In high school, many decades ago (😢), I ran XC, wrestled, and ran track (sprints, hurdles, relays). Somewhere, deep in my closet, is a box of old memorabilia that includes my Nike and Onitsuka spikes, and my Nike and Onitsuka wrestling shoes. I don't know why I brought this up, but your video triggered memories.
I love running track races, but it's hard to find good reviews of spikes, especially the newer ones. This is the first high-quality review of spikes that includes anything modern that I've been able to find. I love your content and hope you decide to try some track races and maybe some more spike reviews.
I’m glad this hit the mark for you. I do plan on covering other spikes on the channel. It really depends on access and finding the spikes, they are rare here in Taiwan and other places I travel often.
This spike is one I don't have but do have the 1st version but I just found it too agressive for me these days when am a lot slower than I was when was a "proper" track runner up to about 2003. So out of choice I go for the Dragonfly and have raced everything from 400m to 10000m on the track in them. I got the Dragonfly 2 and I did one 1500 in them in May shortly before got injured and did not find them that different albeit with 4 pins not 6 but can't say really noticed that when running. That all said I did think the Victory was the "faster" spike when I did hardish 400m reps but in 800 or 1500 just found it felt was on tiptoes all race. Be interesting then to see how differen the Victory 2 is but equally I very much doubt if it would be better for me especially over 1500 and longer and compared to "old school" spikes being able to race in spikes over say 3000-10000 without hobbingly for days after and also thinking could have run faster in say Vaporflys. Indeed when have worn both in same timeframe not been much in over 5000 but anything say Mile or under I always feel spikes help. And good to hear you aren't trying to wear socks although I do sometimes at 5000 :) I think the difference for me spikes is knowing when to use them. If say you goto a track and run say marathon pace reps no point at all wearing spikes and it will probably feel rather harsh. However do say 200/300/400 reps hard and, as you say, you ought to feel much faster. Just be careful with your hamstrings and calves especially on the bends. I say use spikes sparingly until used to them and that might mean initially just doing the last few faster reps in spikes. You often see elites doing just that.
Totally agree on “knowing when to use them”. The V2 feels like a “tool” to get work done with. Nothing casual about it. Not something that has “park run” vibes or could even be considered for that (not that park runs happen on the track but plenty of Vaporflys get sued for such efforts). The V2 definitely puts me up on my toes and rewards me when I’m up on my form well. However, that more mild midfoot and more heel take some of the edge (as you referenced) for the rest periods and makes walking (not jogging) easier. That being said I swap to trainers for anything prolonged and warmups/cooldowns. Spikes are dedicated tools and the V2s REALLY stress that.
Chris! Thank you for the review of the Nike track spikes, especially the new Victory 2. I run in both the original Victory and Dragonfly. I love doing track workouts in both, and I haven't had stability issues with them. I could be an anomaly running and racing track, road, and XC. I highly recommend runners should get a pair of spikes to enhance their form!
Spikes may be the best thing there is to improve form. There is NO cheating, scuffing, being lazy in a spike. They will punish you for that. Truly a tool for performance. Which is incredible to run it and do workouts in. I'm glad this one was enjoyable. Eventually I'll have some other spikes on the channel. it's about finding them...they are not that common.
Hi! I am a track (400 and 800) runner and I use the Victory version 1, and I love it. I want to buy the 2 so I am very happy to see Your video about it. I think that the hole in the back can do what You said however those holes I think more likely for those who run steeplechese, so the water can flow out. You do such an amazing content, and I hope your channel will continuosly grow
I’ve now tried the Victory 1 on and I’d say the fit is similar, though the V2 is softer around the foot. You can notice the stability increases in the V2 for sure (standing in the store on a yoga mat). Noted on the steeplechase. 👍🏻 Thank you for the kind words on the content. 🤙🏻
Wow you continue to amaze me with this extensive reviews, thank you so much for all the valuable info you share in all your videos. I can't wait to see your other videos on the other spikes such as the maxfly 2 vs the 1 for a 400m and 800m, the victory 1 vs the victory 2, the dragonfly 2 for potentially a 3200m to a 10000m vs the victory 2, or some of the On spikes such as the amplius, and maybe a video on if the On 10000m spike is still relevant from last year.
