Spikes Help Duplantis Dominate World Stage

Armand "Mondo" Duplantis says the key to his pole vault domination in recent years is his speed on the runway and, unlike most of his predecessors in the event, he wears specially-developed sprinting spikes to enhance it.

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The Swede chalked up his 13th world record when he cleared 6.29 meters in August and will be seeking a third successive world title when the competition begins in Tokyo on Sept. 13.

Speaking at a Puma event in the city on Sept. 11, he said he has long had a close involvement in the evolution of his shoes.

"It's super important from the innovation side, and I've been so thankful to the Puma family for letting me just have a really big voice in what I want and need," he said.

"It's such a different shoe that I compete in now from the first shoe that we had. I really like the development of the Nitrofoam, but also just the shape and everything that's needed for me."

Analysis from the event has shown that Duplantis approaches the bar way faster than any of his rivals, only two of whom—Emmanouil Karalis and Chris Nilsen—have even cleared six meters in 2025.