By Fast Running Club Coaches · Updated September 2026
The right spike won’t make you a sprinter, but the wrong one can cost you a tenth of a second. For the 100m you want a stiff, aggressive forefoot plate that holds your toes up and returns energy on every ground contact. Cushioning matters much less than it does in distance spikes.
The short answer: the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2 is the best 100m spike for most serious sprinters in 2026. If you want elite performance for less, the adidas Adizero Prime SP 3 is currently about half price. If you’re new to sprinting or on a budget, start with the Nike Zoom Rival Sprint or adidas Sprintstar, both under $80.
Quick picks
- Best overall: Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2
- Best deal on an elite spike: adidas Adizero Prime SP 3
- Best carbon spike under $150: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp PWR-X
- Best premium: ASICS Metaspeed SP
- Best track feel: Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2
- Best value: Nike Zoom Ja Fly 4
- Best for beginners: Nike Zoom Rival Sprint
- Best budget: adidas Sprintstar
Comparison table
Prices are from VS Athletics in September 2026 and change often, especially sale prices.
| Spike | Best for | Level | Plate | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2 | Best overall | Advanced–elite | Carbon Flyplate + Air Zoom | $200 |
| adidas Adizero Prime SP 3 | Elite spike for less | Advanced–elite | Stiff plate + Lightstrike Pro foam | $89.95 (was $180) |
| New Balance FuelCell SuperComp PWR-X | Carbon under $150 | Advanced | Carbon + FuelCell foam | $143.99 |
| ASICS Metaspeed SP | Premium pick | Elite | Carbon | $250 |
| Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 | Track feel, 60–400m | Advanced | Rigid plate, no midsole | $160 (some colours $105) |
| Nike Zoom Ja Fly 4 | Best value | All levels | Rigid plastic plate | $120 |
| Nike Zoom Rival Sprint | Beginners | Beginner–club | 3/4 Pebax | $75 |
| adidas Sprintstar | Budget and training | Beginner–club | No plate (firm sole) | $62.99 |
The best 100m spikes, reviewed
1. Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2 — best overall
The Maxfly 2 is still the benchmark spike under 400m. A carbon Flyplate runs the length of the foot, and two forefoot Air Zoom units add a springy toe-off you feel from the first step out of the blocks. This version adds ZoomX foam in the heel and a slightly wider toe box, so it’s more stable and easier to wear for a full meet than the original.
- Great for: 100m and 200m sprinters running sub-12 (men) or sub-13 (women) who want maximum propulsion.
- Watch out for: a high price and limited lifespan. Save it for races and key sessions.
2. adidas Adizero Prime SP 3 — best deal on an elite spike
The Prime SP 3 is adidas’ short-sprint racing spike, pairing a stiff, aggressive plate with Lightstrike Pro foam for a little more cushioning than most sprint spikes. It has been replaced by the Prime SP 4, which is why it’s now about half price. For most sprinters the difference is small, and at under $90 it’s the best-value elite spike on this list.
- Great for: 60m, 100m and 200m sprinters who want a race-day spike without paying $200.
- Watch out for: sale stock is limited, so some sizes may already be gone.
3. New Balance FuelCell SuperComp PWR-X — best carbon spike under $150
New Balance’s sprint spike combines a carbon plate with FuelCell foam, giving you most of the snap of the Maxfly for around $55 less.
- Great for: club and college sprinters stepping up to their first carbon spike.
- Watch out for: New Balance spikes tend to run narrow. Most athletes should go up half a size.
4. ASICS Metaspeed SP — best premium
The Metaspeed SP is ASICS’ top carbon sprint spike and the most expensive pick here. It’s built for elite athletes chasing hundredths in the 100m and 200m.
- Great for: fast, experienced sprinters who want an alternative to the Maxfly.
- Watch out for: the $250 price. Most athletes get the same benefit from a cheaper carbon spike.
5. Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 — best track feel
The Superfly Elite 2 has no midsole cushioning at all. You get a rigid plate, eight removable pins and a snug knit upper that puts you right on the track. It rewards good mechanics and punishes sloppy ones.
