Whilst most amateur runners focus on 10k races, half marathons, and marathons as their goal, and Crossfitters concentrate on 100-200m sprints, there are still a lot of people who enjoy the middle distance races. You’ve got your 800m, 1500m, and your 5k races that are all performed on the running track.
Just as sprinters have specific track spikes and marathon runners have their running flats, middle distance runners have specific spike shoes that would help them get the most out of their ability. In this article we will take a look at some of the best track spikes available on the market right now.
Difference Between Sprint And Middle Distance Spikes
There aren’t too many differences between the spikes used for sprinting and the spikes used for longer distances. The spike plate in middle distance running shoes is more flexible allowing for a bit more comfort on the longer journey. The main difference though is that sprint shoes tend to have almost no cushioning at all while middle distance shoes can have quite a bit, almost as much as regular running shoes.
| Name | Weight | Distance | Style | Total | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saucony Vendetta | 150g 3/5 | 1500-5000m | 2/5 | 10/15 | Check Price |
| Saucony Men's Vendetta 2 | 150g 3/5 | 400-5000m | 4/5 | 10/15 | Check Price |
| Nike Zoom Victory 3 | 99g 5/5 | 400-1500m | 4/5 | 12/15 | Check Price |
| Saucony Men's Ballista 2 | 120g 4/5 | 800-1500m | 5/5 | 14/15 | Check Price |
| Adidas Adizero Finesse Spike | 150g 3/5 | 400-5000m | 4/5 | 8/15 | Check Price |
| Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 | 108g 5/5 | 3000-10000m | 3/5 | 9/15 | Check Price |
| New Balance 500 V6 | 161g 2/5 | 400-3000m | 4/5 | 11/15 | Check Price |
Middle Distance Track Shoes #1: Saucony Vendetta Track Spike Racing Shoe
Saucony are a well known spiked shoe manufacturer who create excellent products. Their Vendetta track spike racing shoe is no exception. Containing 6 spikes around the edges of the sole and a small but effective cushion. These shoes would be perfect for a 1500m race or even a 5k. The shoe only weighs 150g which is incredibly light for a track shoe, and it contains a full body mesh that will help it fit your foot perfectly.
Middle Distance Track Shoes #2: Saucony Men’s Vendetta 2 Track and Field Shoe
The Saucony Men’s Vendetta 2 track and field shoe is one of the best middle distance shoes around, designed for anything from 400m to 5k races. The shoes use a six pin spike plate, which is perfect for middle distance running. The shoes have a breathable mesh upper, which really helps keep your feet cool and dry while running.
The shoes also use a synthetic sole. For the price that they are sold at you are getting an excellent deal. They are durable, comfortable, and just the right weight. They will last you many races, and will help you to run your best races.
Middle Distance Track Shoes #3: Nike Zoom Victory 3 Men’s Track and Field Racing Shoe
The Nike Zoom Victory 2 was one of the best middle distance running shoes around. The Victory 3 is an improvement on that! The shoe uses a six spike plate that is designed to “combine zones of stiffness and flexibility”.
The shoes have been designed to provide increased space around the toe box, the idea is to give the toes more space during a run, which allows for faster take-offs. This is particularly useful in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m races, where a strong take-off can really give you an advantage.
The shoes are immensely breathable, using a mesh upper to full effect. There is also a hole at the back of the shoe which can help the shoes to drain (useful during the steeplechase or triathlons).
Middle Distance Track Shoes #4: Saucony Men’s Ballista 2 Track Shoe
The Saucony Ballista 2 track shoe is a fantastic choice for the faster middle-distance races (800m or 1500m). It is designed similar to a sprinting shoe with a sturdy spike plate that promotes front foot running but is more comfortable and will support you throughout the race.
The shoe has been specifically designed for fast middle distance races, with the woven upper provided to allow for excellent speed and maneuverability. The shoe looks amazing and is surprisingly comfortable for a track shoe. It is amazing how cushioned the shoe is while still being lightweight.
Middle Distance Track Shoes #5: Adidas Adizero Finesse Spike Shoe Unisex Track and Field
The spikes for the Adidas Adizero Finesse are one of the best features, sharp, metal, and attached to a stiff six-spike plate. These shoes are designed specifically for middle distance racing, though many people also find them great for shorter distances such as the 200m.
The shoe is made up of a synthetic upper and a mesh heel, allowing breathability without affecting performance. This is the ideal combination of breathability and performance for a middle distance running shoe.
The shoes are surprisingly lightweight, and they are stunning to behold, the combination of white, black, and red is wonderful.
Middle Distance Track Shoes #6: Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 Unisex Distance Spikes
Many of the running shoes on this list are aimed at the lower distance end of middle distance running. 800m, 1500m, or similar. But middle distance running can include 5k races, and may even include longer distances than that.
The Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 is designed for distances between 3km and 10km, so if you are planning on longer distance running then this could well be the running shoe for you. Instead of a six spike plate, the Matumbo 3 uses a four spike plate. There is also more cushioning than you would find in the shorter distance shoes.
Middle Distance Track Shoes #7: New Balance Men’s 500 V6 Running Shoe
The New Balance Middle Distance 500 V6 running shoe is the ultimate all-rounder, it can be used for 400m hurdles or a 3km run (and everything in between). The shoe uses a six spike plate with removable spikes. The upper is seriously good, with a secure collar that ensures a nice fit and improves stability.
The breathability of the upper is superb, making this a great shoe for hot weather racing. If you run multiple distances then this really is the right shoe for you. The aesthetics are interesting, with bold colour choices, and a unique look. Whether it is to everyone’s taste is up for debate!
Bottom Line
There are several excellent choices here for runners of any distance. Shorter distance runners (800m for example) would benefit from using the Adidas Adizero Finesse Spikes, longer distance runners (5km runners for example) may prefer the Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 spikes. While those of you who run multiple distances would get the most out of the New Balance Middle Distance 500 V6 running shoes.
