By Fast Running Club Coaches · Updated September 2026
There’s no such thing as a dedicated hurdle spike anymore. Hurdlers race in sprint spikes, but the best ones for hurdles share three things: a stiff plate for fast, reactive ground contacts between barriers, a secure heel so your trail leg doesn’t slip, and a durable upper that can survive the odd clipped hurdle.
The short answer: for the 100m and 110m hurdles, the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2 is the best spike in 2026. For the 400m hurdles, choose the New Balance FuelCell MD-X, which adds cushioning for the longer race. Beginners should start in the Nike Zoom Rival Sprint.
Quick picks
- Best for 100m/110m hurdles: Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2
- Best for 400m hurdles: New Balance FuelCell MD-X
- Best deal on an elite spike: adidas Adizero Prime SP 3
- Best lightweight: Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2
- Best value: Nike Zoom Ja Fly 4
- Best for beginners: Nike Zoom Rival Sprint
Comparison table
Prices are from VS Athletics in September 2026 and change often.
| Spike | Best event | Level | Plate | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2 | 100m/110m hurdles | Advanced–elite | Carbon Flyplate + Air Zoom | $200 |
| New Balance FuelCell MD-X | 400m hurdles | Advanced–elite | Carbon + FuelCell foam | $143.99–161.99 |
| adidas Adizero Prime SP 3 | Short hurdles | Advanced | Stiff plate + Lightstrike Pro foam | $89.95 (was $180) |
| Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 | Short hurdles | Advanced | Rigid plate, no midsole | $160 (some colours $105) |
| Nike Zoom Ja Fly 4 | All hurdle events | All levels | Rigid plastic plate | $120 |
| Nike Zoom Rival Sprint | All hurdle events | Beginner–club | 3/4 Pebax | $75 |
The best hurdle spikes, reviewed
1. Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2 — best for 100m and 110m hurdles
Short hurdles are all about quick, stiff ground contacts between barriers. The Maxfly 2’s carbon Flyplate and forefoot Air Zoom units give a snappy toe-off, and the updated heel foam and wider toe box make it more stable on landing than the original.
- Great for: experienced sprint hurdlers.
- Watch out for: the price, and an upper that isn’t the most durable if you clip a lot of hurdles in training.
2. New Balance FuelCell MD-X — best for 400m hurdles
The MD-X combines a full-length carbon plate with FuelCell foam, giving 400m hurdlers speed plus the comfort to hold stride pattern in the final 100m. It has been worn to major championship titles in the 400m hurdles.
- Great for: 300m and 400m hurdlers.
- Watch out for: it’s less aggressive than a pure sprint spike for short hurdles.
3. adidas Adizero Prime SP 3 — best deal on an elite spike
A stiff, short-sprint racer with Lightstrike Pro foam, now about half price. The foam helps absorb landings off each barrier.
- Great for: short hurdlers who want a race spike under $100.
- Watch out for: limited sale sizes.
4. Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 — best lightweight
Minimal, rigid and very light, with a snug knit upper. Ideal for fast, technical hurdlers who want maximum ground feel.
- Great for: experienced short hurdlers with strong lower legs.
- Watch out for: no cushioning for landings.
5. Nike Zoom Ja Fly 4 — best value
Light, stiff and $120 with removable pins. A solid race spike for high-school and club hurdlers.
- Great for: developing hurdlers ready for a real racing spike.
- Watch out for: a very narrow upper.
6. Nike Zoom Rival Sprint — best for beginners
A flexible Pebax plate and a comfortable upper make this the safest start for young and new hurdlers, who spend a lot of time drilling and landing.
- Great for: juniors and first-season hurdlers.
- Watch out for: experienced athletes will want something stiffer.
How to choose hurdle spikes
Short vs. long hurdles. For the 100m and 110m hurdles, choose a stiff sprint spike. For the 300m and 400m hurdles, a spike with more foam and comfort helps you hold your stride pattern when you’re tired.
Heel security. Hurdling puts big forces through the lead-leg landing and trail-leg push-off. Choose a spike with a firm heel and no slip.
Durability. Hurdlers clip barriers. If you’re hard on spikes, train in a cheaper, tougher pair and save the elite spike for races.
Pins. Most outdoor tracks allow 6–7mm pyramid pins; many indoor venues require shorter pins.
FAQs
Do you need special spikes for hurdles?
No. Hurdlers wear sprint spikes. Short hurdlers usually choose the same spikes as 100m sprinters, and 400m hurdlers often choose a slightly more cushioned spike.
What are the best spikes for the 400m hurdles?
The New Balance FuelCell MD-X is our top pick. The Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2 is a strong alternative.
What are the best spikes for hurdles and sprints?
The Nike Air Zoom Maxfly 2 works for both. On a budget, the Nike Zoom Ja Fly 4 or adidas Adizero Prime SP 3.
Train for hurdles at home
Build rhythm and technique with adjustable foam training hurdles. They’re safe to clip, so they’re ideal for drills and young athletes.
Keep reading
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