I really love how meticulous and detailed your review man! Specially how you tackle the fit of the upper and the toe box area which is very important to me. Thank you for this!
I ran in both the air vic 1 and OG dragonfly while in college. It always felt like the vics would reward efficient form but started to punish you once that form broke down, whereas the dragonflys helped you remain efficient especially when your form might start to break down. I’ve since run in the successors to both versions and enjoy them both. The Vic 2s are much more versatile than their predecessor, and the dragonfly 2s are slightly less aggressive than the 1s but more finely tuned for those longer distances.
Fully agree with this. That is why i wanted the DF2 to have the option to train in. If I'm in good for or the workout has me doing fast reps the V2 is THE spike... but most workouts aren't that.
Thanks for making this. You hear about former NCAA runners talking about the sprint spikes from Nike and what changes that Nike has made to the spike, either they can get a model to show from a store they manage or own. If not I some see runners who never did track at university and a talking about the Nike options and how they work for cross country but rarely the track spikes for distance on the track.
Chris! Great observations and comparisons. I have both the original Dragonfly and Victory. I roo share your conclusions. I use the Dragonfly for most track workouts (along with a pair of Asics Sortie Magic RP6) and the Victory for those all out efforts. Again thanks
Thanks for your instructive post! as a 60+ runner, I will not buy both, so have to make a choice. Even as the 800 is my preferred middle distance I find that I guess I'll eventually buy the dragonfly. I am 35 seconds slower than when I was in my twenties, and comfort therefore plays an important role as well. You don't mention the prices, which is a pity.
Definitely the DF2 is the way to go to maximize comfort and recovery for a master runner (I am one too). I don’t talk about price on the channel much as it’s easy to look up…. It’s relative to you and very personal.
Interesting comparison. You clearly have a "speed" preference for the Victory 2 and I totally understand that. I did find however with the Victory 1 (haven't got the 2) that I would agree but only up to the point when I kind of ran of steam as it were which was about halfway round an 800m race. After that they just felt I had a shoe on for a somewhat faster/younger athlete than its wearer! Out of interest what's the furthest you have been in either spikes "all out" (or close to) so far ? Ironically I ran my fastest 200s in the last year or so in Vaporfly 1s but was a warm day and had a bit of a tailwind ! I do think that running all out on the track can be a bit different to those more volume sessions. Anyway look forward to hearing how you do in the time trials.
The majority of my track workouts have been 200-400, though lately 600s have been coming in with occasional sets of 800s. Next week I have some 1600s I noticed, though may do those in flats. So 800 for spikes. Total workout volume ranges between 5-8km. I will move to the 5k at some point when I feel I have a good speed base on the track, but it will be the road 5k. So, on track, I'm very much a middle distance runner. Anything longer I'll just go to the road. Though I really enjoy 200s as well.
@@SagasuRunning I was just looking I did in 1992 when I was probably at my best for 800/1500. Nearer the start of the season and in it saw quick a low volume, high intensity like 4x400, 3m (great 800m predictor), 6x300, or even 6x200 pretty much sprinting. I see also did things like 3x600 with long rest but split as say 300 1500m pace then try and speed up. I think what you are doing is great background work and getting a feel for the paces. It is always a "shock" in an 800m when get to 600m and sometimes even 400m if overcook it. At least I think a TT 800 is closer to a race situation than a TT 1500. Leading a 1500 gun to tape always seemed like was actually as a pacemaker for the field. Anyway good to see all this. Makes a nice change to the marathon influencer world tour when trying seems optional. You can't "jog" an 800 race!
@TimGrose I’m doing a Daniel’s 800 plan and it has alot the similar methodology and workouts. I enjoy the shorter stuff for sure. Yes, there is more to running than the marathon… and yes… even though I’m slow there is no jogging on the track at all.
Great video. What would you recommend for a junior runner focused on the 1500m and 3000m? I am running 9:40 for 3k and 4:30 for 1.5k. I had the DF1 last season and enjoyed them, but after this video, I am leaning slightly towards the Vic 2s for racing. could u offer some advice thx
Honestly, stick to the DF2. It’s going to be a broader spike that will allow you to work on mechanics more. If you already liked the DF1…. You’ll love the DF2.
