Best 400m Spikes Available in 2021 | Athletes Click (2024)

In the last few years, the 400m has been the most exciting event to watch, with the world number 1 spot changing hands a few times. So let’s take a look at the best 400m spikes you can buy today.
When it comes to all the sprint events, the 400m, you will need a spike shoe, which is an all-around performer as you’ll be running in both the straights and curve.

Best 400m Spikes

Nike Zoom 400

The Nike Zoom 400 has been built from the ground up for 400m running. They are lightweight, with a very thin fly weave upper. Despite the upper being thin and lightweight, because of the design, it is still incredibly durable and long-lasting, giving the owner the best of both worlds.

With the upper being created from a single layer, its a comfortable fit and hugs your feet correctly, which is essential when running around the curve, at speed, as it stops your foot from moving around in the shoe.

Everyone will notice the spike plate, as it comes with Nike’s eye-catching web effect design. It holds seven pins for the ultimate traction in any weather condition, allowing you maximum power into the floor at the start of the race.
It looks very similar to the Superfly sprint spike model but does have a few subtle changes.

There is a phylon midsole which not only keeps the shoe light weights but also absorbs a lot of impact from the ground.

Many runners are familiar with Nike products, so you will be more than satisfied with what you are buying. You already have the trust there from being a global manufacturing company.

A lot of athletes who compete in the short sprints during the winter months tend to look for track spikes that offer the most support and cushioning, because of the increase in distances and footsteps during regular training. So the Nike Zoom 400 Would be the best sprint spikes for those athletes.

Adidas Finesse

The Adidas Finesse running spikes are one of the best All-around running spikes you can purchase at the moment.
With the Spikes place not being very aggressive, the sprinting spikes are comfortable to wear while running around the bend and running with fatigue.

The lightweight upper, apply an even amount of pressure around the foot, helping with a lateral load. And the heel of the shoe is made from the mesh material, aiding with ventilation.

The spike plate holds six pins, being evenly distributed and placed in the spot where the most pressure is placed while running.

Weighing in that only 150g, they are the second lightest spikes, and that’s only being heavier to only to the Adidas prime, which also features in this post.

One aspect I do like about the spikes is the angle of the spike plate feels comfortable against most blocks you will be using at the start of the race.

Nike Superfly Elite

The flagship spikes by Nike are probably the most noticeable track spikes on the market at the moment with the identifiable Nike swoosh across the forefront of the shoe.

It’s a very evenly balanced spike with excellent support across the entire foot. The mesh upper provides outstanding ventilation, Allowing the feet to breathe on warm days at the track.

It’s the same spike plate you will find on the Nike zoom 400, but the only difference is there is less padding between the shoe and the spike plate, making it lighter, but you have less shock absorption from the floor. Because of this, they are more geared towards the short sprints but perfectly fine to run the 400m.

All-round a great pair of spikes and can be used for all the sprint events, including the hurdles.

Nike Zoom JA

A slight underdog in the world of sprints, the Nike Zoom JA Fly 3 Track spikes, As not that many people seem to be aware that the spikes even exist, but they are perfect spikes for 400m running.

The upper is constructed of precisely the same material which you find on the Nike zoom 400 and the Nike Superfly elite, With a seamless toe tip, For comfort in the starting blocks.

The big talking point with Nike Zoom JA Fly 3 is the lacing, which goes down the side of the shoe, which aids in greater support while sprinting round the bend.

The spike plate is the same and features the classic Nike web material with seven pins for maximum grip.
The heel sits very low on the foot and has a flexible collar, which is designed to reduce the pressure on the Achilles tendon.

Under amour Speedform Sprint 2

Underamour has been making some significant progress in the track and field world. A few years ago, many people would have been entirely unaware they even made spikes. But now they are one of the big hitters, with an array of notable athletes now wearing their gear.

But let’s get talking about the spikes.

One of the first things I noticed was the spike plate because it’s not too dissimilar from the old Nike R5, which was designed by Maurice Greene while he was the current WR holder of the 100m.

It holds the foot in an excellent position for 400m sprinting and allows for much-needed flexion during the stride.

A well designed upper is made from a synthetic material, and tongue which wraps around the foot, which gives the runner a sock-like feel.

With the mid-sole being made from EVA, it does a great job of resisting against the shock each stride brings. But also returns the energy back into the track, propelling you forward.

A fantastic all-round pair of spikes, even if you’re wearing for them for other sprints like the 100m & 200m meters.
ASICS Hyper Sprint 7
One of the cheaper pairs of spikes I’ve included in this list. But don’t let the price point fall you into thinking they are inadequate in comparison.

