Fast Info
Weight: 5.7 oz in a unisex dimension 9
Value: 260 {dollars}
Class: Center and lengthy distance monitor spike for 800 to 10,000 meters
Stack peak: Round 19 mm underfoot, categorised as low cushioning for a linked really feel
Use: Observe solely
Diadora Mezzefondo Higher and Match
The higher of the Diadora Mezzofondo spike makes use of an engineered nylon air mesh that wraps the foot fairly securely. The thought is easy. Center distance racing means quick modifications in tempo and lots of time in your forefoot.
The mesh is skinny and breathable, and supplies a safe wrap. It doesn’t really feel heavy or cumbersome and actually feels light-weight and virtually such as you aren’t sporting a spike. The fabric selection traces up with what we see in different trendy spikes. Light-weight mesh, easy overlays and sufficient construction that help you thru the curves of the monitor.
As a result of the Diadora Mezzofondo is a unisex spike. In case you have a slim, monitor spike formed foot, you’ll most likely admire how locked in it feels. In case you have a wider forefoot, you could wish to attempt these on however possible you’ll have to go up a half dimension. In spikes, I normally put on round a womens dimension 11 or unisex 9.5. The unisex 9.5 matches effectively. Briefly, the Diadora Mezzefondo Spike matches true to dimension, however virtually all spikes match slim so hold that in thoughts.
Diadora Mezzofondo Midsole and Plate
The midsole is the place the Diadora Mezzofondo spike will get attention-grabbing. As a substitute of a skinny slab of froth, it makes use of Diadora’s Anima PBX superfoam, a supercritical Pebax type compound that’s designed to be lighter and extra energetic than conventional EVA. Diadora claims this foam, mixed with the plate, delivers about 4 p.c extra vitality return than different main distance spikes.
Sitting inside that foam is a full size carbon stuffed plate. Diadora describes it as probably the most environment friendly carbon stuffed plate of their lineup, with a singular form below the medial facet so as to add rigidity and assist the shoe roll you ahead. The particular plate geometry helps quicken turnover in each mid distance and longer monitor races.
Stack peak for the Diadora Mezzofondo is available in round 19 millimeters, which is low for a contemporary racing product however not paper skinny. “Again in my day,” spikes have been paper skinny and the much less spike, the higher. So it’s type of enjoyable to see them have some type of cushion beneath nevertheless it nonetheless lands within the “low cushioning” class.
You aren’t getting the towering marathon tremendous shoe really feel. As a substitute, the Mezzofondo sits shut sufficient to the monitor that you just nonetheless get suggestions, with the plate and foam doing the work to make every stride really feel snappy moderately than harsh.
In case you are used to basic, virtually barefoot spikes like me, this may really feel extra protecting. In case you are coming from thick street tremendous sneakers, it’ll really feel very minimal however one factor is for certain, it feels quick.
Outsole and Traction
Beneath, the Diadora Mezzofondo makes use of a six pin spike plate created from sturdy nylon. Every shoe takes six detachable 6 millimeter pins, which is commonplace for center distance spikes. There’s sufficient plate floor within the forefoot to unfold out strain and hold the trip from feeling like six nails below your toes, particularly with the added layer of froth above.
The plate within the Diadora Mezzofondo is constructed for rubberized monitor surfaces, not cinder or pavement. There’s not lots of additional rubber or blown rubber protection, so it is a shoe to maintain on the oval and heat up in flats each time you possibly can.
Spikes normally final 1-2 seasons and that’s what you can see with the Diadora Mezzofondo.
Journey and Efficiency on the Observe
On paper, the Diadora Mezzofondo spike is constructed to do so much. Diadora lists it as a spike for races from 800 meters all the best way as much as 10,000 meters. That could be a big selection and actually pretty shocking.
The carbon stuffed plate and snappy Anima PBX foam lean towards the aggressive facet. The plate form provides stiffness, particularly by way of the medial facet, which helps roll you ahead when you find yourself in your toes. Mix that with low stack and also you get a spike that ought to reward robust mechanics and excessive cadence moderately than prevent from sloppy type.
For true center distance racing like 800 and 1500, that aggressive snap within the Diadora Mezzofondo is strictly what you need. You may load the plate, get off the bottom shortly and really feel just like the shoe helps you get again to the subsequent step. For 3k and 5k races, the marginally thicker foam in comparison with old-fashioned spikes provides sufficient safety that you’re not destroyed midway by way of the race, particularly if you’re used to utilizing street sneakers.
For 10k specialised athletes, it’ll come down to private choice. Some will love the full of life really feel and low profile. Others should choose a extra cushioned distance spike if they’re delicate to underfoot firmness. If I used to be nonetheless racing 10ks on the monitor, I believe I would love the Diadora Mezzofondo to race.
Diadora Mezzofondo Conclusion:
The Diadora Mezzofondo spike is Diadora’s reply to the fashionable plated distance spike. It brings a full size carbon stuffed plate, energetic Anima PBX foam and a low, aggressive profile into one very modern bundle for center and lengthy distance monitor races.
In case you are a monitor athlete who desires one thing completely different in your ft and you want a agency, quick and low trip, the Diadora Mezzofondo spike is a superb possibility. I’ve had lots of enjoyable working on the monitor in it.
Who Ought to Purchase the Diadora Mezzofondo Spike
Race primarily 800 meters by way of 5k on the monitor and desire a plated spike with extra propulsion than a conventional mannequin.
Like Diadora’s design and wish one thing slightly completely different from what everybody else has on the beginning line.
Who Ought to Skip the Diadora Mezzofondo
Are new to spikes and wish one thing extra forgiving, with out a full size carbon plate. Or are harm susceptible in spikes.
Want a really cushioned really feel for 10k monitor racing or principally use street sneakers and don’t like feeling near the floor.