I actually felt like at 800 I might have been faster in standard spikes than the DFs so agree that they aren't so direct. Obviously need to try the victory 2 to see how they compare.
The 800 is very interesting. On the road, for a 1/2 mile, super shoes are a no brainer.... but on the track for the 800... it's tough. Finding what works for your mechanics and optimizing that is key.
Great video, thanks. I picked up the Saucony Terminal VT on steeeep discount ($25 on Amazon) for a track workout option. It is lighter than DF but not as poppy as the Victory. Very cool shoe as well, with pwrrun HG. My son has the DF XC and Vic 1 & 2 for comparison.
I raced in the terminal VT for my athletics and xc season. Absolutely loved them got me 13th at Nationals in xc. They are so forgiving on your calves and really responsive - I am running in Victory 2s and Dragonfly 2 Elites now. The found this Nike ‘Super Spikes’ are definitely harder on your calves with their carbon fiber. The Terminals VTs will be perfect for training as they will be easy on your calves and the rest of your body helping you recover especially with slightly higher stack / foam height. I would recommend a different spike for racing though.
I’m not a fan of On, but also finding On spikes is nearly impossible. I will say On’s distance spike may be the single shoe they make that is even remotely interesting… never say never but unlikely.
I guess they consider spike plate as outsole when there is also a carbon plate in the DF2E and V2. AFAIK, World athletics limits to 1 plate but probably referring to plate embedded in the midsole.
Yes, but... the DF2E is just a CF plate with the spikes built into the CF. The V2 is a CF plate and PEBAX spike plate. The spike plate IS considered the outsole of a spike...different from road shoes.
The V2s are certainly capable of not. It’s more about your feet and legs and being able to handle them. If you have never run in carbon spikes before maybe go for the DF2s.
I have a problem. I have to choose between one of these for my upcoming track season. I’m a highschool freshman and I am planning on focusing mostly on the 1600. My hope is that I can run under 5 minutes. I also will probably have to run the distances between 400-3200. I can only really choose one of these spikes because that’s all I can really afford. Which of these spikes do you recommend I should get. I’m also mostly a vaporfly runner.
I don't put any credence into the stride vs cadence runner thing. It's more do you like bounce or roll... the V2 is bounce (like the AF3) and the DF2 is roll (like the VF3). Simple as that.
High plate (generally speaking) has meant “bounce”. Though that seems to be evolving a bit in 2025 (video on it in the summer likely). The Victory 2 is definitely a “high plate configuration. In the literal sense.
i got the victory 2s and tried em out and love them. I sized down a little bit so my toes are tight and close to the front of the shoe, do you think after a couple workouts in them they might fit my foot better?
I mean, ya, marginally...but Nike spikes are very TTS. Sizing down will always have them too small. It's mostly about comfort. The upper will give a tinny bit and the insole will pack in a tiny bit. We are talking MMs. length will never change though.
@ For running shoes, do you size up comparing to your “marriage” (wooden sole) shoes? My size is 42-43 there but for road running shoes anything less than 44 seems too tight and restrictive. I’m asking because I get the impression that spikes should be tightly fit on the feet, unlike my way of selecting road shoes.
@yiann1sk to be honest…. I haven’t bought a pair of non-running shoes/athletic shoes in nearly 15 years. The last ones I bought were for my wedding and I don’t remember the size. I wear US Men’s 9 in any footwear I’ve bought in the past 10 years except the Adidas Takumi Sen 10 (9.5US) and Nnormal shoe (8.5US). Yes spikes should fit tight. True race fit. I’d go with wherever your Nike super shoe size is and start there (in a Nike spike).
