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!

Tips for Picking Track Spikes & Field Shoes

Best Track Spikes and Field Shoes of 2017-2018

Track Events

Best Sprinting Track Spikes

First off, let’s look at the best shoes for track running. 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 adiZero Prime Finesse, the Under Armour Speedform Sprint Pro 2, and the Nike Zoom Superfly Elite.

Best Mid-Distance Track 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 Under Armour Speedform Miler Pro 2, Nike Zoom Rival MD 8, and the Nike Zoom Victory 3.

Best Long-Distance Track 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 Brooks The Wire v5, the HOKA ONE ONE Rocket LD, and the Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 when it comes to long-distance running.

Best Track Spikes for Hurdles

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 Nike Zoom Superfly Elite, Adidas adiZero Prime Accelerator, and the Under Armour Kick Sprint.

Jumping Events

Best Track Spikes for Long Jump

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 Nike Zoom LJ 4, Adidas Adizero LJ, and the specifically designed ASICS Long Jump Pro.

Best Track Spikes for Triple Jump

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 Adidas Adizero TJ/PV, Nike Zoom TJ Elite, and the Saucony Soarin J2 when it comes to triple jump spikes.

Best Track Spikes for Pole Vault

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 Adidas adiZero TJ/PV, Nike Zoom PV II, and the Saucony Soarin J2.

Best Track Spikes for High Jump

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 Adidas adiZero HJ, Nike Zoom HJ Elite, and the Saucony Uplift HJ2.

Throwing Events

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 Adizero Discus/Hammer, Nike Zoom Rotational 6, and the ASICS Throw Pro.

Best Shot Put 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 ASICS Throw Pro, Adidas adiZero Shotput, and the Nike Zoom Rotational 6.