With the season fast approaching, it’s that time of the year to start thinking about what long-distance spikes you might want for the upcoming season.
With long-distance being one of the most popular categories of running, as you can imagine, there are a lot of spikes to choose from. To take the headache away, I’ve listed the best long-distance ends on the market for 2023.
Nike Air Zoom Victory
The Nike Air Zoom Victory is a significant long distance spike due to its combination of lightweight yet responsive cushioning, flexible and sturdy soleplate, and anatomical toe shape. The Zoom X foam provides energy return, allowing runners to take off with high power, while the carbon-fibre plate helps control foot movement and add stiffness. The Atomknit upper is highly breathable and allows for a barefoot style of running. The six detachable spikes provide excellent traction on the track, and the Sharkskin heel pad adds even more grip. In addition, the Victory is surprisingly lightweight at just over four ounces, making it an ideal choice for those looking to gain an edge in events ranging from 800m to the mile.
Nike ZoomX Dragonfly
The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is an ideal long-distance spike because of its highly responsive and lightweight cushioning, full-length Pebax plate, single-layer fly mesh upper, and Matumbo heel hole. The ZoomX foam provides exceptional energy return, forming a smooth and effortless transition as you travel around corners and sprint straightaways. The shoe also provides a secure and locked-down fit, thanks to its square toebox and mesh material. The Dragonfly is suitable for all-track events 800 meters and longer, making it an ideal long-distance spike for distance runners.
Adidas Adizero Avanti TYO
The Adidas Adizero Avanti TYO is an excellent long distance spike due to its lightweight construction, comfortable fit, and responsive performance. The upper is made of mesh for breathability and features a glove-like fit for added support and security. The LightstrikePro midsole delivers a soft and bouncy ride, while the embedded carbon-infused rods provide moderate cushioning. The shoe also features a Pebax plate outsole with a 4-spike layout for improved grip and added speed. The 6 spike pins are strategically placed under areas of greatest pressure on toe-off for better traction and efficiency. All these features make the Adidas Adizero Avanti TYO an ideal choice for 5,000 to 10,000-meter events.
New Balance MD800 v8
The New Balance MD800 v8 is an excellent long distance spike due to its full-length Pebax plate with 6 pins, which provides propulsion and cushioning for 800 meters up to the 3K. Thanks to its low-cut upper, plus a stretchy and breathable mesh, these spikes are light and airy, allowing for a responsive ride. Additionally, the flat interior seams provide a great fit with no internal rubbing or hot spots, even when worn without socks. Combined, these features help to make the New Balance MD800 v8 an ideal option for long distance races.
Nike Zoom Rival M 9
Due to its lightweight construction, cosy and breathable upper, and snug fit, the Nike Zoom Rival M 9 makes a great long distance spike. A snug and secure fit is made possible while allowing maximum ventilation thanks to the upper’s single layer of breathable mesh and internal Flywire wires. Long-distance runners will appreciate the lightweight spike plate’s improved traction and durability across various distances. Additionally, the Phylon padding and moulded medial arch give the foot the maximum amount of comfort and support, enabling a comfortable run and lowering the possibility of weariness and injury. The Nike Zoom Rival M 9 is a fantastic option for long distance running because of all these qualities.
Asics Hyper MD 7
If you want a lightweight, responsive long-distance spike, the Asics Hyper MD 7 is a great choice. With traditional mesh and taped-on overlays, the upper provides a secure fit and support while running. The five pins on the spike plate offer lots of traction and grip. The Hyper MD 7’s low-cut upper and full-length Pebax plate also gives them an airy, responsive feel that makes them ideal for a range of distances.
Saucony Vendetta 3
The mesh upper of the Saucony Vendetta 3 offers brilliant support without being overly bulky at the same time. The six pin plate is ideal for not just a track but also cross-country giving you maximum grip and a snug fit no matter the conditions. Overall it’s a cosy and supportive ride, see you won’t feel heavy when running longer distances.
Brooks Wire 8
Thanks to its lightweight design, flexible forefoot, and five pins for extra grip, the Brooks Wire 8 is a tremendous overall spike. The midsole of the Wire 8 doesn’t feature a rigid carbon-fibre plate; instead, the spike plate is made from a Pebax material called Xelight, which is designed to provide flexibility and cushioning. The surrounding plastic still has some flexibility, giving the shoe a comfortable and responsive feel. The five pins on the spike plate offer plenty of grip for long-distance speed. Finally, the upper of the Wire 8 is made from an exceptionally fine woven fabric that provides outstanding strength and locked-in support without requiring additional reinforcements. These features combine to make the Wire 8 an ideal spike for long-distance events.
What factors you should consider when buying long distance spikes?
Fit
A good fit is essential for comfort and performance when purchasing long-distance spikes. A proper fit guarantees that your feet will be sturdy and secure when running, preventing blisters or other problems from occurring when your feet slide about in your shoes. By giving your feet the proper support and lowering the stress exerted on them during lengthy runs, a good fit also helps to lower the chance of injury.
Weight
One of the most important factors to consider is weight. Nike Dragonfly has one of the lightest designs, coming in at only 4.4 oz for a men’s size. Therefore, weight is crucial when buying long-distance spikes, as lighter shoes provide more speed and agility.
Cushioning
Cushioning uses shock-absorbing material in the sole of a running shoe, which helps reduce the impact the foot receives during running. This is especially important for long-distance runs, as the foot will be exposed to more impact, and the shoes will have to provide support over an extended period.
Breathability
Better air circulation around the foot is made possible with breathable footwear, helping to minimise moisture and keep your feet dry and at ease. This is crucial for long-distance running, mainly since it enhances performance and lowers the chance of blisters and skin irritation.
Brand reputation
When selecting a pair of long distance spikes, brand reputation might be a key factor. In general, higher-priced companies with a solid track record on the market are expected to offer shoes of greater calibre. Customers may be more willing to spend more for shoes from a reputable, well-known brand.
FAQs
Are there any differences between sprint and distance spikes?
Yes, there are some differences between sprint and distance spikes. Sprint spikes are usually lightweight and have a stiff spike plate that runs the length of the shoe, providing rigidity and power transfer. They also have a more structured upper to lock down the foot to harness the sprinter’s explosive moments. Whereas middle and long-distance spikes have a slightly more cushioned midsole and a cut-out in the midsole section for more flexibility and comfort during long distance races. Long distance spikes also tend to have fewer spikes in the plate, with four or five, compared to sprint and mid-distance spikes ranging from six to eight. The long spikes are also usually smaller, making them more comfortable for long distances. Ultimately, the choice of spike comes down to personal preferences regarding cushioning, stiffness, and geometry.
How much do long distance spikes weigh?
Long distance spikes typically weigh between 3.7 and 5.8 ounces, depending on the brand and gender of the spike.
