How To Find The Best Middle Distance Track Spikes
Perhaps you are a middle-distance runner who enjoys the thrill of those races, whether in the 400 meter, 800 meter, or even the 3200 meter competitions. You relish in the adrenaline rush, but also in the more-evenly paced atmosphere of these races, and you are passionate when it comes to continuously improving and perfecting your running craft for them.
That said, it is not a bad idea to invest in a pair of more heavy-duty track spikes for your next event. In fact, it can really make a huge difference on your performance times, since track spikes are excellent for gripping and pushing off on surfaces for efficiency and lightness.
In this article, we will help you find the best middle-distance track spikes for you, and soon enough, you can power through the next race with success! Without further ado, let’s begin!
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Product Name | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | $$ | ||
A | $$ | ||
New Balance Men's MMD500V3 Middle Distance Spike Running Shoe | A | $$ | |
A | $$$ | ||
A- | $$ |
Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices, choose the colors and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
5 Types of Track Spikes to Consider Before Buying Them
Now, there are a variety of different track spikes you can choose from, depending on their size, shape, and functionality when it comes to racing in them. However, you will need to consider just what kind you will need, which in this case is for middle-distance running.
Our article on best ways to find good track spikes is a great place to start, but in any case, we will reiterate here just what kind of spikes you might want to consider getting for your next purchase:
1. Pyramid spikes.
Considered the most well-known and commonly-used kind of spikes, pyramid spikes are versatile in that they can be worn for any distance races, from sprints to long distance, even cross country. They do not wear down very quickly and offer a nice, little bounce to your shoe when you get off the ground.
2. Needle spikes.
More specific than pyramid spikes, needle spikes are often worn for track and field events, particularly on rubber surface as commonly seen in many running tracks. They are used for gripping surfaces well, thus offering good traction for the runner. It is best to only wear these spikes on rubber surfaces, since they might not hold up on other ones.
3. Compression spikes.
They are also known as “Christmas tree spikes” due to their distinctive shape which resembles the famous tree. Compression spikes combine both pyramid and needle spikes into its design, thereby having some qualities of both of them, e.g. bounce and good surface grip whilst running.
4. Tartan spikes.
These particular spikes are considered the “thinner version” of pyramid spikes, and they can only be used on rubber tracks. Otherwise, you risk damaging them, which can impact your running performance.
5. Studs.
As its name suggests, studs have a blunt shape to them that is good to use on surfaces including asphalt or indoor track races. While they might not provide as much grip as other track spikes out there, they do provide stability.
Additionally, you will need to consider some more-general aspects when it comes to getting track spikes for middle-distance running. Here, we list a couple of them:
- 1. Make sure that they fit you well.
Different from when you wear your typical running shoes for practice, any sort of track spike shoe needs to fit you just right. In other words, they need to be snug and tight, for you would not want them to fall off while you are racing.
Ideally, it is advised to go down half a size from your actual shoe size, as means of making sure that they are nice and tight. However, do not buy ones too small or too tight, since you also want to feel comfortable, too!
Before you use them for racing, give them a go during a couple of practices, as means of breaking them in. Doing so helps prevent blisters and potential injuries, especially if you had purchased a wrong size pair. Even more so, you can safely guarantee that you will be set to race well once the big day comes! - 2. Socks or no socks?
Now, this is a completely personal preference, based on you and your natural abilities when running. Some people like the feeling of wearing no socks, so that they can have faster turnovers on each stride; however, it can be quite uncomfortable, even producing blisters, since there is more friction between the soles of your feet and the inside of your shoe.
That said, if you naturally tend to go sockless on runs and are comfortable with it, then by all means go for it while racing. If you tend to wear socks, though, then there is no pressure for you to do so. There are other options to lubricate, powder, and tape your feet if you insist on going sockless, which can help reduce impact and friction on your feet while still helping you run fast.
On the other hand, wearing socks can not only provide a nice medium so as to prevent friction, but also they can absorb sweat and create zero odor, depending on the material you purchase. Some are made from layered material while others are made from synthetic material, so it depends on your tastes. In the end, though, they are meant to provide comfort and protection from anything that can possibly get in the way of your running.
For more information on middle-distance track spikes, check out this video here:
Top Five Best Middle Distance Track Spikes
Product Name | Image | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | $ | ||
| A | $ | ||
New Balance Men's MMD500V3 Middle Distance Spike Running Shoe | 
| A | $ | |
| A- | $ | ||
| A+ | $ |
Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices, choose the colors and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
1. New Balance Women's WMD500V3 Middle Distance Spike Shoe
Consisting of a sleek, but sturdy synthetic sole and an EVA foam heel wedge, New Balance Women’s WMD500V3 middle distance spikes are tough enough to tackle any surface for racing while also being gentle and comfortable on your feet, respectively. Its six-spike configuration makes it compliable with the middle-distance standards for spikes, which is a good thing, too.
