What middle distance spike should I buy? Endorphin MD4, victory 2, or victory elite

endorphin md. no question.

if you want the bests, just go with the elites

I am in the same situation. I am debating on the exact three as you. So far I am leaning on getting the Saucony endorphin Md4, but you just need to go to a store that have all three of these and choose the one that fits your foot the best and which you feel most comfortable in.

The Elites are great. They're a lot stiffer and more aggressive than the OGs because of the carbon plate, and the upper is a completely different material that seems to be more durable. The name might say Victory, but the actual construction has very little in common with the OG, so I wouldn't worry there.

The Vic 2s have the same upper as the Elites, but from what I've read, the plate is considered inferior to that of both the Elite and the OG. If price isn't an issue, I'd cross this one off of your list.

I heard great things about the MD3s, and the MD4s don't seem to have changed much. Since you're primarily an 800 guy, these might be good since they're marketed as 400-1500, whereas the Elites are 800-5000 (though I can't imagine there's a huge difference in aggressiveness).

Nike and Saucony tend to make shoes for very different feet, so I'd try both the Elites and MD4s on if you can, and decide which one feels better. But really, these are the two best mid-distance spikes on the market, and you can't go wrong with either.

While the Victory's are always a nice option I'd look into:

Asics Fast Lap MD (definitely for the true mid distance runner, way more aggressive than the Victory)

Asics Sonicsprint (lightweight very aggressive but I'd be hesitant in using them in anyt,hing longer than the 8)

Brooks ELIM8 (ugly as sin but wider and as light as the Victorys)

Since the Endorphin's are almost half an ounce lighter than the Victory's I'm going to assume there's less plate on there and they aren't quite as aggressive. I could be wrong though, I've never tried them, everything else I've mentioned I have tried.

Source: running store employee and 800m runner

certainly the MD4 is most aggressive

el segundo wrote:

certainly the MD4 is most aggressive

As someone who runs in MD4s and has tried vics, the MD4s are probably the least aggressive of the bunch. They look good in photos but that plate bends like a plastic spoon.

Make sure you look into the New Balance MD800 as well. NB is making some great stuff these days. I have the Victory 2's and they just don't have the "pop" that you'd expect.

Stay with the Victory or Victory Elite. The best athletes in the world wear Nike in competition. Look at the results from the last Olympics & world championships.

Ehhhh, that's really more of sponsorship thing than what the athletes may or may not prefer.

OP, there's a ton of great MD spikes on the market right now, and the most important factor is the fit. Every brand shapes differently, just try on as many as you can. I used to buy Nike solely on brand name, but they didn't mold to my feet quite right, so now I'm very happy with the New Balance Md800

If youre 400 800 with the occasional 1500 get the md 4's if you focus more on 800 1500 with the rare 400 wear the elites. Vic 2's are inferior to both

Fattened Calf wrote:

Make sure you look into the New Balance MD800 as well. NB is making some great stuff these days. I have the Victory 2's and they just don't have the "pop" that you'd expect.

NB MD800 fits crazy big.

I've worn the OG Vic(My favorite), the vic 3, and the endorphin. Personally, if you're looking for a fast spike, I'd recommend the endorphin. My Vic 1's completely ripped up the middle right before states last year, so I had to get a pair of spikes quick and jumped at the endorphins. They felt far lighter and I prefer them for the 800, whereas I think I would have preferred the Vic 1 for the mile. That said, I only mention the Vic 1's because they are similar to the 2 in durability--they lasted me about a season, some people can get another half a season out of them. The endorphins are not only cheaper, but also lighter and more durable. The only downside is, depending on the model, there may be a less aggressive spike plate, although that didn't bother me at all. Have yet to race in the Vic 3's, but training in them feels fantastic. They are VERY aggressive, especially due to the incredible amount of plastic spiking on the plate. I think I'll definitely be wearing them for the 800 this year and am interested in how they compare to the endorphins. As far as your wallet goes though, the Endorphins are incredibly comparable for far cheaper. The Vic 2 elites in my opinion are very overpriced, as you could get a comparable spike for far cheaper. Easily the best colorways, though.