I'm glad the video hit the mark for you. Definitely not alot of spike content out there. I won't be covering the Maxfly 2, I have no reason to own sprint spike. If I'm honest, I have little reason for the Victory 2 at this point (we will see later this fall though). I am doing middle distance work right now though... I plan on covering the Dragonfly 2. I just need to find a pair, which has been challenging. I also have a handful of other spikes, from other brands I want to cover, but we will see if I can find them. All middle distance or long distance. More coming.
@@SagasuRunning Sounds like you're definitely on top of it. I can definitely see how the victory 2, and further the maxfly 2 don't make the most sense for yourself or your channel considering your audience, however it might be a good idea to consider mentioning the use of the maxfly 2 in the 800. Most of your audience is probably road racing, but I bet the rest is middle distance track so a good portion of your viewers end up running the 800. It's a very grey area because it's in between a sprint and a true distance event, however theres a lot of debate on which shoe is best across the community. People like myself prefer the maxfly over the victory because it's more aggressive and offers slightly better energy return. But the victory is more stable so theres an argument there, and on the opposite end of the spectrum some runners such as the Cal distance squad prefer the dragonfly. I understand its very niche in an already niche area, but I think it'd be an interesting video for you to make and maybe even broaden your horizons to encompass the lowest end of distance for track. Just a thought anyways...
@@SagasuRunning Absolutely, the maxfly is probably the most popular 800 meter spike because it's designed to run a fast 400 which correlates to anything around 48-58 seconds, and because elite middle distance runners in the 800 are running those splits it just makes the most sense over the victory.
@owendawson5424 Really? I didn’t see a single runner in the 800 or 1500, in the Olympics or any recent Diamond League in the Maxfly 2, just Victory 2s and still a few Deagonflys. Is that a collegiate thing then?
I'm a product design professionally and while I've never worked directly in footwear I have quite a bit of product development experience in related areas with similar materials. Also I'm a long time runner, going back into the 90s with it all.
Finaaaally What I ask myself is... which spikes should I get, the Victory 2 or the DragonFly 2 ... In my mind the DragonFly2 seems more gentle and more durable for training purpose? Otherwise I dont see myself running a 10k in spikes, just interverals. That is the first video about spikes I have ever seen in such depth in such detail and with that knowledge... really thank you, you will help a looot of people to get into track work with that, Im sure about that!
Would be interesting if Chris had both for his opinion but from extensive experience of the Dragonfly 1 (and now 2) and Victory 1 (I don't have the 2) then for me as a 57 year old masters athlete running recently 2:26 800, just over 5:00 1500, high 18/low 19 5000 then I would pick Dragonfly every time as relatively just a little less agressive and comfortable but still plenty fast enough for what I can manage these days. Sounds like the Victory 2 is "better" but I would be cautious equating the needs of elites running sub 4 mile pace to the rest of us! I rarely wear spikes in training anyway as feel too "risky" for anything other than short, hard interval sessions where I feel gain the most benefit. So it depends what type of intervals you want to do. Personally I would rarely use spikes for intervals longer than 400m but of course if you are planning to race on the track in spikes then worth getting used to them at target pace.
The V2s don’t feel fragile… but they feel like a dedicated tool. I do my warm up and cool down in trainers and they switch to these for the work part of a workout. Overall I find them “gentle” for the jog/walk sections and aggressive (in the right ways) for the reps. The V1 wouldn’t have the same with the heel. I don’t find they overly aggressive… at least for what I want them for. I don’t think I’d do a 10000m in them, but likely would consider for a 5000m (though VF3s would be the first choice). I do want to cover a few more spikes, it’s just about finding them.
Well said and good advice. I do plan to find a pair of DF2s (no luck here in the US) so someday I will compare. That being said the V2s feel appropriate for the “work” section of a workout. They aren’t for anything casual…. They make you work hard and are aggressive for what they are… and that is fine. These are not a casual “park run” type vibe.