Pros:
- Is made from a sleek and sturdy synthetic sole material that covers both fashion and practicality all at once.
- Has an EVA foam heel wedge to keep your heel stable and comfortable while racing.
- Is compliable with middle-distance running standards for spikes with its 6-spike configuration
Cons:
- Can be a bit too small than your normal shoe size.
My Opinion :
After buying and breaking them in, I was set on using New Balance Women’s WMD500V3 spikes for the next race. They worked well and were surprisingly comfortable with its built-in heel cushion technology. Only thing was that they were a bit small when I first got them but after exchanging them with one size up, it was no problem.
2. Saucony Men's Endorphin MD4 Track Shoe
Lightweight and efficient, Saucony Men’s Endorphin MD4 track shoe offers so much for such a light shoe. They consist of a plastic bottom for quickness, and they work especially well for 400-meter and 800-meter races, which is on the shorter end of middle-distance running, but all the same do very well at them.
Pros:
- Lightweight for easy slipping on and more freedom when running.
- The sole is made from plastic, which offers better agility for the runner.
- Especially designed for 400-meter and 800-meter races.
Cons:
- Not a heavy-duty, substantial shoe, which might wear off sooner than later.
My Opinion :
Trying these on during my last race, I found Saucony Men’s Endorphin to be quite efficient with its lightness and quickness to activate running within a second. They got me through my 800-meter run very nicely, but due to their light, plastic material, I am not sure if they can hold up in the long run for future races.
3. New Balance Men's MMD500V3 Middle Distance Spike Running Shoe
With a colorful design and a mesh upper, New Balance Men’s middle-distance spike running shoe offers both a good sense of style with comfort and breathability, respectively. In addition, they contain a lace-up vamp for better adjustment to support you during your races, along with a Pebax forefoot plate for flexibility and sturdiness.
Pros:
- Has a bright, colorful design for style and presence when racing, thereby making you stand out in the crowd.
- Contains a mesh upper feature built in for breathability, so that your feet do not need to suffer under sweat and other undesirable conditions.
- Consists of a Pebax forefoot plate at the bottom of the shoe to keep your running flexible, but also stable.
Cons:
- Size of the shoe does not take into consideration foot shape, since they tend to be a skinny fit.
My Opinion :
New Balance Men’s middle-distance spike running shoe was very colorful and attractive, which pleasantly surprised me upon receiving it in the package. Putting them to good use for races was a good choice, as I felt my feet being able to breathe with its mesh upper feature.
Only thing, though, is that my feet are on the wide side, so the fact that these spikes are designed for a skinny fit was not very optimal for my foot shape.
4. New Balance Women's MD800 Track Spike
New Balance Women’s MD800 track spike is 100% synthetically-made, along with a mono mesh upper layer and a sharkskin TPU heel for breathability and support, respectively. Together, they help you make the most out of your middle-distance race, which is always a pleasure!
Pros:
- Consists of a sharkskin TPU heel for light support when performing your hardest in racing competitions.
- Has a laser-cut film pattern for style.
- Contains a mono mesh upper layer for better foot breathability.
Cons:
- Runs a bit small, so it is best to purchase at least a half size up.
My Opinion :
This particular spike from New Balance Women’s MD800 track spike did a decent job of keeping my heel slightly supported during my middle-distance races, which also keeping my feet nice and cool from its mesh layer. Only thing would be ordering at minimum a half-size up next time, because currently, these shoes are being a bit too tight on my feet.
5. Saucony Men's Vendetta Track Spike Racing Shoe
Saucony Men’s Vendetta track spike racing shoe contains a six-spike configuration to match middle-distance running standards, along with a carbon rubber outsole for extra contraction and presentation. Besides it being used in running, you can also use it for doing hurdles and other similar, running-like sports.
Pros:
- Has a six-spike configuration to meet middle-distance running spike standards.
- Contains a built-in carbon rubber outsole for flexibility and fashion.
- Able to use for doing other track events, such as hurdles and sprinting.
Cons:
- Might not be as supportive as expected, which can be problematic for longer middle-distance races.
My Opinion :
Saucony Men’s Vendetta track spike has comfortable and flexible, and I was even able to use it for my hurdling events, which worked wonderfully then. Only issue is that, after a few uses, the shoe may or may not as supportive over time, which lessens the effectiveness in longer races.
Winner of the Roundup
All in all, the winner of this particular roundup will have to go to the New Balance Women's WMD500V3 Middle Distance Spike Shoe (#1).
In general, this middle-distance spike shoe not only went above and beyond with comfortable and stability with its EVA foam heel wedge, but also with its style and design for a more practical and efficient racing experience.
Now, you can buy this pair and break them in for use in the next race- chances are that you will succeed, but only if you believe! Happy running.
Got questions? Comment below.
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