6 Middle School Track Spikes For Races That Support Developing Feet
Find the right track spikes for young athletes. Our guide reviews 6 models that prioritize the support, flexibility, and cushion needed for growing feet.
Your middle schooler just announced they’re joining the track team, and the first email from the coach mentions something you’ve never bought before: spikes. Suddenly you’re navigating a wall of sleek, unfamiliar shoes, wondering how to choose the right pair for a child who is still growing and might not even know which event they’ll run. The goal isn’t to find a professional-grade shoe, but to find a safe, supportive tool that lets them explore the sport with confidence.
Why Your Middle Schooler Needs a Versatile Spike
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When your child is just starting out in track and field, they are a blank slate. One week they might be trying the 400-meter dash, the next they’re testing their endurance in the 1600-meter (the mile), and they might even get a chance to try hurdles. This is the exploration phase, and it’s a critical part of their athletic development.
This is why a highly specialized spike—like a rigid, aggressive sprint spike or a heavily cushioned marathon shoe—is the wrong choice. It’s like giving a student driver a race car. Instead, the focus should be on a versatile, multi-event spike that provides a balance of gentle support, flexibility, and a bit of cushioning. These shoes are designed to perform well enough across a wide range of events, giving your child the freedom to discover what they enjoy without needing multiple pairs of shoes.
More importantly, a versatile spike is built to support developing bodies. The bones in your child’s feet are still hardening, and their growth plates are active. A forgiving, moderately flexible spike protects their feet from the new stresses of running on a track surface, reducing the risk of discomfort and injury. It’s the smartest investment in their long-term health and enjoyment of the sport.
Nike Rival D 11: A Top All-Around First Spike
If you walk into any running store and ask for a great first track spike, the Nike Rival D is almost always one of the first shoes mentioned. It has earned its reputation as a reliable, effective, and safe entry point into the world of track and field. This shoe is a true workhorse, designed specifically for the athlete who does a little bit of everything.
The Rival D strikes an ideal balance for young runners. It has a cushioned heel that absorbs impact, which is crucial for kids still refining their running form, and a flexible forefoot that allows for a natural stride. The spike plate—the firm part on the bottom where the metal spikes screw in—provides good traction without being overly stiff or aggressive. This makes it comfortable for events ranging from the 400m all the way up to the 3200m.
Think of this shoe as the perfect "starter" spike. It provides all the necessary features for safety and performance without forcing your child’s foot into a highly specific position. It’s a confident choice for parents who want a quality product that will serve their child well through their first season or two of discovery.
Saucony Kilkenny XC9 for Cushion and Support
Don’t let the "XC" (cross country) in the name fool you; this shoe is a fantastic option for the middle school track season, especially for kids who need a bit more comfort. Some young athletes are sensitive to the minimal, barely-there feel of traditional track spikes. The Saucony Kilkenny XC9 offers a solution.
This spike is known for providing a more substantial, cushioned feel underfoot than many other entry-level track models. It feels less like a sock with spikes and more like a lightweight running shoe. This extra cushioning can be a game-changer for kids running longer events like the 800m or 1600m, or for any young runner who is still getting used to the repetitive impact of running laps.
The Kilkenny is also built to be durable. Because it’s designed for the rugged terrain of cross country, its upper materials and overall construction can easily handle the wear and tear of a track season. For parents looking for a forgiving, comfortable, and sturdy option, this is an excellent and often more affordable choice.
ASICS Hyper LD 6 for Longer-Distance Comfort
If your middle schooler has already shown a strong preference for the longer events—the 800m, 1600m, or 3200m—then the ASICS Hyper LD 6 is a shoe worth considering. It’s designed with the specific needs of distance runners in mind, focusing on comfort over the course of many laps. It’s a small step up in specialization without being restrictive.
The key feature here is enhanced heel cushioning. In longer races, a runner’s form can start to break down, and they may land more on their heels. This shoe provides extra padding in that area to absorb shock and reduce fatigue. It’s still incredibly lightweight, so your child won’t feel like they are being weighed down.
