SHOE REVIEW
BEST SHOE HOKA ONE ONE Rocket LD $80
by Cregg Weinmann
Track & Field
Track & Field Spring 2016 The Olympics are coming! The Olympics are coming! However, unlike Paul Revere’s warning of impending battle, this battle of the stars of track & field is welcome, eagerly anticipated, even. While we’ll see more Rio ’16 Olympic rollouts in the coming months, there’s much to like about the crop of spikes for the 2016 season leading up to the Olympic Track & Field Trials in July. Here we reviewed products from eight brands: five new shoes are introduced and three are updates. All models are for track running, technical enough for upper-level athletes, effective for anyone fit enough to benefit from the advantages that technical spikes afford. It takes time to adapt to spikes’ minimal support, structure, and cushioning, so you’ll need to do some of your track training in them before you race in them. Sizing is a concern, as they should fit snugly enough to do their job. All are nearly true to size, that is, the size you would normally wear. Some use unisex sizing, which means they come in wider range of men’s sizes, and women should subtract 1.5 from their usual size to get a proper fit. For example, if you wear a women’s 7, you’ll need to select a men’s 5.5. This review is a starting point to find your key equipment for a successful track & field season. Another valuable resource is www.runningproductreviews.com. You’ll also find additional spikes reviews posted there during the season.
SPRING 2016
Yes, HOKA makes spikes and, no, they don’t have a marshmallowy stack height. In fact, they’re built well for speed, hence the name Rocket LD. The mesh upper has no-sew overlays in a large lattice pattern to support the foot and only minimal stitching through the lace-throat. The midsole is a thin layer of EVA, built up on the lateral side to position the foot for power while cornering. The spike plate features 4 spike wells, offset asymmetrically to provide the best traction, and the U-shaped heel plate is textured to help hold the track. With its excellent combination of components, design, and price, the Rocket LD is an outstanding value and earned our award as Best Track & Field Shoe. NEW Sizes Unisex 4–13,14 Weight 5.2 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11) Spikes replaceable; 4 Upper mesh; TPU-welded overlays Innersole sheet EVA Midsole full-length CM-EVA Outersole thermoplastic plates, forefoot and heel Recommended for 800–10,000 meters and steeplechase, o synthetic surfaces
New Balance SD 200 v1 $130
Sprinter Trayvon Bromell’s shoe uses the same plate as the SD 200. The upper is a thin minimesh supported by no-sew overlays on the medial side as well as the heel, ankle collar, and eyestay. Only the tongue and heel are anchored by stitching. The remainder of the upper is covered with a matrix of fused overlays to give the shoe structure and shape and to hold the foot securely. There’s no midsole to the shoe; Instead, the upper attaches directly to the full-length Pebax nylon spike plate, which features 8 spike receptacles. A lateral ridge beneath the metatarsals positions the foot forward for maximum sprinting power. Smaller ridges fan out to keep the plate light, while providing enough stiffness to effectively transfer power to the track. The combination of well-executed features makes the SD 200 v1 an excellent choice for the mid-length sprints as well as the fastest sprinting on the track. NEW Sizes Men 7–13,14; Women 5.5–11,12 Weight 5.8 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11); 4.9 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes replaceable; 8 Upper synthetic leather and mesh, synthetic suede tongue Innersole sheet EVA Outersole 3/4-length Pebax nylon spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for 100–400 meters and hurdles, on synthetic surfaces
adidas DistanceStar
$65
The adidas’ new DistanceStar provides performance on a budget, and it’s surprisingly well done for the price. The upper is a breathable mesh, both light and sturdy. It offers adequate drainage for the steeplechase, with an interior that’s well finished enough to be comfortable during the longer track races. The midsole is a full-length molded EVA wedge that’s nicely resilient and handles all competition track surfaces. The outersole has a rubber heel, and the 5 spike plate extends into the arch. Toughened foam covers the rest. If you’re looking for good spike performance at a comparatively modest price, you’ll be well served by the DistanceStar. NEW Sizes Men 6.5–13,14,15; Women 5–10,11 Weight 6.8 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11); 5.5 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes replaceable; 5 Upper mesh; no-sew overlays Innersole sheet EVA Outersole half-length thermoplastic plate, rubber heel Recommended for 1500–10,000 meters, including the steeplechase, on all track surfaces
ASICS CosmoRacer LD $120
ASICS is thoroughly invested in competitive running, and the CosmoRacer LD is its latest entry for the track. The upper is a closed mesh that’s supported by thin, no-sew overlays in the heel and midfoot, and thin linings shape the toe. The midsole is a molded layer of EVA that’s got a good bounce, making it effective for longer races. The outersole is full-length Pebax nylon, with a sharkskin heel and additional forefoot grip provided by the textured EVA that protrudes through the spike plate. The CosmoRacer LD is aimed at runners looking for a combination of performance, light weight, and a measure of protection. NEW Sizes Unisex 6–13,14 Weight 5.5 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11) Spikes replaceable; 4 Upper closed minimesh; no-sew overlays Innersole sheet EVA Midsole molded SoLyte Outersole full-length Pebax nylon plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for distance races from 1500–10,000 meters on synthetic track surfaces
