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In the world of Track & Field, every second, or tenth of a second for that matter, counts. Whether you’re a sprinter, long distance runner, or a jumper, the difference between first and second comes down to fragments of seconds and inches. These differences may very well come down to the equipment each individual chooses to use.
Track and Field is for the most part an individual sport and the athletes need all the help they can get when it comes to breaking old records and setting new personal ones. Of everything an athlete needs to be the best, the spikes are at the top of the list. In the end it comes down to personal preference, but each spike is going to fit differently, and perform in a different way. From high school super stars to elite, world-class sprinters, here are The 10 Best Sprint Spikes Available Now.
RELATED: The 10 Best Track Spikes for Middle Distance Runners
RELATED: The 10 Best Sneakers for Long Distance Running
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No. 10 – Puma TFX Sprint V4
Weight: 5.8 Ounces
Event: 100m – 400m
After four generations of the TFX sprint spike, Puma has produced their lightest, fastest model yet. This spike is ideal for the entry level high school runner looking to make a name for their self on the track. The TFX V4 feature a Pebax spike plate inspired by the one worn and raced in by the one and only Usain Bolt. This spike is constructed with a one piece microfiber upper designed to hug your foot and look down for a secure fit. If you’re looking to be a breakout star in the world of Track and Field then check out the Puma TFX V4.
$45
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No. 9 – Brooks PR Sprint Spikes
Weight: 4.4 Ounces
Event: 100m – 400m
Brooks is stepping their spike game up with the new PR Sprint Spikes. Weighing in at 4.4 ounces, the PR Sprints are the second lightest spikes on our list. The newly constructed design features a dynamic lockdown strap for better support and fit. They’re even great with jeans! - says Baby Flash on a review he left on the Brooks website.
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No. 8 – Asics Japan LITE-NING 4
Weight: 5.6 Ounces
Event: 50m – 400m & 110m High Hurdles
Can a lightweight shoe bring us closer to flying? Asics seems to think so. The Asics Japan LITE-NING 4 was designed for the elite sprinter looking to "spend more time in the air. Less time on the ground”. Simply put – this spike is so light and fast, your feet actually spend less time making contact with the track and spend more time in the air, resulting in faster times and new PR’s. The LITE-NING 4 are built with a full Pebax spike plate and a lightweight perforated synthetic leather upper for a breathable, tight sturdy fit. To check out Asics video on the spikes allowing you to spend more time in the air and less time on the ground click here.
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No. 7 – adidas adiZero Prime Accelerator
Weight: 5.4 Ounces
Event: 50m – 400m
Sprinters specializing in the 100 meter, 200 meter, and 400 meter races, interested in a reasonably priced, fast sprint spike should check out the adidas adiZero Prime Accelerator. Constructed with a stich-less, welded upper, the Prime Accelerator consists of ultra suede Spring Web technology much like their big brother, the SP’s. Although not as light, the Prime Accelerator is an ideal candidate for the above average sprinter looking to set some new records.
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No. 6 – Nike Zoom Ja Fly
Weight: 7.0 Ounces
Event: 100m – 400m
For those of you who just can’t get enough of Nike’s Flywire technology, get ready to be locked into one of the fastest sprint spikes available now. The Zoom Ja Fly is constructed with a lightweight synthetic upper and a high plated arch for a superior fit. These spikes also come standard with Christmas tree spikes, ideal for fast times on a springy track. Get locked in and run fast with the Nike Zoom Ja Fly. You won’t be disappointed.
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No. 5 – New Balance MSD400
Weight: 5.25 Ounces
Event: 50m – 400m
The MSD400 is New Balance’s elite, high-performance track spike. This spike is designed for the elite sprinter focused on events from the 50 meter dash up the 400 meter sprint. The MSD400 is one of the lightest of the Top 10 spikes, and one of the few to feature an eight spike pattern. For a full review, click here.
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No. 4 – Saucony Men’s Showdown 2
Weight: 5.9 Ounces
Event: 50m – 400m
Saucony is one of the companies known for the long distance performance spikes. It wasn’t until USA T&F star Wallace Spearmon needed a pair of sprint spikes that Saucony really broke into the sprint game and made a name for themselves. The Showdown 2, a rebuilt and reconstructed model of the original Showdowns, are better than ever and personally my all–time favorite sprint spike. These spikes are fully plated along the sole and hold your foot in the power position better than most. Spearmon wanted no flexibility in his plate and Saucony delivered. For a full review, click here.
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No. 3 – adidas adiZero Prime SP
Weight: 3.8 Ounces
Event: 50m – 200m
If you’re wondering why we didn’t rank the adiZero Prime SP at number one, it’s because of their limited ability on the track. These spikes are designed for one thing and one thing only – running for less than 20 seconds. Like the Accelerator’s, the SP’s are constructed with adidas Sprint Web technology. adidas knew most sprinters prefer to run sock-less so they went ahead and created an entirely new material in order to achieve the lightest product. The spike plate adidas designed is half as thin as their competition and actually stronger than others as well. If you’re an elite sprinter looking to PR in your 100 and 200 meter times, then look no further than the adidas adiZero Prime SP.
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No. 2 – Puma Bolt evoSPEED LTD
Weight: 6.3 Ounces
Event: 50 – 400m
With so much hype around last summer’s 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia, it was only right to dub Usain Bolt’s personal sprint spikes, the Puma Bolt evoSPEED LTD as No. 1. This year, the spikes have got the bump to No. 2 due to their difficulty of actually purchasing the product. The evoSPEED LTD is a limited spike and difficult to find. The average consumer can easily purchase the lesser model, the evoSPEED Electric. Nevertheless, Bolt did manage to run a 9.77 100 meter dash, a 19.66 200 meter dash, and a 37.36 4x100m, all while rocking the Bolt evoSPEED LTD. These are some serious spikes.
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No. 1 – Nike Zoom Superfly R4
Weight: 7.8 Ounces
Event: 100m – 200m
The Nike Zoom Superfly R4 is the 4th generation of the Superfly spike and made their debut at the 2012 London Olympics. This spike features an incredibly stiff plate which is ideal for power sprinters looks to dominate their 100m and 200m dashes. Much like the Ja Fly spikes, the R4’s feater Nike’s Flywire Technology and a raised plated arch for superior driving power. This spike is designed for the elite sprinter chasing new PR's and Olympic dreams.
RELATED: The 10 Best Track Spikes for Middle Distance Runners
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