The Nike Dragonfly 2 Elite Review & Lab Test of 2026

The Nike Dragonfly 2 Elite is a specialized long-distance track spike designed for competitive runners seeking enhanced speed and responsiveness. This shoe is ideal for athletes looking to optimize their performance in events where every second counts, thanks to its lightweight construction.

With a notable focus on performance, the design incorporates a firm platform that may feel stiff for some users, catering best to those who prioritize speed over plush cushioning. The shoe features a fixed pin configuration, which raises concerns about durability for frequent use. Despite these considerations, the Nike Dragonfly 2 Elite is engineered to support runners aiming for personal bests in long-distance competitions.

Pros

  • Incredibly lightweight
  • Built for fast paces
  • Hyper-responsive carbon plate
  • Great for mile-to-10K events
  • Breezy upper keeps feet cool
  • Dialed-in fit with notched laces
  • Bouncy ZoomX midsole
  • Can handle 800m races too

Cons

  • Premium price
  • Too stiff for some
  • Non-removable pins
  • Not ideal for track warriors

Key Features

  • Ultralight ZoomX Foam: The midsole features full-length ZoomX foam, which is known for its lightweight nature and high energy return, allowing you to maximize your performance on the track.
  • Responsive Carbon Fiber Plate: The inclusion of carbon fiber on the midsole increases responsiveness while reducing weight, giving you a propulsive feel with every stride.
  • Four Permanent Spikes: These spikes ensure a stable connection to the track, creating a wide, flat platform that minimizes weight and maximizes stability.
  • Engineered Upper Structure: New yarns increase breathability and comfort, providing a conforming fit that feels almost weightless.
  • Reinforced Heel: The heel is reinforced to enhance overall stability, supporting you as you push through the final laps of your races.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Outer Material: Engineered upper, spikes
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up

Nike Dragonfly 2 Elite Review & Lab Test – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Nike Dragonfly 2 Elite Nike Dragonfly 2 Nike Victory 2 Nike ZoomX Dragonfly
Price $190 $160 $190 $150
Weight lab 4.6 oz / 129g 5.1 oz / 145g 4.8 oz / 135g 4.7 oz / 133g
Breathability Breathable Breathable Breathable Breathable
Use Long Distance Long Distance Long Distance Long Distance
Removable spikes
Width / fit Wide Wide Medium Narrow
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Medium
Drop lab 4.1 mm 0.2 mm 0.6 mm 2.0 mm
Size Slightly small True to size True to size Slightly small
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Soft Balanced
Tongue padding Thin Average Very thin Average
Stiffness - Moderate Moderate Flexible
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Flexible Flexible Flexible Flexible
Outsole thickness Average Average Average Average
Outsole hardness - - - Very soft
Heel tab None None None None
Heel stack lab 19.8 mm 19.9 mm 19.9 mm 19.8 mm
Forefoot 15.7 mm 19.7 mm 19.3 mm 17.8 mm
Insole thickness Thin Thick Thick Average
Midsole width - forefoot Wide Wide Average Wide
Midsole width - heel Average Average Very wide Average
Ranking Bottom 1% Top 24% Bottom 46% Top 8%
Popularity Top 39% Top 16% Top 24% Bottom 38%