Nike lost my packet of the Victory 2, it didnt even arrived at the facility lol Sale code gone, tons of minimi, at least got a refund. Now Iam really considering the dragonfly2 because of durability. But the Victory 2 still seems more interesting. Especially the shape looks more... Healthy. But the price for the dragonfly2 is defintely a gigantic plus
@@SagasuRunning This is kind of like the current LD and MD models that more basic shoes made more for middle school and less elite high school track runners the Mid distance model is made in such a way that going much more then 3000/3200 in the mid distanced track spike is hard to do becuse the model is like the basic sprint spike in the back half with a heel pad of cushion/rubber in place of a hard rubber/plastic for the back heel and a fore foot upper closer to a distance spike going into where the heel cushion starts and the bottom in forefoot to where heel starts is thinner version of the S sprint spike plate so it can work for 800--3,000/3,200 with the pin configuration of distance runner a with the spike while the LD is like a classic 1970's 6 spike distance track flat only the upper is modern thin track spike mesh/cross country mesh for the shoe. Nike did have in 2000's for a very short period like 3--4 models the in this budget brand, SD or Sprint Distance model for 400--800 meter events like the odd that was just a breathable version of the Sprint spike that had an overlay of plastic with either holes or triangles so the runner could breathe in the shoe but it was poorly received becuse 90% who did 400--800 used the Nike MD or S for the shoe depending on if the runner was mainly 400 but did 800 when needed were using S, was a 400/800 they often used the MD the same model 800-3000 used.
âir zoom victory 2 is now stable meaning it is better in everything now no reason to compete in the dragonfly tho training is better in the dragonfly and the victory 2 is just too expensive and not long lasting to train in them weekly
I have a problem. I have to choose between one of these for my upcoming track season. I’m a highschool freshman and I am planning on focusing mostly on the 1600. My hope is that I can run under 5 minutes. I also will probably have to run the distances between 400-3200. I can only really choose one of these spikes because that’s all I can really afford. Which of these spikes do you recommend I should get. I’m also mostly a vaporfly runner.
I really love how meticulous and detailed your review man! Specially how you tackle the fit of the upper and the toe box area which is very important to me. Thank you for this!
Ya… those details around fit are make or break for so many. Especially race shoes. I’m glad to have helped. 🤙🏻
I ran in both the air vic 1 and OG dragonfly while in college. It always felt like the vics would reward efficient form but started to punish you once that form broke down, whereas the dragonflys helped you remain efficient especially when your form might start to break down. I’ve since run in the successors to both versions and enjoy them both. The Vic 2s are much more versatile than their predecessor, and the dragonfly 2s are slightly less aggressive than the 1s but more finely tuned for those longer distances.
Fully agree with this. That is why i wanted the DF2 to have the option to train in. If I'm in good for or the workout has me doing fast reps the V2 is THE spike... but most workouts aren't that.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Nike super spikes. One runner's middle distance is another runner's long distance, and verse visa.
Toe-may-toe, Toe-mah-toe…. 🤣
@@SagasuRunning precisely
Thank you so much for making this!
Thank you for watching! 🤙🏻
Thanks for making this. You hear about former NCAA runners talking about the sprint spikes from Nike and what changes that Nike has made to the spike, either they can get a model to show from a store they manage or own. If not I some see runners who never did track at university and a talking about the Nike options and how they work for cross country but rarely the track spikes for distance on the track.
Spikes are always hard to find... frustratingly so.
I’d love to see more content on spikes ❤
I plan on it…. But will be rare as spikes are hard to come by…. But definitely will cover more as they come up.
Chris! Great observations and comparisons. I have both the original Dragonfly and Victory. I roo share your conclusions. I use the Dragonfly for most track workouts (along with a pair of Asics Sortie Magic RP6) and the Victory for those all out efforts. Again thanks
Oh… those Asics are something else. Old school. 👍🏻
Cheers for the video muchly appreciated
Thank you for watching! 🤙🏻
you the only real one in the internet understanding not wearing socks in spikes only amatours do it
@@robinbauer1975 It is the way! 🤙🏻
Thanks for your instructive post! as a 60+ runner, I will not buy both, so have to make a choice. Even as the 800 is my preferred middle distance I find that I guess I'll eventually buy the dragonfly. I am 35 seconds slower than when I was in my twenties, and comfort therefore plays an important role as well. You don't mention the prices, which is a pity.
