![]() These spikes usually have a more dense rubber outsole, a toe-guard to prevent stubbing roots or rocks, and often possess more resilient, water-resistant uppers in case of wet/muddy courses.Ĭross country racing shoes also come in “spikeless” versions, which can sometimes be confusing. If we wore spikes for XC, we quickly learned that they improved traction over muddy ground, improved our hill climbing ability by allowing us to dig deeper into the soil with each footfall, and enabled us to pass competitors more readily in our finishing kick. ![]() Many of us were first exposed to wearing spikes during our high school days running cross country. Finally, there are sprint spikes that we see when Usain Bolt is breaking yet another 100m world record.Next are standard distance spikes to be used in track races from 800-10,000m.The first of these are for cross country athletes racing over uneven natural terrain.There are three basic types of spikes that comprise most of those seen on the market today: The heel-to-toe drop of most spikes is close to level, and if one were to measure this off-set with spikes in the shoes there would actually be a negative drop– meaning the forefoot of the shoe actually extends below the heel plate. Spiked running shoes are typically very light-weight, close-fitting, situated on a firm rubber or plastic outsole, and come with metal “spikes” of ¼ – ½ inch that are screwed into designated holes in the bottom of the shoes. Let us first define what we are terming “spikes” in this series to avoid confusion further down the road. Well, the short answer is definitely not! This article will begin a series on what to look for when purchasing your first pair of spikes, why runners at any level can benefit from training/racing in them, and how you can implement spikes into your training on a weekly basis. I've also used regular Pyramids which came with my Superfly's and I really can't tell the difference between the two.While watching the Olympics in London this summer, many viewers might have wondered why the world’s best distance runners were wearing spikes in events such as the 5,000 and 10,000m? Aren’t spikes reserved for sprinters running at maximum speed for short distances? I use their Christmas Tree spikes and they work pretty well, I guess. I personally use Omni-Lite's spikes and follow their mini-guide. In conclusion, whatever spikes that came with your shoe should be fine. Honestly, the difference is pretty negligible. I'm not based in the States, but where I'm from, people don't seem to care.Īlso steel spikes that last long or those other spikes that are supposed to be super light? However, longer spikes do mean more traction.Īlso is a 9mm even allowed in outdoor track. Longer spikes mean you dig into the track deeper, which could actually hinder your performance as it takes more force to "take it out" again when you run. American decathlete Curtis Beach likes using Nike Matumbos or something for his sprints because he finds it more comfortable. Stiffer, full length plate= Shorter distances 1/2 or 3/4 plate for 400m-800m. ![]() The more stiff the plate the better it is for the 100m while a more flexible plate the better for the 400m.Įssentially, yeah. The longer the plate on your shoe the faster you will be but the more pressure on your leg.
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