Track & Field Spikes

More than 1 million boys and girls competed on high school track and field teams in 2009, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the governing body for high school sports. Various types of track shoes, or "spikes," are worn to improve performance in track and field events.

Track and Field Events

Track and field meets have a combination of running events, throwing events and jumping events. Various techniques have evolved for each of the throwing and jumping events. Track spike shoes are designed for each event to provide necessary support for the athlete's foot while avoiding unnecessary weight. Depending on the track surface, athletes screw metal spikes of different lengths into the bottom of the shoes to get better traction when running, taking off on a jump or planting the foot for a throw. Spike lengths are limited by meet rules, NFHS rules and USA Track and Field rules.

Sprints and Hurdles

Sprinters and hurdlers explosively push off from the forefoot. Sprint spikes have a stiff plate that helps the foot spring up and the heel of the shoe has no cushioning. Underneath the forefoot are hard plastic traction grooves or lugs around spikes. This shoe helps keep the sprinter's foot from slipping on the track as he pushes forward with each step. USATF rules state that no more than 11 spikes may be used.

Distance

Distance spikes are designed for races of a mile or more. A runner lands on her heels, then pushes off. These shoes have a slight cushioned heel and the sole is more flexible than on sprint spikes. To decrease the weight of the shoes, the hard plastic traction pieces on the forefoot are omitted and there typically are four or six spikes.

Triple Jump, Pole Vault and Long Jump

Specific spike shoes are made for triple jump, pole vault and long jump. Manufacturers also make some shoes designed for use in all three jumping events. Jump shoes have the stiff sole and higher number of spikes found in sprint shoes. The shoes have a cushioned heel for landing, which is important in the hop and step phases of the triple jump. Jump shoes may have a strap across the arch for greater support.

High Jump

High jumpers take off from a flat foot. Their shoes have spikes in the heel and in the forefoot. USATF rules limit the sole thickness and the heel height.

Javelin and Throwing Events

A javelin thrower plants his foot as he throws. There is some twisting motion of the foot, so the shoes typically cover the ankle with straps across the midfoot. As with high jump shoes, there are spikes in the heel and forefoot. The total number of spikes is limited to 11. Discus and hammer throwers and shot putters spin across the ring before throwing. These throwers need to glide or turn easily, so they do not wear spikes. Their shoes are designed to minimize friction or traction.

Buying Shoes

For a beginning track athlete, good form and technique are more important than having a special shoe for every event. As an athlete improves and becomes more consistent, proper shoes can boost performance. At any level of competition, the most important quality of a shoe is comfort. Try on several types if possible before buying spikes. You should plan to wear them for several seasons.