The New Steadiness FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 is an elite racing spike that brings stability and responsiveness to the forefront of middle-distance racing. Designed for pace over distances from the 400m to the 5,000m, it makes you are feeling such as you belong on the Diamond League circuit (even when your 1,500m PB is from highschool and would get you laughed out of the elite tent).
In contrast with many trendy racing spikes, the MD-X v3 has a beneficiant stack peak that delivers noticeably extra cushioning. I admire the additional safety throughout exhausting observe periods, and whereas I haven’t but raced on this spike, I used it for a number of pace exercises, giving me a good suggestion of how elite it truly is.
Specs:
Class: Carbon-plated mid-distance racing spike
Stack Top: 19.7mm
Weight: 174 g (males’s US 9)
Spike pins per shoe: six (detachable)
Value: $230
Out there: Now
Bounce on prime of bounce
Monitor spikes have developed dramatically, and anybody coming from older fashions might be shocked by how a lot bounce the MD-X v3 gives. It feels nearer to a brilliant coach than a conventional spike, with plush FuelCell PEBA foam delivering a vigorous journey that helps you float by way of quick intervals. Paired with a full-length SuperComp plate, the froth delivers a propulsive toe-off that encourages you to maintain pushing the tempo, whether or not you’re grinding by way of a exercise or making your transfer after the bell.
Like many plated spikes, the MD-X v3 is stiff; whereas this may occasionally not enchantment in a street shoe, on the observe the aggressive platform works in its favour. Regardless of the rigidity, the beneficiant cushioning softens the affect that usually comes with exhausting observe periods. Should you want extra underfoot safety for middle- and longer-distance observe work, this is among the most comfy spikes out there.
A secure spike?
Secure isn’t normally the primary phrase that involves thoughts when describing a racing spike, but it surely’s one of many MD-X v3’s standout qualities. Regardless of the comparatively excessive stack, I felt assured attacking corners, and my ankles stayed safe whilst I elevated my tempo for aggressive ultimate intervals, with out feeling like I used to be preventing the shoe.
A wonderful heel lockdown additionally contributes to that efficiency confidence. I’ve significantly slim heels and didn’t expertise any slipping or undesirable motion throughout reps. The general match is pretty impartial, sitting between slim and vast, making it appropriate for a wide range of foot shapes. New Steadiness additionally widens the forefoot by way of the midsole and outsole, making a broader touchdown platform that provides stability with out making the shoe really feel cumbersome.
Higher
The engineered mesh higher is comfy, light-weight and breathable, which is strictly what you need in an elite efficiency spike. It supplies sufficient construction to maintain the foot safe with out including pointless bulk, whereas the heel stays comfortably locked down all through the exercise.
One of the best praise I can give the higher is that I barely observed it. Whether or not I used to be recent or deep into a tough session, it merely did its job and let me focus on working.
A novel mannequin
At 174 g, the MD-X v3 is heavier than many competing racing spikes and, on paper, that will increase some eyebrows, however the further weight is nearly unnoticeable.
As an alternative, what stands out is the mixture of cushioning, rebound and stability. Whereas many trendy spikes prioritize minimalism above all else, the MD-X v3 gives a extra forgiving journey with out sacrificing pace. As somebody with delicate toes, I discovered the added cushioning and wider platform made it comfy throughout a spread of exercises and distances. The carbon plate nonetheless delivers the stiff, snappy toe-off you’d anticipate from an elite spike, however the softer PEBA foam prevents the journey from feeling overly harsh.
Its versatility is maybe its largest power. New Steadiness markets the shoe for races from 400m to five,000m, and U.S. standout Quincy Wilson races in it over 400m. I’m actually not Wilson, however I used the MD-X v3 for ladder intervals and located it equally comfy at numerous distances. It delivers a powerful stability of bounce, propulsion and stability, making it some of the versatile middle-distance spikes at the moment out there.
Verdict
The New Steadiness FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 stands other than most elite racing spikes by refusing to sacrifice consolation within the pursuit of pace. It delivers the snappy, propulsive journey aggressive middle-distance runners anticipate, whereas including sufficient cushioning and stability to make exhausting exercises (and race day) rather less punishing. Should you’re on the lookout for the lightest, most minimalist spike available on the market, there are different choices, however if you would like an elite-level spike that evokes confidence on each lap, the MD-X v3 is among the most well-rounded selections out there.
