Dragonfly 2
ZoomX and Pebax plate distance track spike. Optimal for 1500m and above
Today's tracked prices
- 01SportsShoesLIVE£79.99£145.00−45%
- 02AchillesHeel1d ago£96.00£145.00−34%
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Price history
Our verdict
The Nike Dragonfly 2 is a distance track spike, built for the 1500m up to the 10,000m rather than the flat-out sprints. Underfoot you get a slab of ZoomX foam paired with a Pebax propulsion plate, so it feels far closer to a super racing shoe than the bare, punishing spikes of a decade ago. That is the whole idea. You keep the light, locked-in, aggressive feel of a track spike, but the ZoomX gives you a little forgiveness so your legs are not shredded over a longer effort. At 145g it is genuinely light, and the 0mm drop with a low 19mm stack keeps you right down on the track for a fast, connected feel. This is a race-day tool, not a training shoe. If your event is 1500m and longer and you want a distance spike that lets you hold pace when it hurts, the Dragonfly 2 is one of the most trusted options out there. Sprinters and 800m specialists will want Nike's more aggressive Air Zoom Victory 2 instead.
Key features
- ZoomX foamCushions the track under the plate so your legs stay fresher through the closing laps of a longer race
- Pebax propulsion plateStiffens the platform and snaps you forward at toe-off for real pop when you push the pace
- Distance spike platePositions the pins for the 1500m up to the 10,000m so you get grip where a distance runner actually needs it
- 145g weightKeeps the shoe genuinely light so nothing holds you back when you kick
- Low 19mm stack, 0mm dropSits you right down on the track for a fast, connected and stable feel through the bends
- Snug race upperLocks your foot over the plate so all your power goes into driving forward, not sliding around
Who it suits
Who should buy it
- Track racers over 1500m to 10,000m who want a fast, cushioned distance spike
- Runners who want ZoomX forgiveness to protect their legs over longer efforts
- Neutral runners with efficient form racing on a smooth track
- Anyone chasing a personal best who wants light, aggressive spike feel
Who should not buy it
- You need a spike for 100m to 800m sprints, where a more aggressive plate suits better
- You have a wide foot and struggle with a snug, narrow forefoot
- You want one shoe for both training and racing, as this is race-day only
- You are new to spikes and want a more forgiving, everyday ride
Best uses
Extra information
Fit & sizing
The Dragonfly 2 fits like a race spike, which means snug. Most runners find it true to size in length, but the fit is deliberately close and performance-focused, so it should feel like a second skin rather than a roomy trainer. The forefoot is on the narrow side and the upper wraps tight to keep your foot planted on the plate, which is exactly what you want when you are driving through the bend. Heel hold is secure and the midfoot lockdown is firm. If you have a wide foot or you race in thick socks, that snug forefoot is the thing to watch, and trying a half size up can help. For a spike you plan to sprint the last lap in, go with your normal race fit rather than sizing up for comfort. It is meant to feel fast and tight, not cosy.
Performance breakdown
Ride & feel
On the track the Dragonfly 2 feels light, low and eager. The ZoomX foam gives you a soft, springy touch that is unusual for a spike, and the Pebax plate stiffens things up so every stride snaps you forward. It rewards proper spike technique. Get up on your forefoot and run tall and it comes alive, holding rhythm lap after lap. It is not a shoe for jogging around in. At true race pace the combination of soft foam and firm plate feels quick and connected, and the low stack keeps you stable through the turns. Compared with a bare-bones distance spike your legs will thank you over the closing laps, because there is real cushioning doing some of the work.
Cushioning
By spike standards the Dragonfly 2 is well cushioned, which is its main selling point. The ZoomX foam under the plate takes the sting out of the track and delays the leg fatigue that used to define longer spike races. It is still a firm, low-slung ride at 19mm of stack, so do not expect trainer-like softness. What you get is just enough give to protect your legs over a 5000m or 10,000m while keeping you close to the ground for speed. For its category the balance of protection and responsiveness is excellent, and that forgiveness is exactly why so many distance runners reach for it.
Stability
This is a neutral distance spike with no added support features, so it is built for efficient, biomechanically sound runners racing on a smooth track. The low 19mm stack works in your favour here, keeping your foot close to the ground so there is very little to roll off. Combined with the tight upper and the firm plate, the platform feels planted and direct through the bends. It is not trying to correct your gait and it should not, because on the track you want a stable, honest feel rather than motion control. Just know that all the stability comes from the low profile and the lockdown, not from any support post.
Upper & comfort
The upper is thin, minimal and built for speed rather than plush comfort, which is normal for a race spike. It wraps close around the foot to hold you over the plate, and the lightweight material keeps the overall weight down at 145g. There is not much padding, so this is not a shoe you want to wear for a long warm up or an easy jog. On race day, though, the snug fit disappears once you are moving and lets you focus on the effort. If you tend to get pressure points from tight uppers, spend a little time dialling in the lacing before you race.
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FAQ
Specifications
| Category | Race |
| Surface | Track |
| Drop | 0mm |
| Heel Stack | 19mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 19mm |
| Weight | 145g |
| Carbon Plated | Yes |
| Stability | No |