Definitely the DF2 is the way to go to maximize comfort and recovery for a master runner (I am one too).
I don’t talk about price on the channel much as it’s easy to look up…. It’s relative to you and very personal.
Interesting comparison. You clearly have a "speed" preference for the Victory 2 and I totally understand that. I did find however with the Victory 1 (haven't got the 2) that I would agree but only up to the point when I kind of ran of steam as it were which was about halfway round an 800m race. After that they just felt I had a shoe on for a somewhat faster/younger athlete than its wearer! Out of interest what's the furthest you have been in either spikes "all out" (or close to) so far ? Ironically I ran my fastest 200s in the last year or so in Vaporfly 1s but was a warm day and had a bit of a tailwind ! I do think that running all out on the track can be a bit different to those more volume sessions. Anyway look forward to hearing how you do in the time trials.
The majority of my track workouts have been 200-400, though lately 600s have been coming in with occasional sets of 800s. Next week I have some 1600s I noticed, though may do those in flats. So 800 for spikes. Total workout volume ranges between 5-8km.
I will move to the 5k at some point when I feel I have a good speed base on the track, but it will be the road 5k.
So, on track, I'm very much a middle distance runner. Anything longer I'll just go to the road. Though I really enjoy 200s as well.
@@SagasuRunning I was just looking I did in 1992 when I was probably at my best for 800/1500. Nearer the start of the season and in it saw quick a low volume, high intensity like 4x400, 3m (great 800m predictor), 6x300, or even 6x200 pretty much sprinting. I see also did things like 3x600 with long rest but split as say 300 1500m pace then try and speed up. I think what you are doing is great background work and getting a feel for the paces. It is always a "shock" in an 800m when get to 600m and sometimes even 400m if overcook it. At least I think a TT 800 is closer to a race situation than a TT 1500. Leading a 1500 gun to tape always seemed like was actually as a pacemaker for the field. Anyway good to see all this. Makes a nice change to the marathon influencer world tour when trying seems optional. You can't "jog" an 800 race!
@TimGrose I’m doing a Daniel’s 800 plan and it has alot the similar methodology and workouts. I enjoy the shorter stuff for sure.
Yes, there is more to running than the marathon… and yes… even though I’m slow there is no jogging on the track at all.
could i get away with using a victory 2 in the 3200? at a 5:00 1600? 94 should the dragonfly be used for both events
I don't see why not, especially if they are comfortable. Nike athletes are running the 5000 and 10000 in them...
Great video. What would you recommend for a junior runner focused on the 1500m and 3000m? I am running 9:40 for 3k and 4:30 for 1.5k. I had the DF1 last season and enjoyed them, but after this video, I am leaning slightly towards the Vic 2s for racing. could u offer some advice thx
Honestly, stick to the DF2. It’s going to be a broader spike that will allow you to work on mechanics more. If you already liked the DF1…. You’ll love the DF2.
I actually felt like at 800 I might have been faster in standard spikes than the DFs so agree that they aren't so direct. Obviously need to try the victory 2 to see how they compare.
The 800 is very interesting. On the road, for a 1/2 mile, super shoes are a no brainer.... but on the track for the 800... it's tough. Finding what works for your mechanics and optimizing that is key.
Great video, thanks.
I picked up the Saucony Terminal VT on steeeep discount ($25 on Amazon) for a track workout option. It is lighter than DF but not as poppy as the Victory. Very cool shoe as well, with pwrrun HG. My son has the DF XC and Vic 1 & 2 for comparison.
Ya, someone mentioned the Terminal VT to me. I'm interested in it but will likely never see it. PWRRUN HG was Saucony's best foam... enjoy them.