@@SagasuRunning agreed. Certainly spikes are not great for easy pace warm ups! Some friends race 5000s in the Victory 1 but largely as that is just what they have. Have occasionally done the odd “off-road” parkrun in XC spikes. Reminds me I need to actually try the Dragonfly XC ones I bought this time last year! Thinking about I don’t know anybody who has the Victory 2 other than you so actual comparisons are tricky but it does seem are much more popular in elite usage than previously when was a more even second split. Some 800 elites even raced in Maxfly which I do have the 1 and very stiff - almost like bike shoes !
@TimGrose I almost bought the DFXCs here in the US, but don’t need them. They are much more “race flat” than “spike”, more robust and forging forgiving for sure.
Interesting video. I switched to super spikes from standard spikes this season. I have the Dragonfly 1 and 2 and definitely notice the increased stability in the 2 vs the 1. I was tying the laces on the 1 much tighter than on the 2, something I only realised once I got the 2 and felt comfortable having the forefoot a bit looser. I run 1500 but I've always generally gone for LD spikes and for the DF1 it did seem like quite a few 1500 runners made the same choice. Like you, I noticed the Victory 2 was more prominent in Paris and athletes like Laura Muir and Keely Hodgkinson that previously ran in DFs switched. I'll probably consider the Victory 2 next season, they should definitely be better for 800 races and the stability you report is promising.
I recently tried on a Victory 1 and Dragonfly 1 and can say the fit and feel of the Victory 2 is next level. The Atomknit of the V2 is so much softer and wraps the foot some much nicer than the V1 material. The lasting used in the V2 seems to be tweaked too as the shoe fits the foot more naturally compared to the V1 ot DF1. Nike talked alot about refining fit of their recent gen 2 spikes and it shows, clearly. I didn't run on either the V1 or DF1, but jsut standing in them in the store I could feel how much more anchored and stable the V2s feel. It's a change you will notice...I bet especially on the turns.
@@SagasuRunning that's interesting that you find the V2 a better fit/ feel and more stable than the DF1 (I expected it over the V1)! It's sounding more and more like a no brainer to get them.* My thinking would be to save the V2 mostly for racing and train in the DF2 (the stability, full zoomx and less aggressive pebax plate should make them great for regular training with the presumed extra snappiness/ aggressiveness of the V2 a race day boost). Also I generally race sockless so a good upper is great. I forgot to say the other reason I wanted to try the DF2 despite only starting racing in the DF1 this year was I actually preferred the fit of the DF XC Vs the DF1 and that was my first super spike of any kind. That was more stable than the DF1 but had the weight penalty. I did wear the DF XC on track to pace a couple of races before the DF2 was released because of the better stability. *Pre this season I've always run in NB spikes for track and XC and the New Balance MDX has intrigued me for a while. If version 3 had been released here I might have gone for them (McLaughlin record setting spikes and had a good reputation for MD), the Victory 2 certainly seems on par with that now though and may be more versatile.
Keep in mind…. I’m primarily a road runner…. So track work is a new focus for me, at least in spikes. But your thinking aligns with mine. I’m actually looking for a pair DF2s for workouts and will use the V2s for the key workouts and TTs I will do on the track. It’s not that I can’t do it all in the V2s, they feel durable enough and have enough comfort… it’s more that I want to experience another option in spikes to compare, thus the DF2s. Finding a pair is the challenge right now. Also I am sockless in spikes as well (the way it should be) so fit is vital for me. I’m impressed with Nike new Atomknit textile, on the AF3 and V2, but you really feel of soft it it sockless in the V2. Plus the lockdown is well done in the shoe.
@@SagasuRunning you being new to it and finding them ok is promising to me (an old MD spike might have felt too harsh). I've generally trained in proper racing flats rather than spikes, but one of my flats being destroyed by being spiked, meant I trained more in spikes this year and with the amount of cushioning there's no impact from the spike plate on your feet so it feels like a flat with added grip and better fit. I think many track runners will have dismissed the V2 given the experience in the V1 (I know a few that tried it and went back to the DF1). It will be good to see what you think of the DF2 if you can get hold of them. Hopefully the Streakfly 2 is close to a DF for the road as I think I'd love that.