- Great for: technically sound sprinters who want a light, direct feel from 60m to 400m.
- Watch out for: younger or heavier athletes, and anyone with a history of Achilles or calf problems.
6. Nike Zoom Ja Fly 4 — best value
The Ja Fly 4 is one of the lightest sprint spikes available at around 5 oz, with a stiff plate and seven removable pins, for $120.
- Great for: club sprinters and high-school athletes who want a real racing spike without paying $200.
- Watch out for: a very narrow upper. Try it on first if you have wide feet.
7. Nike Zoom Rival Sprint — best for beginners
The Rival Sprint has a 3/4-length Pebax plate that gives enough snap to feel fast, but it’s flexible and forgiving on developing feet and calves. It’s comfortable, breathable and comes in kids’ sizes.
- Great for: first-time sprinters, juniors, and relay and multi-event athletes.
- Watch out for: it’s heavier and softer than a racing spike, so experienced sprinters will outgrow it.
8. adidas Sprintstar — best budget
The Sprintstar is a durable, no-frills spike with a firm, zero-drop sole. It’s one of the cheapest proper sprint spikes on the market and it lasts, so it also makes a good training spike for athletes who race in something else.
- Great for: beginners on a budget, and as a second pair for training.
- Watch out for: a firm ride and narrow fit.
Browse the full range: VS Athletics sprint spikes.
How to choose 100m spikes
Match the spike to your level, not your hero. A carbon-plated spike amplifies good mechanics, but it also loads the calves and Achilles heavily. As a rough guide:
| Your 100m time | What to wear |
|---|---|
| Men slower than 12.5s / women slower than 14.0s | Beginner spike (Rival Sprint, Sprintstar) |
| Men 11.0–12.5s / women 12.5–14.0s | Value racing spike (Ja Fly 4, Prime SP 3) or a mid-range carbon spike |
| Men faster than 11.0s / women faster than 12.5s | Elite spike (Maxfly 2, SuperComp PWR-X, Metaspeed SP) |
Plate stiffness. Sprint spikes are much stiffer than distance spikes because you run on your forefoot. Stiffer usually means faster, but only if you’re strong enough to use it. Build into a new carbon spike over 2–3 weeks.
Fit. Sprint spikes should feel snug, with little or no space at the toe and no heel slip. Many run narrow, so try half a size up if you’re between sizes.
Pins. Most outdoor tracks allow 6–7mm pyramid pins. Some tracks and most indoor venues only allow shorter pins, so check your meet rules. Removable pins let you swap lengths; fixed pins can’t be changed.
Budget. A $60–120 spike is plenty for most athletes. Elite spikes wear out faster, so most serious sprinters train in a cheaper spike and race in the expensive one.
FAQs
What are the best spikes for the 100m?
For most serious sprinters, the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2. For elite performance at a lower price, the adidas Adizero Prime SP 3. For beginners, the Nike Zoom Rival Sprint.
Can I use the same spikes for the 100m and 400m?
Yes. The Maxfly 2, Superfly Elite 2 and Ja Fly 4 all work from 60m to 400m. If the 400m is your main event, see our best spikes for 400m guide.
Are carbon-plated spikes worth it?
For athletes already running fast times with good mechanics, yes. For beginners, the extra stiffness often causes calf and Achilles soreness, so a Pebax or plastic plate is a better start.
How long do sprint spikes last?
A training spike usually lasts a season or two. Elite racing spikes wear faster. Replace them when the plate loses its snap or the pin plate starts to lift.
Can you run the 100m without spikes?
You can, but spikes make most athletes noticeably faster thanks to grip and a stiffer forefoot. See our guide to sprinting shoes without spikes if spikes aren’t allowed.
Train like a sprinter
Spikes are the last 1%. Training is the other 99%. Follow our 100m training plan, and pair your new spikes with sprint training gear from VS Athletics, such as starting blocks and adjustable foam training hurdles.
Keep reading
- What is a good time for the 100m sprint?
- Average human sprinting speed
- Best 200m spikes
- Best spikes for hurdles
- Best sprinting blocks
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