So many questions about vaporflies, spikes, and track...

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If Vaporflys feel good to you, I’d just go with that. If you ever feel like they’re limiting you or are too much shoe, perhaps as you continue to improve and/or when you’re running shorter races (800-1600), maybe you could progressively add more spike work (e.g., one rep in spikes during workouts for a few weeks, then two, etc.), but really I don’t think you’re missing much or anything by wearing VFs. No need to push it with spikes if that’s not what you’re comfortable with (although as you train more you’ll probably naturally be able to wear spikes more often without it feeling like a drain, to the extent you want to).

More generally, focusing on consistent and balanced training will likely be much more impactful for you. To that point, it seems like you’re close to sub-4:50. Good luck.

You felt bad on the workout because your first mile was 5:08, not because of the spikes. I (personally) would still wear the spikes for a mile race. You are going to break 5 soon, and probably run 4:50 at the end of the season. When a highschooler first breaks 5 they tend to keep dropping times quickly since 5 is seen as the big barrier.

Alright, I'd kind assumed so but hearing it from someone else (Even random over internet) is nice confirmation. I think for now I'll try tentatively try spikes for my upcoming 1600m race (in 2 days) and run my 3200m that meet in vaporflies, and continue keep working out in spikes to build the muscle for it since currently I really only train in max-cushion style shoes.

Mostly use the Invincible 2 while mixing in some vaporfly tempo/spike speedwork. I'm also rotating in the Saucony Axon 2 more but it's a really stiff trainer shoe but maybe that'll help with what I need for spikes? Anyway basically I'll just be patient for a bit.

Oh, wait, but addressing question 2. My current spikes are still well within return date, I could return them for Nike store credit and get a pair of Dragonflys instead... That's probably going to end up better right?

I didn’t realize vaporflys were allowed on the track. Must be a U.S. thing.

If you were running 10ks on the track, I would maybe recommend the vaporflys. 3200meter or shorter, I’d go with spikes. Vaporflys might be just as fast in perfect conditions, but if it start raining 10min before your race you are better off in spikes. It just takes some time to get used to. Also, it makes sense you didn’t feel great during your workout. You ran within a couple seconds of your PR and then did 2 more reps after. Even 3x5:20 would be a hard workout. That’s 3x1600 in your current 3200 race pace.

As for the type of spikes to wear, the dragonfly’s are definitely better. Decide now if you want to spend the extra money on them. Wearing your spikes a couple races and then returning them is a bit of a rude thing to do. Sure, you can try your new spikes on and do some strides and a couple reps, but full races? Plus, what if someone steps on your foot during the race and leaves a mark on your shoe.

Oh, vaporflies are banned on track in the US as well, just not at the high school level. As for my workout experience, my 10:36 3200m race was kind of a flop since I tried go go out even pace in a stacked field and quickly got boxed behind 11 minute runners so wasted time drafting behind and then having to pass like 12 people, and I think with a better effort I’m sub 10:20 shape. But it is true that 5:08 first rep was clearly bad. I just feel like I’m definitely in shape to set a bunch of early season PRs and I guess I’m rushing it a bit too much now. Maybe just the excitement from starting so much faster this year after my first 6:15 1600m track season last year. Cross country did me wonders.

THIS!!!!!!!!! Under no circumstance run track in Vaporfly. Also consider the quality of your track. Most modern tracks are quite bouncy, so no need for additional bouncy Vaporfly. You can even wear Dragonfly on firm x-c..........but only firm.

Hi super shoe quandary guy,

It's just that after running in stacked shoes for so long spikes feel flat and energy-draining.. Do dragonflys prevent that?

In my case though, what kind of training should I do to build the muscle for spikes? It feels like a calf-hip sorta weakness. When I run in spikes it feels more draining on my legs but my actual cardio effort level is less. Maybe I'm just not motivated to push super hard in the reps workout and in an actual race I won't even feel the weakness.

1. Other shoe manufacturers exist. I realize that high school runners rarely realize this, but NP just figured it out sometime last year.

2. Official events exist. The distances at which World Records are kept.

You're overthinking it. In a mile, there won't be any significant performance difference between the Victory XC 5 and Vaporfly. Especially at 4:50 pace range. Wear whatever your gut tells you

I’ve only run under 5 with spikes, but will say that in the rare track workouts that I’ve used a supershoe, it felt equally fast. You will be a little more nimble with spikes, so if navigating for position is a feature of your race, that’s worth considering.

All that said, both spikes and supershoes have an adjustment period where you have to learn to run in them. The first time I tried each, it didn’t seem special, but as mechanics adjust, times improve.

Playing the long game, I’d go with spikes, especially since you can’t wear high stack shoes in races past HS. But if this is THE race you are going all in on, pick the shoe you trust, which sounds like the Vaporfly.

Hi 2 Points,

Sorry if my tunnel vision on Nike bothers you, it just seemed that they pioneered the faster supershoes first and the other brands are still playing catch-up. As it stands now though I can only trade in my nike spikes for other nike spikes so 😅. Any good non-nike shoe and spike recommendations would be nice though, I'm still looking for a daily trainer. (Looking at Asics Novablast etc)

And for the other point, I'm hardly elite enough to do "official events", and I can't do a 1.5k or a 3k at basic high school meets, so I wouldn't say that's a me problem ;-;

To all the rest of you, it seems it honestly doesn't matter too much at my level currently what I run in, so I'll just chill out and have both shoes on hand to run in and I guess keep adjusting to spikes. Thanks.

On is winning everything. NAU and NC State are Adidas. Nike isn't really winning anything.

They are not banned. Even the NCAA allows them.

I am in a similar situation, i use spikes for both 1600m and 3200m, but I know guys who use vaporflys for both and are successful as well. Just go with what feels best to you.

lol time to get a pair of cloudmonsters to race in?

No no no, the on spikes