JORDYNN:The New Balance MD800v6 is a fierce mid-distance track spike! The sleek, all black, minimal white color pattern, combined with the weightlessness of the design had me feeling like a boss on the track. I love the professional, polished look; it screams confidence and I’d choose this shoe for any big-time race, to show I’m all about business. Also, let’s be honest – as a high school athlete, looks are important!
Next up are the specs. The spikes weigh about 4 oz, which is really light. Lacing up, it was almost like I was wearing socks. The upper materials are made up of synthetic and mesh construction. Midsole materials are a full-length Pebax plate, and the outsole materials are a thermoplastic polymer. The women’s NB MD800v6 run true to size (sizing is unisex). I wear a size women’s 10 and have wide feet and these fit just right. They were snug, with just the right amount of toe room and breathability. The spike plate pattern has 6 spikes and lots of smaller teeth for the perfect amount of traction of the track.
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JORDYNN: I wore the MD800v6 during an 800m time trial, 3200m time trial, and repeat 300m training session. Immediately upon putting these on, my feet felt secure and supported, especially around the forefoot. The snug, sock-like fit allowed me to not wear socks with the spikes for the first time ever!
The materials were soft and formed around my heels and toes without any spots too tight or too loose. There was enough room in the toe box for my wide feet, and enough airflow that my feet didn’t get overheated during the repeat 300s and constant impact of the mid-distance runs. Even with the longer distances and repeat runs, I didn’t experience any foot fatigue or develop any pressure spots like some other spikes have caused me in the past. No blisters, which is always a good sign.
The MD800v6 are very light, and felt fast, especially around the turns when I really need to keep momentum. The Pebax plate allowed for flexibility of my foot and the positioning of the spikes assisted me to stay up on my toes, helping propel my momentum forward. I can honestly say that the NB MD800v6 are some of the lightest, most comfortable, and efficient track spikes I have ever laced up.
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JORDYNN: Speaking of laces, one of the only negative aspects of these spikes in my opinion were the long laces. Laced in every eye, and double-knotted, there was still about 4-5 inches of hanging loops. I tucked them in the best I could during training, and overall didn’t take away from comfort or performance. But it was a bit annoying.
Another feature that fell under both good and bad for me, is the full-length Pebax plate. While it helped with forward movement with the correct foot strike during the shorter 800m and 300s, it was uncomfortable at times when I would land flat-footed or on my heels during the longer runs. The impact of plate to the ground was a reminder that I needed to correct my stride and get back on my toes to have the energy for that final kick in the home stretch.
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JORDYNN: In my book, the New Balance MD800v6 spike is a solid ‘A-’. I would suit up with these stylish bangers any day. Look good, feel good. Feel good, run good.
You can pick up the New Balance MD800v6 (on sale right now for $40!) by using the shop link below.
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Great post, I’ve been after these since they came out!