Nike Dragonfly 2 introduction:
Andy: Whilst the Victory 2 may have taken the majority of the podium spots in Paris, the Dragonfly changed the game forever when it was released in 2020. A spike that for the past few years has been on top of almost every podium outside of the sprints at every major championship. When it was first released, no other company could come close. Many professional runners were using disguised Dragonfly spikes regardless of their actual sponsors.
It is a spike which has found favour from the track to the fields of cross country across the globe. However, 4 years later and with many other companies raising their game, does the Dragonfly retain its place in the top tier?
Nike Dragonfly 2 upper:
Andy: The engineered mesh upper is as snugly fitted as you would expect from a racing spike. It holds the foot very securely to the base and the collar around the heel and ankle area provides some softness, structure and helps to keep the foot locked down. In comparison to the AtomKnit of the Victory 2, the Dragonfly has a much more substantial material encasing the foot. However, this does not mean that it is not breathable. I have used the Dragonfly for workouts when the temperature has been in the mid 20 degrees C and 90% humidity and my feet have been nowhere near as swampy as could be expected.
Furthermore, the toebox is probably a little roomier than in the Victory 2. That said, I am not sure Altra or Topo Athletic need to worry too much about their market niche being taken. The overall fit is comfortable and this comfort lasts throughout the laps. The tongue is not gusseted and unpadded. However, it sits flush with the foot and helps to wrap everything up tightly. The laces are Nike’s traditional toothed affairs which have never caused me any issue with loosening when the paces pick up.
Overall, the Dragonfly 2 gives a race focussed but comfortable fit. The lockdown is superb and the heel is held firmly in place. Once tied, the Dragonfly upper disappears on foot and gives no cause for concern. If you know the upper from the original, there is no vast difference to the feel here.
Nike Dragonfly 2 midsole:
Andy: Unlike the Victory 2, the Dragonfly 2 has a full-length ZoomX midsole. You will find no massive airbags here or even a carbon fibre plate. The foam gives a more traditional feel of cushioning when compared to the Victory 2. The ride is much more of a rolling fast than an explosive fast. In my mind, it is akin to the difference between a bungee ball and the downhill at the start of a roller coaster. Both are fast but the Victory 2 is a violent bang each time it hits the track while the Dragonfly 2 gives a far smoother rolling feel through the gait cycle.
Nike have also worked to make the Dragonfly 2 more stable than its predecessor. The shoe is wider through the mid and forefoot to aid that. Last year, I used an old pair of Dragonfly as cross country spikes. Stability was never really an issue for me with them but it is nice to have a slightly wider platform around the bends.
During my time with the Dragonfly 2 so far, I have used it for longer reps of a mile and more down to 200m efforts. It has felt fast and easy on all of these and definitely has the comfort factor over the Victory 2. Were I running anything over a mile, I would definitely be pulling the Dragonfly 2 out of the bag.
Nike Dragonfly 2 outsole:
Andy: Again, the outsole has lost 2 spikes. The four spike design of the Victory 2 is replicated here. The pattern on the Dragonfly spike plate has changed from the original too. Where there were once raised plastic waves, we now find raised studs. During all of my sessions, I have found no issue with traction on the track. However, we will have to wait until this autumn to see if the 4 spikes and new plate design hold their own on the cross country course as well as the original.
Nike Dragonfly 2 conclusion:
Andy: Nike probably still has the best 2 distance spikes in the world. The Victory took the most podiums but you never had to look far to see a pair of Dragonfly in the vicinity. For those of us who may not be quite as fleet of feet as Olympians, the Dragonfly makes an excellent spike to introduce you to the track. The roll through the plate feels smooth and welcoming. It offers comfort through a wide range of distances and I wasn’t in a massive rush to get them off once the session had finished.
I am sure we will see them taking podium spots across the world for a long time to come and we will see if they translate to the mud come autumn!