The Nike Air Zoom Maxfly Review & Lab Test of 2026

The Nike Air Zoom Maxfly is a high-performance sprint spike designed for elite athletes competing in distances from 60m to 400m. This shoe is ideal for speed-focused runners seeking notable energy return and protection, as indicated by the verified performance of its Zoom Air unit and carbon plate.

The incorporation of ZoomX foam in the rear enhances responsiveness, translating to effective propulsion on the track. Although users may require an adjustment period, the data supports its suitability for those with a generous budget aiming for competitive edge.

Pros

  • Extremely springy ride
  • Snug, performance-oriented fit
  • Propulsion from Flyplate and Zoom Air
  • Premium design and materials
  • Ideal for 100-400m sprints
  • Can be used for hurdles
  • Unmatched comfort and speed
  • Notched laces for secure lockdown

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Requires some adaptation
  • Can feel unstable for some

Key Features

  • Sole Material: Rubber - Provides excellent traction on various surfaces.
  • Outer Material: Synthetic - Ensures durability and a lightweight feel.
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up - Offers a secure fit for enhanced stability during races.
  • Water Resistance Level: Not Water Resistant - Best suited for dry conditions to maximize performance.

Specifications

  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Outer Material: Synthetic
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up
  • Water Resistance Level: Not Water Resistant

Nike Air Zoom Maxfly Review & Lab Test – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Nike Air Zoom Maxfly Adidas Prime SP2 Nike Maxfly 2 Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2
Price $180 $180 $190 $150
Weight lab 6 oz / 169g 6.5 oz / 183g 6.4 oz / 181g 5.5 oz / 156g
Breathability Moderate Breathable Moderate Breathable
Use Hurdles Hurdles Sprints Hurdles
Removable spikes
Width / fit Narrow Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Narrow Medium Medium
Drop lab -0.9 mm -5.8 mm -2.0 mm 0.0 mm
Size Slightly small True to size True to size Slightly small
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Balanced -
Tongue padding Thick Thick Thick Average
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Moderate
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Moderate
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Flexible Moderate Flexible
Outsole thickness Average Average Thin Very thick
Heel tab None None None Finger loop
Heel stack lab 15.9 mm 11.0 mm 15.7 mm 12.3 mm
Forefoot 16.8 mm 16.8 mm 17.7 mm 12.3 mm
Insole thickness Average Average Average Average
Midsole width - forefoot Average Very wide Average Very narrow
Midsole width - heel Average Average Wide Very narrow
Ranking Bottom 30% Top 39% Top 31% Bottom 38%
Popularity Top 47% Bottom 23% Top 8% Top 31%