You have entered the race. You have your number pinned on, and your shoes tied tight. The starter’s gun fires, and you’re off.
You are sprinting and nearing the curve at the end of the straightaway. As you turn the corner, you feel your foot catch a rut in the track, and you fall.
As you lay there, with the wind knocked out of you, and your ego bruised, you consider whether maybe you should have just run outside to avoid that twisted ankle. And you think, next time, I’m getting the track spike shoes.
A track spike is a type of specialized running shoe. Track spikes are designed to be used on a track, obviously. They are specifically designed to give you a stable and strong footing and to help you run as fast as possible.
Of course, as many sprinters and runners know, track spikes are not just for the running track. Runners and sprinters all around the world are able to benefit from the advances in track spike technology. However, the most sure-fire way to benefit from track spikes is to use them on the track.
In this post, we will explain the different types of track spikes and track shoes, and we will discuss what makes one pair better than another.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best track spike?
Track spikes are designed for long distance running.
They are made for striking the track surface in a quick sequence of steps and moving as quickly as possible. They are a great tool for training and for warming up before competitive races.
This is because track spikes tend to be very lightweight, but they are also made of tough materials. They are made to last and to give you a firm grip of the track surface. They are also made for better traction, which is especially important for outdoor tracks.
When shopping for a track spike, it is also important to know and understand where you will be using them. Some track spikes are better for indoor track than outdoor track, while some spikes work better on every track surface.
This is why it is important to pay attention to the surface that the track spike is made for. If you are going to buy a track spike, always check the product description in the purchase page for the exact track spike usage.
Are track spikes worth it?
Track spikes are worth the effort of training. There is nothing like competing in a track meet, school race, or even a mall dash. Track spikes are an investment in yourself.
You don’t have to worry about shoes breaking on the track. Track spikes are designed to last. You will feel a difference in your races. If you have never tried spikes you better give it a chance. The extra few seconds off your time may just win medals in the end.
Track spikes are worth the effort for the long run. Getting speeding tickets and being late won’t happen with track spikes.
Track spikes are an investment in the track time. The best part about track spikes is the long usage time. You don’t have to worry about changing shoes. All you have to worry about is becoming a better athlete.
What size should I get my track spikes?
If you are deciding to buy track spikes, you may be confused about the different sizes. Track spikes come in four different sizes: a size 1, 2, 3 and 4 and size 4 being the largest. These sizes provide a flexible shoe that mold to your feet and help you run faster.
The size 1 shoe is the smallest and is ideal for high school athletes. This size is great for sprinting and starting. The size 2 track spike is best for athletes who are taller or heavier. This shoe will give you spiking ability and comfort on your legs throughout the entire race. Many athletes that are successful in the 400 meters or high hurdles wear a size 2 track spike.
The size 3 is a nice size for sprinters or middle distance runners. A size 3 spike is not the smallest, but just big enough to be used as a speed spike, while not too big that your energy is being directed away from your legs to support your foot.
How do you remove a stuck track spike?
The first step is to start by warming up the spike. This is done by using the spike itself, or if that fails, a metal spike will do as well.
The spikes should be removed in the warmest part of the day, and for the average spike this will be somewhere around 10 AM. Take the spike and roll it back and forth across the area that its stuck in. Roll in various directions, forcing the ground to give up its hold.
If the spike is stuck in hay or in an area of high humidity, take the track spike scraping tools in the Spike Scraper Kit. This tool set is specially designed to remove spikes from these types of areas, and can be very effective in conditions where metal spikes would fail.
Conclusion
Track spikes are a great piece of technology designed to help athletes take their running or sprinting to the next level. With good quality spikes under your feet, you can make you feel lighter, faster and more energetic. But with so many different brands and models, it’s easy to end up with the wrong pair … so we’ve reviewed some of the best on the market.