NIKE Rival MD Track Spike: Recommendations and Weight of the Spike (Oz.) for 1500m Track Runners?.......................

I have a pair of size 11 worn once, too big for me. Is that your size?

jzs

I am about an 8-8.5.

What do you think of those spikes? Are they pretty light?

I guess the important questions are:

How fast are you? How fashion conscious are you?

The Rivals are good, basic shoes. I could see high schoolers wearing them and doing just fine, without expending large bucks. Although not necessarily minimum bucks. If you're just starting out, or aren't trying to earn a living from the sport, I'd guess they'd do you just fine, as long as they fit right.

As to weight, I think fit matters more.

However, if you're all fashion conscious and trendy, then you'll be wanting $100+ spikes, in just the right colors, thereby giving the shoe companies enough pure profit to help keep the entry level spike prices low.

they are fine. remember it's the magician not the wond.

A lot of people don't like the Rival MD just because it is labeled as an "entry level" spike. I ran a 1:50 and a 4:06 in them last year, while that is not world class level it is certainly above 'entry level'. Most "higher level" spikes are very hard, the Rival MD is soft, has a middle-level heel height, is very flexible with a basic spike plate. I don't like hard shoes and I also hate to use Nikes but this fits me perfect for 400 to 1500. I don't know what the weight is in ounces, it's actually lighter than Nike's more 'advanced' spikes because it has less hard plastic, the exception being the steeple spikes because of their almost-absent uppers.

Nike would have a real winner here if they priced it at $80 and called it an advanced spike, the 'entry level' label turns people away from a really good shoe.

Well, if a Kennedy Nike spike weighs about 6-7 oz., would you say the Rival is a bit less?

And I think the spike DOES influence performance, not just the ability of the runner. If you have crummy shoes, your times will show it.

Also, what is the deal with entry levels?

Does that mean the shoe is intended for beginners and has lesser performance?

Or does that mean it is not fancy and colorful like the expensive KEnnedy spikes?

I wore Rivals when I was in 7th grade. They do you great, until you get serious about running.

Also, I really doubt that Rivals weigh less than Kennedys..

What happens with these spikes when you get serious with running?

OK, so I will ask again:

For a SERIOUS 1500 meter runner, what are some reasonably priced, LIGHT, middle distance spikes purchasable over RoadRunner Sports or some other convenient location?

My first race is April 7 but I need the spikes fairly soon, so I do very much appreciate any help available.

I wear Rival D's sometimes, they are 6.8 oz. (Kennedys are 5.7?, i think, its from memory). They arent amazing spikes, but they fit me really well and give nice support, ill wear them trippling in a duel meet, or in the state champs mile. And they are cheap too, some colors are $20 on Eastbay. And by the way some kennedys are $20, or were a few days ago on eastbay, but they dont have any common sizes, it was mostly 14,15, but one, i think pastel blue had an 8 and 8.5.

~Stud

Aside from the Kennedys (which run quite expensive), are there any solid mid-distance spikes in the $50-85 range?

In answer to your question about a light spike for serious 1500m runners, I think there are 3 options in the Nike galaxy of stars. I say Nike because their racing products are kick-ass at the moment.

1. Lanang- pitched as a steeple spike, but since it is a combination of the Miler plate and the vented upper, it can work great for the 1500.

2. Miler- I'm actually not a huge fan, but quite a few elites that I've talked to like it just fine. A little bit more aggressive than a Kennedy or Ventulus.

3. Jasari ID (from the Nike website) You can design your own upper, and its about the best in superlight, flexible mid-distance spikes. I rocked this for the 1200 all season.

Look, this is simply my opinion. At the end of the day, there are suberb spikes out there from all companies, and different things work for different people. But with those three, it would be hard to go wrong.

You can pick up several of Nike's "top end" distance/mid-distance spikes on sale at Eastbay.com/footlocker.com right now. The Ventulus is a great spike, as is the Jasari Plus. Vents are $39, Jasari+ is $49. They also have the Kennedy's on sale, but they give me blisters so I don't recomend them. Lots of people love them, they just don't fit my feet. If you find what you want on the footlocker website, you can print it off and take it to your local footlocker store. They will order it for you and you get free shipping. Also, if they don't fit when you get them, the store will ship them back to the warehouse and order you the correct size. Saves you shipping both ways.

I already chimed in and stated that I like the Rival MD. I think it's a great shoe and will do well for anyone who likes a soft, flexible spike instead of a hard, stiff spike. For the price range you stated here are the spikes I've seen in person and would recommend.

Nike Zoom Rival MD $50.00

Adidas Cosmos MD (softer)$50.00

Adidas Adistar 3 MD (harder) more of a 400-800 sprint shoe, $84.99

Adistar 3 Steeple (harder) light and minimal, $84.99

Asics Hyperpower (softer) 7.7oz, $50.00

New Balance 500 (softer) $50.00, Flexible, minimal upper, 7.1oz

Brooks Surge MD (softer) 6.5oz, $50.00 a lighter version of the Asics Hyperpower

Mizuno Geo Sniper 3 (harder) 6.0oz, $109.00 the lightest one around, great fit and feel but expensive.

1. Nike Eldoret II

2. Puma Complete Harambee

3. Nike Jasari (original)

4. Nike Ventulus

5. Nike Miler

6. Nike Maxcat (400-800)

Best spikes ever.

1. Nike Mayfly

2. Nike Air Streak Vapor

Best Flats ever