamless heel cup with silicone grip help lock your foot in place and feel supportive through fast efforts. And a full-length spike plate is rigid, strong, and light. Note: Unisex sizing.
Saucony Showdown 4
Price: $110
Weight: 6.4 oz (M), 5.7 oz (W)
Saucony
A combination of a form-fitting lacing system known as Saucony IsoFit, and the company’s FlexFilm overlays (stretchy yet strong material) keep your foot secure in these spikes. A Pebax spike plate is stiff and lightweight, and holds 10 pins per shoe. Comes in both women’s and men’s.
Racing Flats
New Balance Hanzo S
Price: $120
Weight: 6.8 oz (M), 5.4 oz (W)
New Balance
With its sleek, streamlined profile, and feathery weight, the Hanzo (women’s referred to as “Whanz”) is ready to fly whether you’re on the track, treadmill, or road. A light and springy RevLite midsole compound carried through the outsole, aside from harder rubber traction under the forefoot, keeps the Hanzo S feeling fast.
Asics Gel-451
Price: $115
Weight: 7.1 oz (M), 6.0 oz (W)
Asics
A BOA system lets you dial in a secure fit via Kevlar laces in this speed-oriented shoe. The new Gel-451 features gel in the rearfoot, and a super-durable rubber on the outsole to withstand your fastest running on all surfaces. The company’s Guidance Line midsole technology aims to keep your gait smooth.
Lightweight Running Shoes
Altra Solstice
Price: $90
Weight: 7.7 oz (M), 6.4 oz (W)
Altra
The Altra Solstice is about as lightweight as a running shoe can be while still providing springy cushioning. An engineered mesh upper and EVA midsole that extends to the outsole save weight. The Solstice is a highly flexible shoe, allowing you to run on the ball of your foot. And, like all Altra shoes, the Solstice is zero drop between the heel and forefoot.