Article by Zack Dunn
Nike Dragonfly Elite 2 (190$)
Introduction
Zack: When the Nike Dragonfly spike came out, it was a game-changer in terms of innovation and led the way for brands to develop their own “super-spikes”. Therefore, the release of the Nike Dragonfly 2 was very much awaited, and especially the release of the Elite version. For me, the OG Dragonfly has been my preferred spike from the year it came out to the present day, and it was the spike I wore for most of my personal best times (at the time, 4:18 mile, 14:50 5K). So, when I saw this spike was released as “coming soon” at Nike.com, I knew my wallet was about to suffer. Happily I purchased the spikes, and once they came I ran many sessions as well as races with now 8:32 3K and 4:42 5K PR’s!
Pros:
Very lightweight for it’s construction
Midsole is soft, bouncy, and responsive
Carbon fiber plate provides stiffness and great responsiveness
Upper is very lightweight, yet has great lockdown
Cons:
$180 cost could be a turn off
Carbon fiber plate could be too stiff for racer levels or some stride types
Permanent pins could potentially provide long term concerns
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Zack: When I received these spikes, luckily a day before my season opening 5K, I felt the feeling I experienced when I saw my first pair of the original Dragonfly’s, which is a very good first impression.
In terms of looks, I really enjoy the look of this spike. It looks fast, sleek, and very comfortable, which it is!
The upper of this spike is Nike’s Fly Mesh upper, which has been enhanced with additional perforations to enhance breathability.
It also incorporates a Matumbo hole in the heel, which reduces weight and provides comfort. A small but noteworthy detail is the notched laces, which prevent them from coming undone during the race.
Midsole
Zack: The midsole has Nike’s premium ZoomX foam. ZoomX is Nike’s lightest and most responsive foam. It’s designed to be soft and lightweight, which is why there’s a significant amount of foam in this spike while at the same time still maintaining its lightweight nature with a US9 weighing 4.8 oz / 136 g per Running Warehouse. I experienced this firsthand during races, which is why it’s comfortable enough for distances ranging from 1500 to 10k. Additionally, I appreciate the high level of arch support, which helps keep my feet feeling fresh throughout longer races, such as 3k or 5k events.
Outsole (Spike Plate)
Zack: The outsole of this spike features a full-length spike-plate with sharkskin heel for enhanced traction, and outsole foam for added durability.
The plate is a full-length, extremely stiff carbon fiber plate that contributes to a smooth and efficient ride.
It offers remarkable snappiness while maintaining a smooth transition.
The Dragonfly 2 incorporates four-pin permanent steel 1/4-inch spikes that provide stable, long-lasting grip on the track, preventing slipping. In terms of flexibility, this spike has minimal flexibility, which is what makes it incredibly fast and versatile.
Ride
Zack: In terms of ride, I thoroughly enjoyed how well this spike performed for various distances. The longer races, such as 3k-10k, are where this spike truly shines. I’ve personally used it for 3k-5k, but not 10k (although I know many people who have and can attest that this spike is excellent for 10k as well). I managed to run personal best for both, a 8:32 3K, and a 14:42 5K, I know it’s about the runner and not the spikes, but they certainly help!.
It’s incredibly bouncy and supportive enough to help you endure those races without your legs or feet feeling exhausted.
For shorter races such as 800m-1600m, the spike was fast enough to still perform exceptionally well. While it may be too soft and not aggressive enough for hardcore middle distance runners to enjoy at those distances, I personally found it to be a great choice.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Zack: In all, the Nike Dragonfly 2 Elite spike is bought so much for its lightweight construction, responsive midsole, and stiff carbon fiber plate. The spike is considered a game-changer for its performance and comfort, and being able to provide the highest quality a spike can offer. However, some might consider the high cost, permanent spikes, and stiff plate a turn off, but I would say it’s very much worth it regardless. As stated previously, the spike is great for 800m-10K distances, with the sweet spot being 1600m-5K distances for me.
Score: 9.9/10
Comparisons
Nike ZoomX Dragonfly
Zack: The Nike Dragonfly Elite 2 improves upon the original Dragonfly with better cushioning, a stiffer plate, a more secure fit, and a lighter weight. In my opinion, these spikes are a slight level above the original in all aspects, which says a lot because the first iteration was as good as it gets. As discussed, there are slight cons to the Elite 2’s such as permanent spikes and higher cost. However, I think these are extremely minor and the pros certainly outweigh the cons. These upgrades make it a superior choice for elite athletes seeking optimal performance and comfort during long-distance races, much more than the original.
Nike Air Zoom Victory
Zack: These two spikes are very similar on paper but quite different in feel. Both have ZoomX foam, carbon fiber plates and lightweight uppers, but I will discuss the practical differences.The Nike Air Zoom Victory is primarily designed for middle-distance races, particularly 800m and 1500m. However, many runners use it for 3k-5k and even 10k races, especially those who prefer a more aggressive feel. Therefore, I believe a comparison is appropriate. The most significant difference lies in their construction. The Victory features a carbon fiber plate under the foot with an Air Zoom unit below it, while the Dragonfly has a traditional foam midsole, with a Carbon fiber plate under the foam. Consequently, the Dragonfly offers a significantly more comfortable ride and is much better suited for distances exceeding 1500m. On the other hand, if you’re seeking the fastest and most aggressive spikes for middle-distance or longer races, the Victory would be the superior choice. Therefore, it is simply up to preference.
Adidas Avanti
Zack: Of all the comparisons, I would say that the Adidas Avanti and the Dragonfly are the most similar in terms of overall ride and feel. However, I believe the Dragonfly Elite is levels above the Avanti, as it’s lighter, more snappy, and overall feels much faster. Although they are extremely similar, I would say that one of the advantages of the Dragonfly over the Avanti is that it is nearly 2 ounces lighter! Other than price, I do not think there is any reason to choose the Avanti over the Elite.
Tester Profile
Zack Dunn: is a college junior/ runner at Lewis University. I’ve been running for 9 years, and focused solely on running after giving up on years of baseball and wrestling. I race distances between 1500 meters and 10K whether it be on the track, the roads, or on cross country courses. I do most of my training on the roads, some training on the track, and occasionally run trails logging anywhere from 70-90 miles a week. My typical training consists of easy days, long days, workouts (fartleks, tempos, interval training, etc.). My typical training paces range from 7’30 a mile on easy days to sub-5 minutes a mile on fast interval days, and with many paces in between. My personal bests are 4:18 for 1600m, 8:30 for 3000m, 14:40 for 5K, 24:45 for 8k, and 31:15 for 10k.
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The sample was a personal purchase. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
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