@SPR000AA Interesting. I’ve primarily done track work in flats or splats. The V2 is the first really aggressive spike I’ve run in. Though as a forefoot striker it feels natural and is great for working on mechanics. The Streakfly 2 is rumored to be a “road Dragonfly” sharing much of the geometry and midfoot. It should be very interesting.
hey man just wanted to say i love your content, extremely underrated and i can see the production quality in your videos. i was wondering, if you could only choose one spike for all distances from 1500 up to 5k, and had to pick between the dragonfly 2 and victory 2, which would you choose? looking to buy a new track spike for next year, but i dont have the money to buy two pairs. thanks!
It’s hard to say. I think the Dragonfly 2 is likely the more all-rounder option for those distances. But if you have the form (and calves) the V2 is certainly capable. Thank you for the kind words on the content. 🤙🏻
Great video! My 13-year old daughter competes at the national level in 1.000m and 3.000m on track. Would you recommend the Victory 2 or the Dragonfly 2? On a side note, in her age group (in Europe) they run shorter distances, so 1.000m and 3.000m correspond to 1.500m and 5.000m respectively for adults.
As I stated in the video, I am much more of a road runner…. BUT…. The V2 seems to be the new versatile spike for middle and long distances IF you have the legs for it. The Dragonfly 2 is the true long distance spike now and a less aggressive option for middle distances onward. If your daughter has the form and strength for the V2… I’d definitely recommend it. Thank you for the kind words on the video. 🤙🏻
I’ll add it to the list, but it will be very unlikely. Track spikes are VERY rare in Taiwan (I lucked into the Victory 2s really)… so finding a pair is unlikely to happen, regardless of sod my feelings about New Balance as a brand.
I've not run in the DF. However, if those are your events I can't see how you cannot upgrade, especially if you are in need of new spikes. The performance difference in the spike will be immense.
The victory lacked stability to do everything it was supposed to do. However the V2 has truly fixed this issue. This feels like a stripped down version of a alphafly
Totally. I’m only using them for workouts, also only for the work section of the workout (warm up and cool down are in Pegs) on a Mondo surface track…. About 14k of total work across multiple workouts …. And the amount of wear on the entire spike is minimal. If you stay on track surfaces you’ll be fine for a season likely… unless you rupture the air unit… that will go before the exposed foam in the midfoot and heel.
I'm in the middle of my cross country season, sophomore year high school, with a 16:08 3 mile. I think I am a mid-foot striker but the dragonfly XC works really well for me. I was scared to use spikes at first cause most spikes don't fit me because i have wide feet. But the dragonfly XC doesn't bother me too much. Do you know how close the victory 1 or regular dragonfly 1's (cause i cant really afford the 2's) are to the XC version ,Width wise, in the toe box? {looking for track season spikes}
So I literally just looked at the DFXC and the DF1 as I was trying to find a pair of DF2 (no luck). The DFXC is a much more robust and built up shoe, much more like a race flat than a spike. It is wider and longer than the DF1 (or any track spike). That being said I tried both the DFXC and DF1 on, same TTS for me but one fit like a flat and the other like a spike… if you have issues with spikes you won’t like the DF1 or V1…
It never wasn’t…. 🤷🏼♂️ (but there will be some non Nike content coming in October…. All this Nike content hair sort of built up over the summer and launched together).
In high school, many decades ago (😢), I ran XC, wrestled, and ran track (sprints, hurdles, relays). Somewhere, deep in my closet, is a box of old memorabilia that includes my Nike and Onitsuka spikes, and my Nike and Onitsuka wrestling shoes. I don't know why I brought this up, but your video triggered memories.
Seems like my previous videos should have done that more. Those spiels must be quite cool at this point though…
@SagasuRunning Indeed, your preceeding videos did. I just remembered that I kept these old shoes for whatever reason. Call me sentimental.
@Wings_nut Sentimental. 👍🏻
I love running track races, but it's hard to find good reviews of spikes, especially the newer ones. This is the first high-quality review of spikes that includes anything modern that I've been able to find. I love your content and hope you decide to try some track races and maybe some more spike reviews.
I’m glad this hit the mark for you. I do plan on covering other spikes on the channel. It really depends on access and finding the spikes, they are rare here in Taiwan and other places I travel often.