Brooks 2 QW-K $110
The 2 QW-K is Brooks’ high-end spike for sprinters, and this is its first update. The synthetic leather upper has a bit of stretch to help with the fit, while holding the foot securely over the plate. There’s no midsole to the shoe (except the thin innersole), in keeping with its purpose: the shortest running events. The outersole is a full-length TPU spike plate with 8 spike receptacles and a constellation of points distributed over its surface to grip the track. An angled forefoot positions the metatarsals for sprinting power, and the stiff plate allows little extraneous movement to channel everything into rapid forward motion. The snug fit, effective spike plate, and springy feel make the 2 QW-K a superb choice for sprinting performance. Updates the QW-K Sizes Unisex 5–13,14,15 Weight 7.0 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11) Spikes replaceable; 8 Upper synthetic leather; TPU-welded overlays Innersole sheet EVA Outersole full-length thermoplastic spike plate Recommended for sprints and hurdles up to 400 meters on synthetic surfaces
Nike Zoom D $90
The track & field distance running line from Nike has always offered products at a range of levels, from beginners to elite athletes like Steve Prefontaine. The new Zoom D adds some touches to the best standards for a really good mid-range shoe. The upper is an engineered mesh with welded overlays and a smooth interior for those who prefer to go without socks. Extra padding in the ankle collar and the tongue give it a plush feel. The midsole is a thin, compression-molded layer of Cushlon foam, divided longitudinally (heel to toe) by a flex groove, which smoothes the ride here just as it does in road shoes. The Pebax nylon spike plate is also divided in half, with 2 lateral spikes and 3 medial, and sharkskin on the lateral heel for rearfoot traction. The remainder of the outersole is toughened midsole Cushlon foam to keep things light and fast. NEW Sizes Unisex 4–13,14,15 Weight 4.7 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11) Spikes replaceable; 5 Upper engineered mesh; welded synthetic overlays Innersole sheet EVA Midsole full-length Cushlon (EVA) Outersole Pebax nylon spike plate, toughened EVA, thermoplastic skarkskin heel insert Recommended for 1500–10,000 meters and steeplechase on synthetic surfaces
Saucony Endorphin $110
Saucony’s premier distance running spike, the Endorphin, could be described as a gossamer slipper with teeth. This update maximizes the best features of the shoe and doesn’t fix what isn’t broken. The upper is a gauzelike minimesh that breathes well and holds the foot comfortably. The midsole is a slender wedge of EVA that effectively cushions the foot, while offering a surprising amount of bounce. The Pebax nylon spike plate is the same design as the last version, down to the sharkskin heel insert that provides effective traction, while keeping weight to a minimum. Its light weight, flexibility, and great traction contribute to the Endorphin’s success. Updates the Endorphin LD 4 Sizes Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11,12 Weight 3.6 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11); 3.1 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes replaceable; 4 Upper mesh, synthetic suede, welded synthetic overlays Innersole sheet EVA Midsole CM-EVA Outersole Pebax nylon spike plate, sharkskin insert (heel) Recommended for 800–10,000 meters on synthetic surfaces
Under Armour SpeedForm® Sprint Pro $120
Under Armour has jumped into track & field with both feet and that’s good news for anyone looking for more good-quality footwear choices. The SpeedForm® Sprint Pro is one of two shoes that provide the Under Armour approach to running performance. (The second is the SpeedForm® Miler Pro.) The Sprint Pro features a nonstretch synthetic leather upper to lock down the foot over the spike plate, hugging the foot comfortably. The interior is smooth—almost plush—thanks to Under Armour’s SpeedForm® construction. There’s no midsole here, as the upper is lasted directly to the spike plate, but it’s not really needed since they aren’t intended for multiple laps. The full-length spike plate situates the foot forward, with a fan-shaped molded ridge to maximize sprinting power. The 8-spike configuration provides traction, aided by dozens of molded spike-like points. A pair of sharkskin inserts in the heel prevent slipping if your foot happens to touch down from fatigue. With its technical execution, good performance, and edgy appearance, the Sprint Pro is a quality sprint shoe. NEW Sizes Unisex 5.5–12,13 Weight 6.1 oz. (w/ spikes, men’s 11) Spikes replaceable; 8 Upper nonstretch synthetic leather; welded SpeedForm® construction Outersole full-length Pebax nylon spike plate, thermoplastic sharkskin heel Recommended for 100–400 meters and hurdles on synthetic surfaces Cregg Weinmann is footwear and running products reviewer for FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. He can be reached via email at shuz2run@lightspeed.net Copyright © 2016 by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. Reprinted here with permission.