Track & Field Spike Basics
What Are Track Spikes?
Track spikes are a type of athletic shoe designed for track and field events. These shoes are specially designed to help athletes gain better traction on the track surface and improve their performance during races.
Whether you're a professional track and field athlete or a casual runner looking to improve your speed, understanding track and field spikes first can help you choose the right shoes and improve your performance.
What This Article Will Cover:
- How To Pick The Right Spikes
- Best Sprinting Spikes
- Best Long Distance Spikes
- Best Long Jump Spikes
- Best Triple Jumping Spikes
- Best High Jump Spikes
- Best Pole Vault Spikes
- Best Javelin Spikes
- Best Throwing Shoes
- Frequently Asked Questions About Track Spikes
How To Pick The Right Spikes
To figure out which spikes you need, you need to identify the following:
- Which events are you going to compete in?
- Are you a beginner or an experienced athlete?
- What is your budget?
Below, we will go over the details of each of these points so that you can buy the right spikes for your specific event.
#1 - What Is Your Event?
Different events in track & field have demands unique to each, which means that the track spikes you choose need to be suitable for your event.
Athletes who prefer to compete in sprints will need different shoes than long-distance or jumping athletes.
You can find the right track spikes for your event group using the table below.
Track & Field Event | Spike Type |
Sprint & Hurdle Events: 100m, 200m, 400m, 100m/110m hurdles, 300m/400m hurdles, 800m, 4 x 100m, and 4 x 400m relays. | Sprint Spikes |
Middle Distance Events: 800m, 1500m, 1600m, Mile | |
Long Distance Events: 3000m, 3200m, Two-mile, 5000m, and 10,000m. | LongDistance Spikes |
| Jumping Events: Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Pole Vault | Jump Spikes |
Throwing Events: | Throwing Shoes |
#2 - What Is Your Experience Level?
With regards to sprinting spikes and long distance spikes, different models are tailored toward athletes of varied experience levels.
If you are new to track, going with a pair of entry-level spikes is appropriate. These are cheaper, more flexible, less aggressive, and typically have less high-tech features than more advanced spikes.
If you are an experienced track athlete looking to boost your performance, a pair of elite-level spikes is a good way to go.
This table listssome track spikes for sprinters and distance runners, depending on your experience level:
| Event Group | Entry-Level | Intermediate | Advanced |
Sprints & Hurdles Spikes | Nike Zoom Rival (Sprints) | Nike Zoom Superfly Elite 2 | Nike Air Zoom Maxfly |
| Long-Distance Spikes | Nike Zoom Rival | ||
| Long Jump Spikes | Nike Zoom Rival Long Jump | Nike Air Zoom LJ Elite | Nike Air Zoom LJ Elite |
#3 - What Is Your Budget?
Regardless of your experience level, budget is another factor to consider. You can only race in the spikes you can afford, so finding a pair of track shoes that meet your budget is essential.
Typically, the entry-level and intermediate spikes above will be cheaper than the advanced spikes.
Best Sprinting Spikes
- Nike Air Zoom Maxfly
- Adidas Adizero Prime SP2
- New Balance FuelCell SuperComp PWR-X
Best Distance Spikes
Best Long Jump Spikes
- Adidas Adizero LJ
- Nike Air Zoom LJ Elite
- Saucony Saurin J2
Best Triple Jump Spikes
- Nike Triple Jump Elite 2
- Adidas Triple Jump Spikes
- Under Armour Hovr Skyline TJ
Best High Jump Spikes
- Nike High Jump Elite Spikes
- Saucony Uplift HJ 2
Best Pole Vault Spikes
- Nike Pole Vault Elite
- Adidas Pole Vault Spikes
Best Javelin Spikes
- Nike Zoom Javelin Elite 3
- Adidas Adizero Javelin
Best Throwing Shoes
- Nike Zoom Rotational 6
- Adidas Adizero Shotput
- Adidas Adizero Throws
Spikes For Track - Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Track Spikes Work?
Track spikes work by providing additional traction on the track. Pointed spike pins screw into the sole and grip the track's surface, preventing slipping and allowing athletes to push off more efficiently. This can help to improve speed and reduce the risk of injury for track athletes.
Track spikes feature a spike plate on the bottom of the shoe, with the rigidity of the spike plate varying based on the level of athlete the spikes are geared towards.
Beginner-level track spikes will have a more flexible spike plate, whereas spikes for elite athletes are very stiff. The spike plate's stiffness helps ensure energy is efficiently utilized each step, with rigid spike plates helping athletes bounce their feet off the ground to apply as much force as possible.
Track spikes are also very light, weighing as little as 4 ounces in some cases. The lightweight nature of spikes ensures that track athletes can run as fast as possible without being weighed down by some chunky brick of a shoe.
How To Put Track Spikes In Shoes?
Putting spikes in your track shoes is simple. Using the spike wrench supplied with your spikes, screw the spike pins in until they make contact with the shoe's base.
Turn another 1/4 to 1/2 turn for a secure fit. Ensure not to overtighten the spikes so that you do not strip them or get them stuck.
How Much Do Track Spikes Cost?
Spikes and shoes for track vary in price depending on various factors, including the brand, the technology in the shoe, and the level of athlete the track shoes target.
Entry-level track spikes for high school athletes can cost as little as $50, whereas elite-level spikes like the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly cost $180 or more.
If you need to save money on spikes, look out for discounts on models from previous years on a website like eBay, Zappos, or Ross.
