Doing 3 to 4 light workouts or sets of strides will help the track spikes conform to the foot better, and if there are problem areas, a little petroleum jelly or other anti-chafe product will help to alleviate the issue come race day. A brand new pair of spikes will undoubtedly have some hot spots or high friction areas, so racing in them without any break-in can be bad news, as Dathan Ritzenhein found out when he tore his foot open while racing in an unworn set of spikes. If socks are worn for racing, the same pair should be used when trying on for fit.īe sure to break in the track spikes before racing in them. Running specialty stores should have some ultra-thin nylons for trying on footwear without socks. It’s a good idea to decide whether the spikes will be worn with socks or not before making a decision on sizing, because even the thinnest pair of sports socks can change the fitment of the track spikes. The choice is fairly inconsequential, as Olympic medals have been won by both camps. Others will wear socks to avoid potential issues with blisters or friction burns. There are some athletes that will claim that wearing track spikes without socks gives them a better feel for the track and makes the feet lock in the shoes a bit better. Again, this is another point of contention across the board for elite level athletes. The spikes should be no more roomy than trainers, but the athlete’s toes should be able to move and not feel pinched or cramped against the front of the shoe.ĭecide whether the spikes will be used with or without socks. Others prefer a fit similar to training shoes, and will opt for the same size as their trainers or even slightly larger. Some runners like a very snug fit, and will wear a full size down or more. Even among top-level track athletes, there are different opinions on which is the best fit. Fitment of track spikes is incredibly personal. If there’s a place to jog in the store, this will be a great opportunity to make sure the track spikes fit correctly when they’re in use, not just standing.ĭetermine the desired fit. At any running specialty store they should expect, or even encourage, trying on new footwear before buying it. ![]() Try on the track spikes in the store before purchasing. As sprinting spikes require strong lower legs to stay on the ball of the foot, a younger athlete may be at a disadvantage using them for events such as the 400 m if they have not completely developed these muscles yet. This also has the added benefit of allowing the athlete to choose which events he or she enjoys at a later time. If there is no specific specialization for youth competitors, the best choice would be to err on the side of caution and cushion, and choose a spike suited for distance competition. For younger athletes who might still be in the developmental stages, event specialization might not be very easy to determine. For high school age and older track athletes, this should be evident by the first few weeks of practice, and definitely before the first competition. ![]() Know which discipline the athlete is competing in. On the other hand, distance and mid-distance track spikes will have a thin heel and provide minimal cushioning to the foot, which will enable the wearer to use them over these longer races. ![]() The disadvantage to these shoes is that they are not suited for longer distance races, since the footstrike will favor power over economy. Many manufacturers will create specialized spikes for each group of events, and any running specialty store will have employees well versed with the benefits and disadvantages of each design.įor instance, sprinting spikes will have a stiff plate underneath the entire foot, and will promote running on the toes to provide maximum forward motion over the course of the event. There is no magic or witchcraft involved with track spikes, the simple explanation is that a lighter and stiffer pair of shoes will help you improve your times over any distance. Finding the right pair of track spikes might seem like a daunting task to anyone getting into track and field for the first time, but after spending a bit of time learning about which spikes will work for each event, it doesn’t have to be.
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