800 Meter Spikes (Mamba vs Victory)

I've always used Turbo Phantom (2 and 3), and I've never had any problems.

The shoes don't run the time, you do. I ran with the same shitty spikes all through college, and it didn't make a damn difference.

I'd suggest the Saucony Endorphin md3 but i'd use the vics for the 8 between those 2

I've heard of some people using the Maxcats for the 8. I guess if your strong enough that would be alright.

adidas Avanti is all the spike you need for 400m-3000m.

I used both the victory XC and victory track spikes and I found that I always ran my best times in the XCs, the lack of a spike plate was much more comfortable while it still weighed nothing and had great grip. You feel faster in the victory track spikes but make sure you like that aggressive, stiff feel to the spike plate, it often agitated my feet. Since you've been pleased with the victory, stay with it. You'll barely see any difference in the 800 between the two shoes but as you go up or down in the distances (400,1600,3200) you'll see whatever shoe fits you best truly excel

pros and cons of victories

pros: very aggressive spike. if you ever used the miler this is very similiar in aggression and feel. very light (3.2 ounces). great lockdown. gets you on your toes. great if you normally run on your forefoot or toes.

cons: if your not used to aggressive spikes, this will make your calves sore. upper isnt incredibly breathable and gets uncomfortable/rubs sometimes especially if your not wearing socks. not a lot of cushioning so your legs might feel it a bit more. cabling system can feel uncomfortable sometimes despite great lockdown.

pros and cons of mambas

pros: very responsive spike and has great pop to it (moreso than thye victories but victories still have good pop and responsiveness). more comfortable all around than victories. also very light (just about an ounce heavier). good protection/cushioning despite low weight (which is also a good thing).

cons: not as agressive as most people make it out to be (still has good agression to it, but victories are way more so). dont get you on your forefoot as easily. depending on the track, more susceptible to wear and tear due to a more exposed outsole (can get torn up pretty easily on harder tracks). harder to find online for better prices and in right sizes.

if your looking to save money then go with the mambas as they are just as good (some find them better) than the victories. however, the only bad things that i have found with the victories is comfort issues (and i dont care too much about them myself) but your only going for 2 laps so the issues arent enough to be a huge deterent for the short amount of time youll be in then. easy solution is thin socks. it really depends on your style of running and what your looking for in a spike. i personally prefer more of an aggressive spike in most cases but im different on the 800m. are you looking for an agressive spike that will give you great traction and a solid feel? then go with the victories. are you looking for a more relaxed but responsive spike? go with the mambas.

if you want a more comfortable spike, then the mambas are the way to go. i personally love both of them but for different purposes and scenarioes. my go to spike for the 800m is usually the miler but if im running an indoor 800m, then i run with the victories as they handle the turns better. then indoor mile i go mamba as i dont get thrashed over the race taking the turns and being forced higher up on my foot. outdoors i'd go with the mambas for 800m and victories for 1500m as the turns dont factor and i want the responsiveness whereas in the 1500m i want to feel fast and have more aggression for getting my kick going.

it all depends on what you want and like someone already said, its you who makes the shoes run fast, not the other way around. it all comes down to preferences and feel. remember to keep your eye out for other spikes as some might fit you preference wise better (like the maxcats, avantis, light-nings, milers, any version of endorphin md's, just keep an eye out). that being said robby andrews prefers victories outdoors and maxcats indoors (sometimes) whereas nick symmonds like mambas outdoors and milers indoors. both have a very similiar style of running, at least at some point they did (nick is changing his here and there) and they both seem to be doing very well for themselves.