![What Javelin Spikes should I wear](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a5083b_96577e99b4724730b088fa60d0d49eba~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_400,h_354,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/a5083b_96577e99b4724730b088fa60d0d49eba~mv2.png)
In this blog we will be going over different javelin spikes, the pros and cons of each brand, and ultimately which ones I recommend. We will be discussing a few different things, Brand, Style, comfortability, power throwers vs speed throwers, and spike length.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a5083b_9dfc41640b5f41b699cf6f5e6b9ff93d~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_525,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/a5083b_9dfc41640b5f41b699cf6f5e6b9ff93d~mv2.jpeg)
Spike Length
Before we get into too many details, I want to go over spike length. Javelin throwers throwing on a track surface should throw with 3/8in Spikes to gain the most traction on the surface. Other track events such as sprinting will be subject to wearing 1/4in spikes however that will cause Javelin throwers to slip and not hit an effective block at the point of the throw. Some facilities have 3/8in banned at the high school level but in college it should not be a problem.
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Under Armour
2/10
The reason Under Armour gets a 2/10 is because Under Armour is not a footwear company. I have heard numerous complaints about Under Armour shoes in general, and their javelin spikes do not have a good reputation either. It also speaks volumes when your olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra who is sponsored by Under Armour, uses Nike Spikes in the Olympics, but blacks out the logo so he doesn't get in trouble.
![Under Armour Athlete Neeraj Chopra refuses to wear Under Armour Javelin spikes at 2024 Paris Olympics](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a5083b_5003913fe5cb468f80da980eacec6463~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_972,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/a5083b_5003913fe5cb468f80da980eacec6463~mv2.png)
![Under Armour Athlete Neeraj Chopra refuses to wear Under Armour Javelin spikes at 2024 Paris Olympics](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a5083b_f3aba9f0608947aa887e83c79a83d867~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1326,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/a5083b_f3aba9f0608947aa887e83c79a83d867~mv2.jpeg)
Adidas
4/10
I give adidas a 4/10 because they are a very firm shoe, that is hard to be athletic in, and their ankle support is almost nonexistent. When coming into a block at full speed, you want to have some type of ankle support and adidas lacks this in a major way. Some brands offer a right / lefty option where the block ankle has a higher ankle than the other, but in recent additions, Adidas does not offer that feature.
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Puma
Rating: 2/10
The reason I give Puma a 2/10 is because of the issues that Johannes Vetter had during the 2021 season where his slipping on the track seemingly cost him the Olympic Gold in Tokyo where he was the heavy favorite. It is to be said Puma has much improved their spikes since then, but I have not seen any throwers have success with them yet, so they will stay low on my list until then. Johannes is my favorite Javelin thrower of all time, so I hope they can give him a product worth wearing going into the 2025 season as he recovers from surgery.
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Saucony
Rating: 6/10
I am a fan of these spikes, however the durability of the toe, and softness overall is the reason these get a 6/10. These spikes are great for power throwers who have trouble down the runway and need all the athleticism and bounce they can get. However, because these spikes are so soft and malleable, they are very hard to hit a strong block in, because it may feel like you are wearing sneakers at times. The other con is that the toe is not very durable and will rip up within a few sessions. When I wore these, I had to have 2 pairs all the time, 1 for practice and 1 for the competitions, because I would blow right through the back toe if used too frequently. This happens when people do ball throws in sneakers, their back foot toe will deteriorate, the same thing happens with these spikes.
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Asics
Rating: 9/10
Asics get an 9/10 for me because they are the best blend of a hard toe that is durable on the back foot, and block side, but still malleable and athletic to have bounce down the runway. They also have the feature where the block foot gets more support, which is a feature that I really wish more companies had to offer.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a5083b_7d1047c3b2d34de7abff1dc5e198dd61~mv2.webp/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/a5083b_7d1047c3b2d34de7abff1dc5e198dd61~mv2.webp)
Nike
9/10
Nike is one of the best footwear companies in the world and that is no surprise they also make a great javelin spike. Nike spikes are very tough to get used to however, and need to be broken in. If you do not have good rhythm and speed down the runway, these can be a detriment to you, due to their stiff nature. However, if you have great running and jumping ability, these will not hold you back. That is more of an issue of your training if you lack that ability. These spikes have been known to cause heel bruises and plantar fasciitis in some athletes as they are very stiff and hard on the feet. When competing in Nike spikes, definitely mix in some days in training where you do barefoot approach work, do some drills in sneakers and throw on the grass to take some stress off your feet and lower body in general.
Both my top two athletes have improved 20m in 4 years, and they wear Nike Spikes.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a5083b_7b64bdbd2902470f9c71faee45921093~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_653,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/a5083b_7b64bdbd2902470f9c71faee45921093~mv2.jpeg)
To purchase these Nike spikes visit https://www.amazon.com/shop/jacked.javelin/list/1WF0FMHHLOR8W?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_FH74Z50ZQVA8V5GW5Y8W
IG: jacked.javelin
YT: Jackedjavelin
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