What Size Spikes Come With Nike Shoes?
Nike spikes typically come with 1/4" pyramid spikes, the most common size, and style of spikes for track shoes.
What Spikes Are Best For Sprinting
You can check out our buyer's guide on the best spikes for sprinting to see our favorite picks.
Based on testing dozens of track spikes, the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly, Nike Superfly Elite 2, and Adidas Adizero Prime SP2 are the best spikes for sprinters who want high-performing spikes with the latest technology.
Where To Buy Replacement Spikes For Track Shoes
You can typically find good-quality spikes for track shoes at Amazon.
What Size Spikes For Indoor Track?
Indoor tracks typically require you to wear pyramid spikes that are either 3/16" or 1/4" in length. Avoid using longer spikes, as well as needle or tree spikes.
Can You Use Sprint Spikes For Distance
While theoretically you can use sprint spikes for distance, it is better to use a proper pair of distance running spikes.
Check out our guide on the best spikes for distance runners to learn more.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information on various topics, including track and field spikes. I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in this article. Let's dive into it!
Track Spikes Basics
Track spikes are a type of athletic shoe specifically designed for track and field events. These shoes are engineered to provide athletes with better traction on the track surface, ultimately improving their performance during races. Whether you're a professional track and field athlete or a casual runner looking to enhance your speed, understanding track and field spikes is crucial in choosing the right shoes and improving your overall performance.
How to Pick the Right Spikes
To determine which spikes are suitable for you, there are a few factors to consider:
1. Identify Your Event: Different track and field events have unique demands, so it's essential to choose spikes that are suitable for your specific event. Here are some examples:
- Sprint & Hurdle Events: 100m, 200m, 400m, 100m/110m hurdles, 300m/400m hurdles, 800m, 4 x 100m, and 4 x 400m relays. For these events, sprint spikes are recommended.
- Middle Distance Events: 800m, 1500m, 1600m, and mile races. Middle distance spikes are suitable for these events.
- Long Distance Events: 3000m, 3200m, two-mile, 5000m, and 10,000m races. Long distance spikes are designed for these events.
- Jumping Events: Long jump, triple jump, high jump, and pole vault. Jump spikes are ideal for these events.
- Throwing Events: Discus, hammer, javelin, and shot put. Throwing shoes are recommended for these events.
2. Consider Your Experience Level: Depending on your experience level, there are different types of spikes available. If you're new to track and field, entry-level spikes are suitable. They are more affordable, flexible, and less aggressive compared to advanced spikes. For experienced athletes looking to enhance their performance, elite-level spikes are recommended. These spikes often have advanced features and technologies to maximize performance.
3. Budget: Your budget is another important factor to consider when choosing track spikes. Entry-level and intermediate spikes are generally more affordable compared to advanced spikes. It's important to find a pair of track shoes that meet your budget while still providing the necessary features for your event.
Best Spikes for Different Events
Here are some examples of recommended spikes for different track and field events:
- Best Sprinting Spikes: Nike Air Zoom Maxfly, Adidas Adizero Prime SP2, New Balance FuelCell SuperComp PWR-X.
- Best Distance Spikes: Nike Air Zoom Victory, Nike ZoomX Dragonfly, Nike Zoom Rival.
- Best Long Jump Spikes: Adidas Adizero LJ, Nike Air Zoom LJ Elite, Saucony Saurin J2.
- Best Triple Jump Spikes: Nike Triple Jump Elite 2, Adidas Triple Jump Spikes, Under Armour Hovr Skyline TJ.
- Best High Jump Spikes: Nike High Jump Elite Spikes, Saucony Uplift HJ 2.
- Best Pole Vault Spikes: Nike Pole Vault Elite, Adidas Pole Vault Spikes.
- Best Javelin Spikes: Nike Zoom Javelin Elite 3, Adidas Adizero Javelin.
- Best Throwing Shoes: Nike Zoom Rotational 6, Adidas Adizero Shotput, Adidas Adizero Throws.
How Track Spikes Work
Track spikes work by providing additional traction on the track surface. The spike pins on the sole of the shoe grip the track, preventing slipping and allowing athletes to push off more efficiently. This improved traction helps to enhance speed and reduce the risk of injury for track athletes.
Track spikes feature a spike plate on the bottom of the shoe, and the rigidity of the spike plate varies based on the level of athlete the spikes are designed for. Beginner-level spikes have a more flexible spike plate, while spikes for elite athletes are very stiff. The stiffness of the spike plate ensures that energy is efficiently utilized with each step, allowing athletes to apply maximum force.
Track spikes are also lightweight, weighing as little as 4 ounces in some cases. The lightweight nature of spikes allows track athletes to run as fast as possible without being weighed down by heavy shoes.
Putting Track Spikes in Shoes
Putting spikes in your track shoes is a simple process. Using the spike wrench supplied with your spikes, screw the spike pins into the shoe's base until they make contact. Turn another 1/4 to 1/2 turn for a secure fit. It's important not to overtighten the spikes to avoid stripping them or getting them stuck.
Cost of Track Spikes
The cost of track spikes can vary depending on factors such as the brand, technology, and the level of athlete the spikes are designed for. Entry-level track spikes for high school athletes can cost as little as $50, while elite-level spikes like the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly can cost $180 or more. If you're looking to save money, you can also find discounts on previous year's models on websites like eBay, Zappos, or Ross.
I hope this information helps you understand the basics of track spikes and how to choose the right ones for your specific event. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
