REVIEW: Nike Zoom Mawler Track Sprint Spikes

Nike Zoom Mawler – Mens – White/Gold/Black

(Click here for previous reviews on the Nike Zoom Powercat – Superfly R2 and Adidas Powersprint 2 )

First. and foremost, the Nike Mawler is NOT an upgrade to the Monsterfly, which were made famous by Shawn Crawford in 2004. 

The big difference with the Monsterfly is the elevated heel support with “shock absorbers”.

These spikes were released January 2009 and I would put them in the same category as NIKE’s high-end track spike.  They are not cheap at MRSP $150 USD.  The Monsterfly’s are now at clearance prices if you can find your size.

If you are looking for a true custom made spike, you’ll have to wait for my review on the Nike Zoom Ja iD spikes.

The Nike Zoom Mawler

This spike is designed for the sprints between 60 – 400 meters.

My first impression was the spike plate felt very stiff.  Unless you are a very strong athlete, capable of running elite level times, this spike may not be for you.

My second impression was the synthetic one piece, very sleek and aerodynamic upper shell.  So they definitely look fast.  But looks aren’t everything.

Like the Zoom Powercat – Superfly R2 and Adidas Powersprint 2, it has a full length spike plate.  But the addition of the carbon fiber insert is why the plate is more rigid and perhaps durable.

It is slightly on the “heavy” side at 8.6 oz (compared to other spikes), considering 1 ounce = 28 grams, and 7 oz is about 200 grams which is the holy grail “magic number” for shoes.

But the most important feature to note is the Nike Monsterfly and Mawler come with 7 non-removable 7mm Christmas tree spikes… see my previous article on How to Choose Spike Pins and Needles.

As always, please carry 2 different pairs of spikes to a track meet in case they crack or if Christmas tree spikes are not suitable for the track surface.  Also, some new tracks may ban Christmas tree spikes for whatever reason.

The Nike Zoom Mawler only comes in 2 colours: white/gold/black and white/blue/red (shown on the left).  The toughest task will be finding your shoe size.  Popular sizes, such as a size 10 or 10.5 are hard to find sometimes.

If you have Achilles problems, I would suggest a less stiff spike plate as a stiffer spike will create more torque on your Achilles.  And therefore more prone to injury.