Nike Streakfly 2

The best dedicated 5K/mile racing shoe Believe in the Run has reviewed in nearly a decade — exceptional pop and turnover for short-distance racing, but punishingly specific in fit and use case.

Best for: 5K and mile racers who land on their forefoot and want the lightest, fastest ride possible.

Massively improved over v1 as a race shoe — completely reinvented as a road track-spike for short-distance racing. In the right hands at mile-to-5K distances, it could do amazing things.

Best for: Mile, 3K, 5K road races and short speed sessions for forefoot strikers with strong calves.

Andrea's hands-down favorite shoe ever for the road mile distance — used it for two PR mile races (4:59 and 5:20) on consecutive days. Versatile from mile up to 5K for non-spike racers, but watch for traction issues on wet surfaces.

Best for: Mile to 5K road races for forefoot/midfoot strikers who don't want to race in spikes.

Excellent for its narrow intended use (very short road racing or track 10k alternative) but aggressive and uncomfortable for general use.

Best for: Road mile, road 5K, or 10,000m on the track when not in spikes.

It's a buy — first 10K in four years, raced wet Boulder Boulder, no complaints on traction or fit. Loved it enough that he's now thinking about a 5K race specifically to use it again.

Best for: 5K racing primarily; capable up to 10K but at the edge of its range.