This spike is one I don't have but do have the 1st version but I just found it too agressive for me these days when am a lot slower than I was when was a "proper" track runner up to about 2003. So out of choice I go for the Dragonfly and have raced everything from 400m to 10000m on the track in them. I got the Dragonfly 2 and I did one 1500 in them in May shortly before got injured and did not find them that different albeit with 4 pins not 6 but can't say really noticed that when running. That all said I did think the Victory was the "faster" spike when I did hardish 400m reps but in 800 or 1500 just found it felt was on tiptoes all race. Be interesting then to see how differen the Victory 2 is but equally I very much doubt if it would be better for me especially over 1500 and longer and compared to "old school" spikes being able to race in spikes over say 3000-10000 without hobbingly for days after and also thinking could have run faster in say Vaporflys. Indeed when have worn both in same timeframe not been much in over 5000 but anything say Mile or under I always feel spikes help. And good to hear you aren't trying to wear socks although I do sometimes at 5000 :) I think the difference for me spikes is knowing when to use them. If say you goto a track and run say marathon pace reps no point at all wearing spikes and it will probably feel rather harsh. However do say 200/300/400 reps hard and, as you say, you ought to feel much faster. Just be careful with your hamstrings and calves especially on the bends. I say use spikes sparingly until used to them and that might mean initially just doing the last few faster reps in spikes. You often see elites doing just that.
Totally agree on “knowing when to use them”. The V2 feels like a “tool” to get work done with. Nothing casual about it. Not something that has “park run” vibes or could even be considered for that (not that park runs happen on the track but plenty of Vaporflys get sued for such efforts).
The V2 definitely puts me up on my toes and rewards me when I’m up on my form well. However, that more mild midfoot and more heel take some of the edge (as you referenced) for the rest periods and makes walking (not jogging) easier. That being said I swap to trainers for anything prolonged and warmups/cooldowns.
Spikes are dedicated tools and the V2s REALLY stress that.
Chris! Thank you for the review of the Nike track spikes, especially the new Victory 2. I run in both the original Victory and Dragonfly. I love doing track workouts in both, and I haven't had stability issues with them. I could be an anomaly running and racing track, road, and XC. I highly recommend runners should get a pair of spikes to enhance their form!
Spikes may be the best thing there is to improve form. There is NO cheating, scuffing, being lazy in a spike. They will punish you for that. Truly a tool for performance. Which is incredible to run it and do workouts in.
I'm glad this one was enjoyable. Eventually I'll have some other spikes on the channel. it's about finding them...they are not that common.
Best review ever, just got the victory 2s and they look fast!
Thank you. 🤙🏻
(They feel fast too… you’ll see.)
Hi! I am a track (400 and 800) runner and I use the Victory version 1, and I love it. I want to buy the 2 so I am very happy to see Your video about it. I think that the hole in the back can do what You said however those holes I think more likely for those who run steeplechese, so the water can flow out. You do such an amazing content, and I hope your channel will continuosly grow
I’ve now tried the Victory 1 on and I’d say the fit is similar, though the V2 is softer around the foot. You can notice the stability increases in the V2 for sure (standing in the store on a yoga mat).
Noted on the steeplechase. 👍🏻
Thank you for the kind words on the content. 🤙🏻
Wow you continue to amaze me with this extensive reviews, thank you so much for all the valuable info you share in all your videos. I can't wait to see your other videos on the other spikes such as the maxfly 2 vs the 1 for a 400m and 800m, the victory 1 vs the victory 2, the dragonfly 2 for potentially a 3200m to a 10000m vs the victory 2, or some of the On spikes such as the amplius, and maybe a video on if the On 10000m spike is still relevant from last year.
I'm glad the video hit the mark for you. Definitely not alot of spike content out there.
I won't be covering the Maxfly 2, I have no reason to own sprint spike. If I'm honest, I have little reason for the Victory 2 at this point (we will see later this fall though). I am doing middle distance work right now though...
I plan on covering the Dragonfly 2. I just need to find a pair, which has been challenging.
I also have a handful of other spikes, from other brands I want to cover, but we will see if I can find them. All middle distance or long distance.
More coming.
