evoSPEED Distance Nitro Elite+ 4 vs evoSPEED Long Distance Nitro Elite 2

The Puma evoSPEED Distance Nitro Elite+ 4 is a middle and long distance track spike, built for the runner who lives for the last lap of a 1500m, 3000m or 5000m. This is not a road racer or a daily trainer, it is a stripped back racing shoe with one job: turn your fitness into fast lap splits. Puma pairs its Nitro foam with a Pebax propulsion plate, so you get a light, springy platform that still holds a spike plate underfoot for grip through the bends. In our view it sits with the sharpest distance spikes on the market, a genuine rival to the Nike Air Zoom Victory 2. At the top of the specialist spike price bracket, it is aimed squarely at serious track athletes. If you race on the oval and want a light, propulsive spike that rewards a fast turnover, this belongs on your shortlist.

The Puma evoSPEED Long Distance Nitro Elite 2 is a purpose-built track racing spike for the longer end of the programme, the 5000m and 10000m, where you want propulsion that lasts and a plate that stays snappy lap after lap. This is not a road shoe you can jog to the start line in. It is a lightweight, aggressive distance spike with Nitro foam underfoot and a full-length Pebax plate driving you onto your toes. In our view Puma has aimed this squarely at the club and elite track runner who has moved past pure middle-distance and needs a spike that rewards a smooth, sustained turnover rather than a raw 800m kick. If you race the track regularly and want a genuine alternative to the usual Nike Dragonfly and adidas options, it belongs on your shortlist. For road racing or any training mileage, look elsewhere: this is a race-day spike and nothing else.