Diadora Mezzofondo Spike Review

Quick Facts

• Weight: 5.7 oz in a unisex size 9

• Price: 260 dollars

• Category: Middle and long distance track spike for 800 to 10,000 meters

• Stack height: Around 19 mm underfoot, classified as low cushioning for a connected feel

• Use: Track only

Diadora Mezzefondo Upper and Fit

The upper of the Diadora Mezzofondo spike uses an engineered nylon air mesh that wraps the foot pretty securely. The idea is simple. Middle distance racing means fast changes in pace and a lot of time on your forefoot.

The mesh is thin and breathable, and provides a secure wrap. It doesn’t feel heavy or bulky and in fact feels lightweight and almost like you aren’t wearing a spike. The material choice lines up with what we see in other modern spikes. Lightweight mesh, simple overlays and enough structure that support you through the curves of the track.

Because the Diadora Mezzofondo is a unisex spike. If you have a narrow, track spike shaped foot, you will probably appreciate how locked in it feels. If you have a wider forefoot, you may want to try these on but likely you’ll need to go up a half size. In spikes, I usually wear around a womens size 11 or unisex 9.5. The unisex 9.5 fits well. In short, the Diadora Mezzefondo Spike fits true to size, but almost all spikes fit narrow so keep that in mind.

Diadora Mezzofondo Midsole and Plate

The midsole is where the Diadora Mezzofondo spike gets interesting. Instead of a thin slab of foam, it uses Diadora’s Anima PBX superfoam, a supercritical Pebax style compound that is designed to be lighter and more energetic than traditional EVA. Diadora claims this foam, combined with the plate, delivers about four percent more energy return than other leading distance spikes.

Sitting inside that foam is a full length carbon filled plate. Diadora describes it as the most efficient carbon filled plate in their lineup, with a unique shape under the medial side to add rigidity and help the shoe roll you forward. The special plate geometry helps quicken turnover in both mid distance and longer track races.

Stack height for the Diadora Mezzofondo comes in around 19 millimeters, which is low for a modern racing product but not paper thin. “Back in my day,” spikes were paper thin and the less spike, the better. So it’s kind of fun to see them have some sort of cushion underneath but it still lands in the “low cushioning” category.

You are not getting the towering marathon super shoe feel. Instead, the Mezzofondo sits close enough to the track that you still get feedback, with the plate and foam doing the work to make each stride feel snappy rather than harsh.

If you are used to classic, almost barefoot spikes like me, this will feel more protective. If you are coming from thick road super shoes, it will feel very minimal but one thing is for sure, it feels fast.

Outsole and Traction

Underneath, the Diadora Mezzofondo uses a six pin spike plate made from durable nylon. Each shoe takes six removable 6 millimeter pins, which is standard for middle distance spikes. There is enough plate surface in the forefoot to spread out pressure and keep the ride from feeling like six nails under your toes, especially with the added layer of foam above.

The plate in the Diadora Mezzofondo is built for rubberized track surfaces, not cinder or pavement. There is not a lot of extra rubber or blown rubber coverage, so this is a shoe to keep on the oval and warm up in flats whenever you can.

Spikes usually last 1-2 seasons and that is what you will find with the Diadora Mezzofondo.

Ride and Performance on the Track

On paper, the Diadora Mezzofondo spike is built to do a lot. Diadora lists it as a spike for races from 800 meters all the way up to 10,000 meters. That is a big range and honestly fairly surprising.

The carbon filled plate and snappy Anima PBX foam lean toward the aggressive side. The plate shape adds stiffness, especially through the medial side, which helps roll you forward when you are on your toes. Combine that with low stack and you get a spike that should reward strong mechanics and high cadence rather than save you from sloppy form.

For true middle distance racing like 800 and 1500, that aggressive snap in the Diadora Mezzofondo is exactly what you want. You can load the plate, get off the ground quickly and feel like the shoe is helping you get back to the next step. For 3k and 5k races, the slightly thicker foam compared to old school spikes gives enough protection that you are not destroyed halfway through the race, especially if you are used to using road shoes.

For 10k specialized athletes, it will come down to personal preference. Some will love the lively feel and low profile. Others may still prefer a more cushioned distance spike if they are sensitive to underfoot firmness. If I was still racing 10ks on the track, I think I would like the Diadora Mezzofondo to race.

Diadora Mezzofondo Conclusion:

The Diadora Mezzofondo spike is Diadora’s answer to the modern plated distance spike. It brings a full length carbon filled plate, energetic Anima PBX foam and a low, aggressive profile into one very sleek package for middle and long distance track races.

If you are a track athlete who wants something different on your feet and you like a firm, fast and low ride, the Diadora Mezzofondo spike is a great option. I’ve had a lot of fun running on the track in it.

Who Should Buy the Diadora Mezzofondo Spike

• Race primarily 800 meters through 5k on the track and want a plated spike with more propulsion than a traditional model.

• Like Diadora’s design and want something a little different from what everyone else has on the starting line.

Who Should Skip the Diadora Mezzofondo

• Are new to spikes and want something more forgiving, without a full length carbon plate. Or are injury prone in spikes.

• Prefer a very cushioned feel for 10k track racing or mostly use road shoes and do not like feeling close to the surface.