@@SagasuRunning Sounds like you're definitely on top of it. I can definitely see how the victory 2, and further the maxfly 2 don't make the most sense for yourself or your channel considering your audience, however it might be a good idea to consider mentioning the use of the maxfly 2 in the 800. Most of your audience is probably road racing, but I bet the rest is middle distance track so a good portion of your viewers end up running the 800. It's a very grey area because it's in between a sprint and a true distance event, however theres a lot of debate on which shoe is best across the community. People like myself prefer the maxfly over the victory because it's more aggressive and offers slightly better energy return. But the victory is more stable so theres an argument there, and on the opposite end of the spectrum some runners such as the Cal distance squad prefer the dragonfly. I understand its very niche in an already niche area, but I think it'd be an interesting video for you to make and maybe even broaden your horizons to encompass the lowest end of distance for track. Just a thought anyways...
Interesting feedback. Do any middle distance runners use the Maxfly 2? I’ve not seen that yet, at all.
@@SagasuRunning Absolutely, the maxfly is probably the most popular 800 meter spike because it's designed to run a fast 400 which correlates to anything around 48-58 seconds, and because elite middle distance runners in the 800 are running those splits it just makes the most sense over the victory.
@owendawson5424 Really? I didn’t see a single runner in the 800 or 1500, in the Olympics or any recent Diamond League in the Maxfly 2, just Victory 2s and still a few Deagonflys.
Is that a collegiate thing then?
What is your background? Your reviews are thorough and show a clear understanding of materials as well the application/use cases.
I'm a product design professionally and while I've never worked directly in footwear I have quite a bit of product development experience in related areas with similar materials. Also I'm a long time runner, going back into the 90s with it all.
I sure do wish these came out last year so I could have ran my entire last season of track in them because they seem like monsters for the 1500
That they are. Absolute monsters.
Finaaaally
What I ask myself is... which spikes should I get, the Victory 2 or the DragonFly 2 ... In my mind the DragonFly2 seems more gentle and more durable for training purpose?
Otherwise I dont see myself running a 10k in spikes, just interverals.
That is the first video about spikes I have ever seen in such depth in such detail and with that knowledge... really thank you, you will help a looot of people to get into track work with that, Im sure about that!
Would be interesting if Chris had both for his opinion but from extensive experience of the Dragonfly 1 (and now 2) and Victory 1 (I don't have the 2) then for me as a 57 year old masters athlete running recently 2:26 800, just over 5:00 1500, high 18/low 19 5000 then I would pick Dragonfly every time as relatively just a little less agressive and comfortable but still plenty fast enough for what I can manage these days. Sounds like the Victory 2 is "better" but I would be cautious equating the needs of elites running sub 4 mile pace to the rest of us! I rarely wear spikes in training anyway as feel too "risky" for anything other than short, hard interval sessions where I feel gain the most benefit. So it depends what type of intervals you want to do. Personally I would rarely use spikes for intervals longer than 400m but of course if you are planning to race on the track in spikes then worth getting used to them at target pace.
The V2s don’t feel fragile… but they feel like a dedicated tool. I do my warm up and cool down in trainers and they switch to these for the work part of a workout.
Overall I find them “gentle” for the jog/walk sections and aggressive (in the right ways) for the reps. The V1 wouldn’t have the same with the heel.
I don’t find they overly aggressive… at least for what I want them for. I don’t think I’d do a 10000m in them, but likely would consider for a 5000m (though VF3s would be the first choice).
I do want to cover a few more spikes, it’s just about finding them.
Well said and good advice. I do plan to find a pair of DF2s (no luck here in the US) so someday I will compare.
That being said the V2s feel appropriate for the “work” section of a workout. They aren’t for anything casual…. They make you work hard and are aggressive for what they are… and that is fine. These are not a casual “park run” type vibe.
@@SagasuRunning agreed. Certainly spikes are not great for easy pace warm ups! Some friends race 5000s in the Victory 1 but largely as that is just what they have. Have occasionally done the odd “off-road” parkrun in XC spikes. Reminds me I need to actually try the Dragonfly XC ones I bought this time last year! Thinking about I don’t know anybody who has the Victory 2 other than you so actual comparisons are tricky but it does seem are much more popular in elite usage than previously when was a more even second split. Some 800 elites even raced in Maxfly which I do have the 1 and very stiff - almost like bike shoes !
