Over the past few years, the 200m has been one of the most entertaining events to watch. It’s very competitive and unexpectedly technical. Which is why choosing the best 200m spikes is essential.
As you’re running the curve at speed, you need to select a pair of track spikes that support your feet to maximise energy return and can withstand the lateral load which you put them under.
Here I’m going to go over all the spikes which are available for the 200m.
What are the Best 200m Spikes in 2023
Nike Air Zoom Maxfly
Until Adidas came out with the Prime SP2 spikes, Nike had really stolen the show regarding sprint spikes. No other pair of spikes offered the type of performance that people were raving about with the Air Zoom Maxfly.
Nike has pushed the technical boundary and jammed many features into one pair of spikes. Many of these features we’ve never seen before.
The spike plate offers the best energy return, pushing you down the track, and helping you to a new 200m pb.
They feel great on your feet, with the mesh upper gripping your feet, locking you in, as you run flat out around the bend.
You do need to get used to the amount of bounce you get back from the track while running and the angle at which your foot hits the ground. As the stack height is much greater than other spikes, you can feel off balance if you get it wrong.
Adidas Prime SP 2
The all-new Sprint spikes from Adidas have certainly taken it to the Nike Maxflys. With the development of the Lightstrike Pro on the shoe’s sole, you get an unbelievable energy return from the track. Perfect for pushing you forward in the final stages of the 200m. One advantage of the Prime SP2 is that they feel a lot more at home running around the curve of the bend compared to the Maxflys.
It also helps a number of the top times for the 200m over the last year have all been set using the SP2’s. So you know they just be producing the goods.
Adidas Adizero Prime
The Adidas Adizero prime I feel always need a mention in any best-of sprint spikes.
Being the flagship sprints spikes, Adidas make they do come at a price. Because of the price increase compared to other shoes on the market, it does push them out of the price range for a lot of people.
Being an extremely lightweight pair of track spikes, there are distinct performance advantages. But because they are designed to be lightweight the durability isn’t the best. With many athletes splitting the side of the shoe.
To cut down on weight further, the pins are non-removable, meaning if you walk on hard surfaces and blunt the spikes you will sacrifice grip.
Nike Superfly Elite
The Nike Superfly Elite sprinting spikes look impressive especially when you see the underside of the shoe. So, as I’ve already discussed this part lets go into further details.
The outsole of the shoe is made from the now-famous web design. It allows Nike to change the flexibility and stiffness at the required points along the spike plate. Nike achieves this by changing the size of the cutouts, which in turn also vastly reduces the overall weight of the shoe.
With the seamless fly mesh upper, The material wraps around your foot with aid from the anatomical sock-liner, which also cushions your foot to improve support.
Your feet do not move around in the Nike Superfly Elite, which is good to know for any 200m runners, As the last thing you want is your feet moving around while you’re running round the bend.
One Important thing to consider is the pins being non-removable, which means once they become blunt, you have to change the entire shoe.
The Superfly sprint spikes are versatile and can be used for many sprint distances, not just 100m 200m but all the way up to 400m including hurdles.
Nike Zoom Ja Fly 3
We saw a significant change with the Nike Zoom Ja Fly 3 compared to the previous version.
A lot of new materials were used and slight design changes were added to an entirely new shoe. A welcome shift as companies tends to release the same shoe, with only a colour difference year after year.
The shoe has been designed from the ground up for 200m running and more importantly running around the bend at speed.
It won’t take you long to notice the lacing design on these shoes, as they run down the side of the foot. Nike has done this to hold the foot when sprinting around the curve and to stop lateral movement.
By minimising this movement, you get a higher return of energy, which would usually be wasted. Could make all the difference between winning and losing a race.
The Pebax plate is another significant design change, as we see the addition of the web plate. It’s a new super-lightweight structure designed in a way that allows Nike to apply more significant support to areas of the foot that require it the most, by increasing or decreasing the size of the holes.
Now let’s take a look at the upper, with the new woven upper that uses aerospace materials to cut down on weight but keeps strength and durability.
With the seamless toe tip and asymmetrical tongue, you are guaranteed comfort from the blocks to the finish.
Adidas Adizero Finesse
The spike plate is neutrally balanced, meaning it’s very comfortable when sprinting around the curve and up the straight. Holding 6 pins, for optimum grip throughout the acceleration phase.
For the 2020 season, Adidas has had a significant overhaul of this particular model of spike.
The upper is made from a single piece of synthetic material. Increasing comfort by moulding around your foot for the best supportive feel.
Available in a few colours, You can go for a loud orange or a more subtle black. Both having Large white lines, which consist of the Adidas logo.
I have a slightly narrower foot Than average, and I find the Adidas Adizero Finesse to be the best fit. So if you’re in the same boat as me, then this is something you should consider.
Combining the perfect amount of strength and flexibility, Adidas has managed to create a brilliant pair of spikes for Sprinting around the bend and on the straights.
Under Armour Speedform Sprint 2
Under Armor has been producing excellent spikes over the last few years.
Here we have the speedform sprint 2, which is arguably the most aggressive pair of spikes I’ve listed in this post.
What I mean by being aggressive, Is the sprint spike plate and upper hold your feet in the sprinting position allowing little movement. Intern, it Allows for a greater return in energy from the track but can feel uncomfortable while running if you’re not used to it.
So if you’ve run in that spike model before from Nike, you’re likely to find the speed form sprint 2 very familiar.
The upper is made from synthetic leather to give exceptional comfort with durability and support. The mesh tongue adds excellent ventilation which is breathable, allowing your feet to stay cool on those hot track days.
A lot of you reading this probably haven’t owned a pair of under armour spikes before. But don’t forget Under Armor are a large company with many year’s of experience making sports products, So you can rest assured you’re getting a quality product.
Notable mentions
A few other track spikes which I think need to be mentioned are the Saucony Spitfire and the New Balance Vazee.
Both provide excellent feel when running the 200m and most importantly is excellent value for money.
Conclusion
Finding your ideal pair of 200m spikes can be a bit of a minefield. When you factor in sprinting around the curve/bend, getting a pair that feel comfortable for all parts of the race can be difficult.
A safe option if you’re unsure which one to get and haven’t tried on any of the spikes I’ve listed above will be the Adidas Sprint Spikes.
From the design and support, the finesse and prime are neutral and will suit a majority of athletes running style.
If you can get hold of the Nike Ja 3 and test them out, it will put your mind and rest before purchasing. I say this as the design of the lace structure is different from most other spikes, and it does change the direction the force is put into the track on each stride.