The ASICS Hyper LD 6 offers a secure and breathable fit, ensuring comfort from the starting line to the final kick. It’s an ideal choice for the developing endurance athlete, providing the targeted support they need as they learn to pace themselves and push their limits in longer races.
Hoka Crescendo MD: Maximum Cushion for Young Feet
Hoka has built its brand on maximum cushioning, and they bring that same philosophy to their entry-level track spikes. The Crescendo MD is an excellent choice for parents who are primarily concerned with impact protection for their child’s growing joints. This spike offers a noticeably softer ride than most of its competitors.
The extra layer of foam underfoot doesn’t just provide comfort; it provides confidence. For a young runner who may be hesitant or sensitive to the hard track surface, the plush feel of the Crescendo MD can make the experience more enjoyable and less intimidating. It’s a shoe that prioritizes protection while still being light and responsive enough for racing.
This model is a fantastic middle-distance (MD) option, well-suited for events from the 400m to the mile. If your child has complained about shin splints or foot soreness in the past, or if you simply want to provide them with the most cushioned ride possible, the Hoka Crescendo MD is a standout choice.
New Balance MD500 v9 for Versatile Performance
The New Balance MD500 is another pillar in the world of versatile, beginner-friendly spikes. It competes directly with shoes like the Nike Rival D, offering a fantastic all-around package for the athlete who is still exploring different events. It’s a shoe that can handle sprints, hurdles, and mid-distance with ease.
What often sets the MD500 apart is its reputation for a forgiving fit. It tends to accommodate a slightly wider range of foot shapes comfortably, which can be a lifesaver for kids who find other brands too narrow. The shoe provides a responsive feel, giving young runners a good sense of connection to the track surface without feeling harsh.
With a breathable upper and a durable spike plate, the MD500 is built to last a full season of practices and meets. It’s a reliable, no-fuss option that delivers the performance and support needed for a young athlete to thrive. Consider this a top contender if your child needs a versatile shoe with a slightly more accommodating fit.
Brooks Draft XC Spike: A Durable, Forgiving Fit
Similar to the Saucony Kilkenny, the Brooks Draft XC is a cross-country spike that shines on the track for developing athletes. Brooks is a brand trusted by runners for its focus on fit and function, and this shoe is a perfect example of that commitment. It’s built to be both comfortable and tough.
The Draft XC features a durable, one-piece upper that can stand up to scuffs and scrapes while providing a secure, sock-like fit. The cushioning is tuned to be protective without feeling mushy, offering a great balance for middle-distance events. It’s a shoe that feels substantial and supportive, which can give a new runner a real sense of security.
For parents, the durability of a cross-country spike is a major plus. You can be confident that this shoe will hold up through the entire track season and, if it still fits, be ready for the cross-country season in the fall. It represents a smart, practical investment in your child’s running journey.
Fitting Spikes and When to Replace Them for Growth
Unlike your child’s everyday sneakers, track spikes should not have a lot of extra room in the toe. The fit should be snug and secure, almost like a thick sock. A proper fit prevents the foot from sliding around inside the shoe during turns and powerful push-offs, which is essential for both performance and injury prevention. You’re looking for a performance fit, not a growth fit.
Because of this snug fit, you must be vigilant about growth. A middle schooler can have a growth spurt mid-season that makes their spikes painfully tight.
- Check the fit regularly: Ask your child every few weeks if their toes feel cramped or are pressing against the end of the shoe.
- Don’t assume last year’s spikes will work: Even if they were only worn for one season, there’s a very high chance your child’s foot has grown. Always re-measure before the season starts.
Finally, consider the lifespan of the shoe itself. The cushioning foam in spikes breaks down over time, even if the shoe looks fine on the outside. A hand-me-down spike from an older sibling who ran competitively might be "packed out" and offer very little support. For your child’s first pair, investing in a new, affordable model is often the safest bet for protecting their developing feet.
Choosing the right spike is less about finding a competitive edge and more about providing a safe tool for exploration. The best shoe is the one that fits well, feels comfortable, and gives your child the confidence to try new things on the track. Focus on supporting their journey, and you’ll be making the perfect investment.