@TimGrose I almost bought the DFXCs here in the US, but don’t need them. They are much more “race flat” than “spike”, more robust and forging forgiving for sure.
Great review! I have them Too and love them for 400/800/1500
They are killer for that for sure. Not bad for 200s either, at least in reps.
Interesting video. I switched to super spikes from standard spikes this season. I have the Dragonfly 1 and 2 and definitely notice the increased stability in the 2 vs the 1. I was tying the laces on the 1 much tighter than on the 2, something I only realised once I got the 2 and felt comfortable having the forefoot a bit looser. I run 1500 but I've always generally gone for LD spikes and for the DF1 it did seem like quite a few 1500 runners made the same choice. Like you, I noticed the Victory 2 was more prominent in Paris and athletes like Laura Muir and Keely Hodgkinson that previously ran in DFs switched. I'll probably consider the Victory 2 next season, they should definitely be better for 800 races and the stability you report is promising.
I recently tried on a Victory 1 and Dragonfly 1 and can say the fit and feel of the Victory 2 is next level. The Atomknit of the V2 is so much softer and wraps the foot some much nicer than the V1 material. The lasting used in the V2 seems to be tweaked too as the shoe fits the foot more naturally compared to the V1 ot DF1. Nike talked alot about refining fit of their recent gen 2 spikes and it shows, clearly.
I didn't run on either the V1 or DF1, but jsut standing in them in the store I could feel how much more anchored and stable the V2s feel. It's a change you will notice...I bet especially on the turns.
@@SagasuRunning that's interesting that you find the V2 a better fit/ feel and more stable than the DF1 (I expected it over the V1)! It's sounding more and more like a no brainer to get them.* My thinking would be to save the V2 mostly for racing and train in the DF2 (the stability, full zoomx and less aggressive pebax plate should make them great for regular training with the presumed extra snappiness/ aggressiveness of the V2 a race day boost). Also I generally race sockless so a good upper is great. I forgot to say the other reason I wanted to try the DF2 despite only starting racing in the DF1 this year was I actually preferred the fit of the DF XC Vs the DF1 and that was my first super spike of any kind. That was more stable than the DF1 but had the weight penalty. I did wear the DF XC on track to pace a couple of races before the DF2 was released because of the better stability.
*Pre this season I've always run in NB spikes for track and XC and the New Balance MDX has intrigued me for a while. If version 3 had been released here I might have gone for them (McLaughlin record setting spikes and had a good reputation for MD), the Victory 2 certainly seems on par with that now though and may be more versatile.
Keep in mind…. I’m primarily a road runner…. So track work is a new focus for me, at least in spikes.
But your thinking aligns with mine. I’m actually looking for a pair DF2s for workouts and will use the V2s for the key workouts and TTs I will do on the track. It’s not that I can’t do it all in the V2s, they feel durable enough and have enough comfort… it’s more that I want to experience another option in spikes to compare, thus the DF2s. Finding a pair is the challenge right now.
Also I am sockless in spikes as well (the way it should be) so fit is vital for me. I’m impressed with Nike new Atomknit textile, on the AF3 and V2, but you really feel of soft it it sockless in the V2. Plus the lockdown is well done in the shoe.
@@SagasuRunning you being new to it and finding them ok is promising to me (an old MD spike might have felt too harsh). I've generally trained in proper racing flats rather than spikes, but one of my flats being destroyed by being spiked, meant I trained more in spikes this year and with the amount of cushioning there's no impact from the spike plate on your feet so it feels like a flat with added grip and better fit. I think many track runners will have dismissed the V2 given the experience in the V1 (I know a few that tried it and went back to the DF1). It will be good to see what you think of the DF2 if you can get hold of them. Hopefully the Streakfly 2 is close to a DF for the road as I think I'd love that.
@SPR000AA Interesting. I’ve primarily done track work in flats or splats. The V2 is the first really aggressive spike I’ve run in. Though as a forefoot striker it feels natural and is great for working on mechanics.