I raced in the terminal VT for my athletics and xc season. Absolutely loved them got me 13th at Nationals in xc. They are so forgiving on your calves and really responsive - I am running in Victory 2s and Dragonfly 2 Elites now. The found this Nike ‘Super Spikes’ are definitely harder on your calves with their carbon fiber. The Terminals VTs will be perfect for training as they will be easy on your calves and the rest of your body helping you recover especially with slightly higher stack / foam height. I would recommend a different spike for racing though.
@@onlybilly03 Good insights here. This is where the DF2 is a great spike for training (and racing).
@@SagasuRunning they are amazing loving them so much !
Any chance to compare to the On Cloudspikes?
I’m not a fan of On, but also finding On spikes is nearly impossible. I will say On’s distance spike may be the single shoe they make that is even remotely interesting… never say never but unlikely.
What do you recommend to run 2000m??
Unless you have a reason to by the V2...I'd say the DF2 will be the better option. Either spike will do well for that distance though.
If you run on a track during carbonization spike for 2km, would you recommend spike?@@SagasuRunning
Depends on your race and your times. If you need the edge carbon gives you, sure. If not stick to the Dragonfly 2.
@@SagasuRunning Thank you
in terms of speed, would you say the dragonfly 2 elite falls inbetween the victory 2 and dragonfly 2?
No, it would be the same as the DF2, possible a bit less because of the harshness of the CF plate.
I guess they consider spike plate as outsole when there is also a carbon plate in the DF2E and V2. AFAIK, World athletics limits to 1 plate but probably referring to plate embedded in the midsole.
Yes, but... the DF2E is just a CF plate with the spikes built into the CF. The V2 is a CF plate and PEBAX spike plate. The spike plate IS considered the outsole of a spike...different from road shoes.
@@SagasuRunning thanks for the clarification.
Do you think I could use the Nike Victory’s for the 3200m?
The V2s are certainly capable of not. It’s more about your feet and legs and being able to handle them. If you have never run in carbon spikes before maybe go for the DF2s.
I have a problem. I have to choose between one of these for my upcoming track season. I’m a highschool freshman and I am planning on focusing mostly on the 1600. My hope is that I can run under 5 minutes. I also will probably have to run the distances between 400-3200. I can only really choose one of these spikes because that’s all I can really afford. Which of these spikes do you recommend I should get. I’m also mostly a vaporfly runner.
DF2…. Between that and a VF as a flat… you are good and the transition between the two will feel natural…
What would you recommend for racing in the 3000m?
Assuming it's your first spikes...I'd say go for the Dragonfly 2. It will be hard to go wrong with them.
@@SagasuRunning they wouldn't be. I've raced in the victory 2 before. This season I'm planning on the doing the 1500 and 3000
Then V2…. It’s the faster spike. I’d have no issue racing the 3000 in them. I think I’d likely do better.
@@SagasuRunning thank you big help
The Victory was originally going to be called the Defeat, but Nike changed the name shortly after firing me from their marketing department.
🤣... for me the Nike Masochist would be better... I can see why they didn't go for that as well.
DF2 vs. DF2 Elite?
DF2…. No one needs the DF2E unless you are going for a key PR or Olympic or world record…
If the Victory is more similar to Alphafly, then this tends to be my pick.
Would you agree that it might be the better pick for stride runners also ?
I don't put any credence into the stride vs cadence runner thing. It's more do you like bounce or roll... the V2 is bounce (like the AF3) and the DF2 is roll (like the VF3). Simple as that.
@ yeah your right!
I love the Alphafly and the Metaspeed Sky, so lets say the high plate configuration.
Thanks man! This just supports my decision 🙂
High plate (generally speaking) has meant “bounce”. Though that seems to be evolving a bit in 2025 (video on it in the summer likely).
The Victory 2 is definitely a “high plate configuration. In the literal sense.
i got the victory 2s and tried em out and love them. I sized down a little bit so my toes are tight and close to the front of the shoe, do you think after a couple workouts in them they might fit my foot better?
I mean, ya, marginally...but Nike spikes are very TTS. Sizing down will always have them too small. It's mostly about comfort. The upper will give a tinny bit and the insole will pack in a tiny bit. We are talking MMs. length will never change though.
