Track and field is a very demanding sport, and such a demanding sport means proper equipment will be essential. Of course, since track and field is based on athletics, it only makes sense that you’ll want some great athletic shoes on your feet so that you can perform at your very best. But picking a pair isn’t exactly clockwork, which is probably why you’re reading this (if you haven’t, read our guide on track and field shoes). In the end, what you really want is the best footwear available, and we aim to help you find them. Thus, we’ve compiled a list of the best track spikes and field shoes so you can rest easy but train hard knowing you’ve got the right shoes on. So, here are our recommendations for the best track spikes, the best jumping spikes, and the best throwing shoes. Let’s get started!
Best Track Spikes and Field Shoes (Our Top Medalists)
Track Events
Sprinting Mid-Distance Long-Distance Hurdles
Adidas Sprintstar
Saucony Vendetta
Nike Zoom Rival D 9
Under Armour Kick Sprint
Under Armour Speedform Sprint
Saucony Ballista
Adidas Adizero Avanti
Nike Zoom Maxcat 4
Nike Zoom Superfly Elite
Nike Zoom Victory Elite 2
HOKA ONE ONE Speed Evo R
Adidas adiZero Prime SP
Best Sprinting Spikes
Sprinting spikes are for races anywhere from 100-400m where you are running in a straight line or there is one turn. Since you’re meant to run on the balls of your forefoot, sprinting spikes only have spikes in the very front of the outsole. There is also very little cushioning and the spike plate is stiff for maximum power transfer.
Our top choices for sprinting spikes are the Adidas Sprintstar, the Under Armour Speedform Sprint, and the Nike Zoom Superfly Elite.
Best Mid-Distance Spikes
Middle-distance spikes are meant to be used for 800 to 5000m races, and have a nice balance between plate stiffness, flexibility, and cushioning.
Our top choices for middle-distance spikes are the Saucony Vendetta, Saucony Ballista, and the Nike Zoom Victory Elite 2.
Best Long-Distance Spikes
Long-distance running spikes will have the most cushioning available, all while remaining light, flexible, and durable. Best for races over 5000m.
We recommend the Nike Zoom Rival D 9, the Adidas Adizero Avanti, and the HOKA ONE ONE Speed Evo R when it comes to long-distance running.
Best Hurdle Spikes
Most hurdlers use either a flexible sprint spike or a middle-distance spike since there’s a good amount of flex and cushioning with these. Too stiff of a plate and it’ll be hard to jump and can cause pain.
The best hurdle spikes in our opinion are the Under Armour Kick Sprint, Nike Zoom Maxcat 4, and the Adidas Adizero Prime Sprint.
Jumping Events
Long Jump
Triple Jump
Pole Vault
High Jump
Saucony Soarin J 2
Saucony Soarin J 2
Saucony Soarin J 2
Saucony Uplift HJ
Adidas adiZero LJ
Adidas adiZero TJ/PV
Adidas adiZero LJ/PV 2
Adidas adiZero HJ
ASICS Long Jump Pro
Nike Zoom TJ Elite
Nike Zoom PV II
Nike Zoom HJ Elite
Best Long Jump Spikes
Specific long jump spikes will be labeled LJ, but you can also use some triple jump and pole vault spikes as well since the disciplines are so similar. Regardless, there will be padding in the heel and a very stiff spike plate to help you with planting and landing.
Our top choices for long jump spikes are the Saucony Soarin J 2, Adidas Adizero LJ, and the specifically designed ASICS Long Jump Pro.
Best Triple Jump Spikes
Triple jump spikes will be labeled TJ, and are slightly more flexible than dedicated long jump spikes. It will also have ample heel cushioning to prevent heel bruises.
We recommend the Saucony Soarin J 2 as well, the Adidas Adizero TJ/PV, and the Nike Zoom TJ Elite when it comes to triple jump spikes.
Best Pole Vault Spikes
Pole vault spikes will be labeled PV, but you can also use LJ or TJ spikes as well. The only difference is that dedicated pole vault spikes will often feature a heel-to-toe offset that helps the transition to vaulting easier.
The best pole vault spikes include the Saucony Soarin J 2, Adidas Adizero LJ/PV 2, and the Nike Zoom PV II.
Best High Jump Spikes
High jump spikes are a bit different than spikes for the other three jumping events. You’ll notice this when looking at the spike plate underneath. They feature spikes on the front as well as the heel of the shoe to assist with planting. There is also lots of support in the forefoot, midfoot, and heel areas of the shoe.
Our top choices for high jump spikes are the Saucony Uplift HJ, Adidas Adizero HJ, and the Nike Zoom HJ Elite.
Throwing Events
Javelin Throw
Hammer Throw
Discus Throw
Shot Put
Saucony Lanzar Jav 2
Adidas Throwstar
Adidas Throwstar
Nike Zoom Rival SD 2
Adidas adiZero Javelin
Adidas adiZero DH
Adidas adiZero DH
Saucony Unleash SD 2
ASICS Javelin Pro
ASICS Throw Pro
ASICS Throw Pro
ASICS Throw Pro
Best Javelin Boots
Javelin boots are the only throwing shoes that have spikes, and they tend to be a bit bulkier than other types of spikes. That’s because most javelin boots have extra ankle support and the most popular boots come in mid-top and high-top options.
The best spikes for the javelin throw include the Saucony Lanzar Jav 2, the Adidas Adizero Javelin, and the ASICS Javelin Pro.
Best Hammer/Discus Shoes
Hammer and discus shoes are pretty much one and the same. They feature a smooth and rounded outsole for better spin while in the throwing ring.
Our top recommendations for hammer and discus events would have to be the Adidas Throwstar, Adidas Adizero Discus/Hammer, and the ASICS Throw Pro.
Best Shotput Shoes
Shot put shoes are a little bit different from hammer/discus shoes since there’s no spinning involved in this event. As such, a shot put shoe will be slightly curved with a wide, flat heel. The outsole will also be a little textured to provide lateral stability when throwing.
For shotput shoes, we had to go with the Nike Zoom Rival SD 2, the Saucony Unleash SD 2, and the ASICS Throw Pro.