The Streakfly 2 is rumored to be a “road Dragonfly” sharing much of the geometry and midfoot. It should be very interesting.
hey man just wanted to say i love your content, extremely underrated and i can see the production quality in your videos. i was wondering, if you could only choose one spike for all distances from 1500 up to 5k, and had to pick between the dragonfly 2 and victory 2, which would you choose? looking to buy a new track spike for next year, but i dont have the money to buy two pairs. thanks!
It’s hard to say. I think the Dragonfly 2 is likely the more all-rounder option for those distances. But if you have the form (and calves) the V2 is certainly capable.
Thank you for the kind words on the content. 🤙🏻
Great video!
My 13-year old daughter competes at the national level in 1.000m and 3.000m on track. Would you recommend the Victory 2 or the Dragonfly 2?
On a side note, in her age group (in Europe) they run shorter distances, so 1.000m and 3.000m correspond to 1.500m and 5.000m respectively for adults.
As I stated in the video, I am much more of a road runner…. BUT…. The V2 seems to be the new versatile spike for middle and long distances IF you have the legs for it. The Dragonfly 2 is the true long distance spike now and a less aggressive option for middle distances onward.
If your daughter has the form and strength for the V2… I’d definitely recommend it.
Thank you for the kind words on the video. 🤙🏻
Can you try out the new balance md-x3 ? It was very hyped up In the First half the year before the air victory 2 came out
I’ll add it to the list, but it will be very unlikely. Track spikes are VERY rare in Taiwan (I lucked into the Victory 2s really)… so finding a pair is unlikely to happen, regardless of sod my feelings about New Balance as a brand.
Hey, do you think it’s worth upgrading from my Nike dragonfly (1’s) to the Nike victory 2? My main events are the 800 and 1600
I've not run in the DF. However, if those are your events I can't see how you cannot upgrade, especially if you are in need of new spikes. The performance difference in the spike will be immense.
The victory lacked stability to do everything it was supposed to do. However the V2 has truly fixed this issue. This feels like a stripped down version of a alphafly
Very VERY much. You’ll enjoy my next video…
😊😊😊😊😊
I run in the 400,800,1500,and the 3000 and was wondering if they would be good in the 1500 and 3000 as well
I’m not the best to ask…. But it certainly seems like the V2s are the spike to have for everything from the 800 to the 5000.
does the foam portion of the bottom of the shoe get chewed up super fast? if im strictly using it on a track do you think it can last 20ish races?
Totally. I’m only using them for workouts, also only for the work section of the workout (warm up and cool down are in Pegs) on a Mondo surface track…. About 14k of total work across multiple workouts …. And the amount of wear on the entire spike is minimal. If you stay on track surfaces you’ll be fine for a season likely… unless you rupture the air unit… that will go before the exposed foam in the midfoot and heel.
Track spike or Vaporfly on a 5km Cross Country course in grass as a super elite high school athlete (14:30 5km XC time, 4:40 pace)?
Depends on what your competition is wearing and what your coach thinks. Weather will also play a big roll.
I have 1st Gen zoomx victory. I don't like it compared to Draginfly, Air pods sink in when running
V2 seems tuned different. I don’t get that type of sink at all.
Wouw just lookt this up😅
They are quite something, definitely. 👍🏻
Uuuh, I wear soaks for spikes
The cardinal rule has been broken. 🤣
I'm in the middle of my cross country season, sophomore year high school, with a 16:08 3 mile. I think I am a mid-foot striker but the dragonfly XC works really well for me. I was scared to use spikes at first cause most spikes don't fit me because i have wide feet. But the dragonfly XC doesn't bother me too much. Do you know how close the victory 1 or regular dragonfly 1's (cause i cant really afford the 2's) are to the XC version ,Width wise, in the toe box? {looking for track season spikes}
So I literally just looked at the DFXC and the DF1 as I was trying to find a pair of DF2 (no luck). The DFXC is a much more robust and built up shoe, much more like a race flat than a spike. It is wider and longer than the DF1 (or any track spike).
That being said I tried both the DFXC and DF1 on, same TTS for me but one fit like a flat and the other like a spike… if you have issues with spikes you won’t like the DF1 or V1…
This is more or less, becoming a Nike fan boy channel anymore 😕
It never wasn’t…. 🤷🏼♂️ (but there will be some non Nike content coming in October…. All this Nike content hair sort of built up over the summer and launched together).