12/24/2023 0 Comments Standard track spike length![]() ![]() Nike, Adidas, and New Balance appeared to be at the forefront of this by incorporating their new generation foams into the midsole as well creating new geometries for the track spikes. The road running shoes have been in an arms race amongst all of the different companies, however no one put too much focus into the track industry. Today's DPT section will be a little more grounded in theory and appreciation for innovation within the industry. The forefoot is very soft but the wide plate underfoot still does a good job of stabilizing that region. The last could probably be widened a tad, or the sidewall cinched in a little tighter on the midfoot with the upper to give a better hold in the future. If you are running fast you may not notice at all as the transitions are quick those that are fatiguing or running a little slower may notice though. The narrow last and wider fit through the midfoot in the upper can create a little bit of a sloppy midfoot. The midsole does have a sidewall that extends up the medial aspect of the midfoot, but could be integrated a little bit better. The last, however, is very narrow through the midfoot and those that have some midfoot instability may find themselves collapsing medially through the midfoot. This gives a little bit more grounding to the spike and creates some rigidity to the platform throughout the heel to toe transition cycle. The immediate heel is done quite well with the full length plate integration and having the plate up closer to the heel. The Nike Dragonfly has some elements that help with stability, and misses the mark in some others. Due to my personal midfoot instability though, I may look into a different pair for the 10k distance for my personal needs. The Dragonfly does certainly move quickly and I can easily see myself running 1500 to 5000m in this shoe. There is a lot of Zoom X in the forefoot region before hitting the plate and there is some getting used to that sensation is needed. With all of that said, this still is certainly a track spike and wants you up on your forefoot moving fast it does, however, provide some forgiveness if you fatigue. For those with stability needs they may find themselves collapsing through the midfoot a little more than they want to. The shoe has a sidewall along the medial aspect of the midsole that moves up the medial aspect of the midfoot, though it does not feel like it does much for stability as the upper leans a little wide through that region and the last underfoot is still pretty narrow. The spike certainly wants you to be up on your forefoot with the plate configuration, though still has decent cushioning through the heel. Because of the softer forefoot I actually liked having 1/4 spikes in when normally I run in a little bit smaller. Even though it is PEBAX the plate still has decent rigidity to it throughout. The spike plate/full length plate is spooned out as it sits higher up in the heel and then scoops downwards as it moves forward along the foot. As a result of this, there is a tad more rigidity and firmness under foot. The heel has decent cushioning as well, but the plate sits a little bit closer to the heel in that region. The Zoom X midsole is definitely soft for a track spike and the integration underfoot gives a soft sensation when loading the forefoot. The Nike Dragonfly took a little getting used to. Overall the shoe locks down pretty well and does have a little bit of room through the midfoot than some other track spikes on the market. There is no heel counter, but there is some light reinforcement throughout the upper with underlays down the midline of the calcaneus and heel collar, with similar material as a toe guard. There is a hole in the posterior aspect of the achilles/heel that is noticeable initially but fades away quickly from consciousness. The shoe does not have too much volume vertically, though this is expected for good lockdown and that performance track spike feel. There is a small amount of stretch to it, but not enough to require re lacing after warm up or strides. The upper is a single layer mesh that wraps the foot pretty well throughout. The heel is normal width to slightly narrow, the midfoot normal to slightly wide, and the forefoot slightly wide compared to most track spikes. Overall, the shoe fits similar to most track spikes and does have a performance fit throughout. The Nike Dragonfly fits me true to size in my normal men's 9.5. ![]() The shoe still feels like a track spike and has some aggressiveness to the ride, but also forgiving enough for most to heel strike as well if needed late in a race. The shoe uses a full length PEBAX plate that acts as a rigid lever and spike plate as well. The Dragonfly features Zoom X cushioning underfoot and is the same midsole material as the Nike Vaporfly and Alphafly. The Nike Dragonfly is an elite tier distance racing spike for those looking to have a shoe with a lot of versatility underfoot. ![]()
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