What about for cross-country races?
DF2 with 3/8" or pyramid spikes...the V2 isn't even a real option due to the gaps around the air unit (it will fill with mud/dirt/grit instantly).
What would you recommend for 800-3200 I cant decide whether to get the DF2 or Victory 2 bcuz i run 800-3200
If in doubt I'd say the DF2. It's still fast in the 800 and much more comfortable for the 3200.
But talking about durability of this two shoes? Anyone know something?
The DF2 will be far more durable over a longer period.
You wear same size of spikes as your road shoes, i.e., US 9?
Yes…. US men’s 9 in all Nike running shoes… trainers, super shoes, spikes.
@ For running shoes, do you size up comparing to your “marriage” (wooden sole) shoes? My size is 42-43 there but for road running shoes anything less than 44 seems too tight and restrictive. I’m asking because I get the impression that spikes should be tightly fit on the feet, unlike my way of selecting road shoes.
@yiann1sk to be honest…. I haven’t bought a pair of non-running shoes/athletic shoes in nearly 15 years. The last ones I bought were for my wedding and I don’t remember the size. I wear US Men’s 9 in any footwear I’ve bought in the past 10 years except the Adidas Takumi Sen 10 (9.5US) and Nnormal shoe (8.5US).
Yes spikes should fit tight. True race fit. I’d go with wherever your Nike super shoe size is and start there (in a Nike spike).
@ Ok git it, thanks! So you wear your road shoes tight… Interesting!
@yiann1sk Super shoes/race shoes are tight, yes. “Race fit”. Trainers are not as tight but more padded.
How they’re compare to the Streakfly ?
Spikes to flats… very different.
Would you mind to tell your PB of 800m? I’m not sure if I could handle the victory 2😂
My best 800 has been 2:37…but I haven’t really gone after any PBs yet. That won’t be until the spring. Plenty more to build.
Nike lost my packet of the Victory 2, it didnt even arrived at the facility lol
Sale code gone, tons of minimi, at least got a refund.
Now Iam really considering the dragonfly2 because of durability. But the Victory 2 still seems more interesting.
Especially the shape looks more... Healthy.
But the price for the dragonfly2 is defintely a gigantic plus
The DF2 is more versatile… the V2 is more extreme. Vaporfly vs Alphafly fully.
@@SagasuRunning This is kind of like the current LD and MD models that more basic shoes made more for middle school and less elite high school track runners the Mid distance model is made in such a way that going much more then 3000/3200 in the mid distanced track spike is hard to do becuse the model is like the basic sprint spike in the back half with a heel pad of cushion/rubber in place of a hard rubber/plastic for the back heel and a fore foot upper closer to a distance spike going into where the heel cushion starts and the bottom in forefoot to where heel starts is thinner version of the S sprint spike plate so it can work for 800--3,000/3,200 with the pin configuration of distance runner a with the spike while the LD is like a classic 1970's 6 spike distance track flat only the upper is modern thin track spike mesh/cross country mesh for the shoe.
Nike did have in 2000's for a very short period like 3--4 models the in this budget brand, SD or Sprint Distance model for 400--800 meter events like the odd that was just a breathable version of the Sprint spike that had an overlay of plastic with either holes or triangles so the runner could breathe in the shoe but it was poorly received becuse 90% who did 400--800 used the Nike MD or S for the shoe depending on if the runner was mainly 400 but did 800 when needed were using S, was a 400/800 they often used the MD the same model 800-3000 used.
âir zoom victory 2 is now stable meaning it is better in everything now
no reason to compete in the dragonfly tho training is better in the dragonfly and the victory 2 is just too expensive and not long lasting to train in them weekly
💯
I have a problem. I have to choose between one of these for my upcoming track season. I’m a highschool freshman and I am planning on focusing mostly on the 1600. My hope is that I can run under 5 minutes. I also will probably have to run the distances between 400-3200. I can only really choose one of these spikes because that’s all I can really afford. Which of these spikes do you recommend I should get. I’m also mostly a vaporfly runner.
🤙🏻