The Nike Rival Sprint Review & Lab Test of 2026

The Nike Rival Sprint is a specialized sprint spike, designed for both novice and intermediate track athletes. This shoe is particularly effective for those who prioritize breathability and durability in their footwear.

Lab tests indicate that the Nike Rival Sprint features a notable combination of attributes that support effective performance on the track. While it serves well for advanced athletes, they may encounter performance trade-offs when aiming for peak times.

Pros

  • Pebax plate enhances toe-off
  • Highly breathable
  • Premium notched laces
  • Affordable price point
  • Roomy toecap area
  • Suitable for hurdles
  • Provides good stability
  • Slightly cushioned
  • Impressive durability

Cons

  • Noticeable weight
  • Possibly too flexible

Key Features

  • Updated 3/4-length plate that is lightweight and provides snappy responsiveness.
  • Equipped with six replaceable spikes for optimal traction across various track surfaces.
  • Made from durable ceramic aluminum material for long-lasting performance.
  • Features rubber at the heel for cushioning, durability, and effective braking after races.
  • A midfoot band offers a dynamic lace-up fit, ensuring support and containment through the arch.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Outer material: Mesh
  • Inner material: Mesh

Nike Rival Sprint Review & Lab Test – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Nike Rival Sprint Nike Air Zoom Maxfly Adidas Sprintstar Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2
Price $75 $180 $70 $150
Weight lab 6.1 oz / 174g 6 oz / 169g 6.2 oz / 176g 5.5 oz / 156g
Breathability Breathable Moderate Warm Breathable
Use Sprints Hurdles Sprints Hurdles
Removable spikes
Width / fit Medium Narrow Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Narrow Medium
Drop lab 3.3 mm -0.9 mm 1.8 mm 0.0 mm
Size Half size small Slightly small Slightly small Slightly small
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced - -
Tongue padding Average Thick Very thick Average
Stiffness Flexible Stiff Moderate Moderate
Torsional rigidity Moderate Stiff Moderate Moderate
Heel counter stiffness Flexible Moderate Flexible Flexible
Outsole thickness Average Average Average Very thick
Outsole hardness - - Very hard -
Heel tab None None None Finger loop
Heel stack lab 13.3 mm 15.9 mm 10.4 mm 12.3 mm
Forefoot 10.0 mm 16.8 mm 8.6 mm 12.3 mm
Insole thickness Average Average Thick Average
Midsole width - forefoot Narrow Average Narrow Very narrow
Midsole width - heel Average Average Very narrow Very narrow
Ranking Top 47% Bottom 30% Bottom 23% Bottom 38%
Popularity Bottom 30% Top 47% Bottom 7% Top 31%