The upper is made from a synthetic & mesh material, which stretches with the foot during the running stride.

Because of the mesh, it’s not entirely waterproof, but I dont think these days many people worry about that.

On the underside of the spike plate, its made of two parts. The forefront is a plastic composite, with the heel made of a comfortable rubber.

As the spike plate is made from 2 different types, the overall feel of the shoe is not as aggressive, as it doesn’t have the same structure to hold the foot in a specific position.

Internally there is a sock liner, which sits inside of the shoe, giving the athlete the feeling they are running in socks. It’s removable if you require to insert orthotics.

The pins are removable, enabling you to swap out worn-out pins, or if you wish to change the configuration and length, to suit your running style.

Many athletes run a few sprint distances at track meets, and it can get expensive if you have individual spikes for each event. But the beautiful thing with the ASICS Hyper Sprint 7 sprint spikes allow you to sprint multiple distances from 100m up to 400m, including the hurdles.

New Balance Vazee Verge V1

I think you’ll agree with me here that New Balance has been making some fantastic looking products over the recent few years. There is a reason why they are getting popular, and that’s because the products are also very good at what they’re designed to do.

These lightweight, durable spikes are exceptional to run the 400m in. The upper is made from a synthetic meshed material, Which is almost see-through, so you can only imagine how excellent the ventilation is.

With meshed material, people are wary of the durability. But New Balance has taken steps to improve this as much as possible. Like the clear plastic toe protection. Having this small bit of protection stops at the forefoot of the shoe from wearing away when in the blocks and driving out at the start of a race.

You get a full-length Pebax plate, Which runs the entire length of the sprint spike. With an eight spike can figuration, you don’t need to worry about grip.

Saucony Showdown 4

With a 100% synthetic upper, You get a material that moves and molds around your foot, which offers the athlete maximum comfort for the long season ahead.
Saucony Sprint bikes have come on tremendously in both looks and durability, As they are now one of the best manufacturers for track spikes.

You get a whopping 10 pins Pebax spike plate At the forefoot of the shoe.

Having this amount of pins in the shoe itself will help the runner to be powerful in their motion at the start of any race.

Nike Zoom Rival MD

I know many of you will be thinking that the 400m is a Sprint event, so why have I included a middle distance spike here?

Well, the reason is quite simple for injury prevention. Many sprinters will get injuries, and the best way to prevent this from happening or to help rehab a current injury is to protect the area. Choosing a middle distance pair of spikes will be the best if you have any foot, ankle, or Achilles related injuries.

Although the Nike zoom rival MD spikes are classed as distance spikes. They are more than comfortable at being used as sprint spikes.

The construction of the Nike zoom rival creates an internal arch for support. And this is only one feature out of a few which is dedicated to supporting around the foot.

It also comes in probably the most extensive range of colors I’ve ever seen for a pair of spike shoes for running.

Saucony Spitfire 5

Like New Balance, Saucony has been making significant progress in track and field. Saucony hasn’t been as active in sponsoring athletes, which is why some of you may not have heard of them before.

Design is exciting, and you’ll certainly turn heads. Like many spikes for sprinters, they always tend to be a bit more outlandish compared to middle distance & distance spikes.

You could be running 400, or You could be running 400, or the way down to 60m the Spitfire has a lightweight and a very responsive with six removable pins. Capable of delivering maximum power and still allowing for quick strides when leaving the competition well behind.

The spike that does it all, whether you’re running a 400 or a 60. The Spitfire offers a lightweight and responsive plate with six implements to deliver the power and quick strides needed to leave the competition in the dust.

adidas sprint star Track Shoe

Although the spikes not worn by the big names within track and field, the Adidas sprint star Track spikes are probably still one of the most popular sprint spikes you can purchase,

It’s a straightforward reason they are excellent value for money and come in an extensive range of colors.

Although you can immediately tell that the materials used aren’t as premium as you would find on the other sprints spikes, But you can be sure that they are durable and will support your feet adequately.

Even with the low price, you can see features like Synthetic overlays produced to keep the foot secure during each phase of the sprinting race.

Conclusion

The 400m is one of most technical sprint races within track and field. To get the best out of your performance, you will need to select the best track spikes to help unlock that PB.

As you can see above, there are lots of sprint spikes for 400m to choose from. But for me, the absolute best sprinting spike is the Nike Zoom 400.

Specially designed with the 400m in mind, they come with the support and rigidness you would need to perform at your best in both races and training.

If you’ve come from the short sprints you, feel more comfortable wearing something like the Nike Superfly and the Adidas Adizero Finesse. Both shoes Allow you to utilize your maximum power output by transferring everything into the track.