Running spikes are worn by cross-country runners and track and field athletes during competition. The spikes differ from everyday running sneakers called trainers in that they are lightweight and allow greater grip on the surface.
Types
Track spikes have many more than one type. There are spikes for sprinting, mid-distance, long distance, throwing, jumping and hurdling. The spikes are specifically designed for each event, but beginning athletes will be fine wearing a sprinter spike or a distance spike, depending on their events.
Cross-Country Spikes
Cross-country spikes have a plastic bottom or a rubber bottom, and fit-metal spikes that screw into the holes with a spike wrench. Spikes are important for cross-country runners because the surface is sometimes loose gravel or slippery leaves and wet dirt.
Flats vs. Spikes
On some indoor track surfaces, athletes must wear rubber-soled spikes instead of spikes with plastic bottoms and actual metal spikes. Athletes can remove the spikes and replace them with flats or wear shoes called racing flats.
Sprinter vs. Distance
Sprinters typically wear spikes that have a plastic bottom and spikes near the front of the shoe, under the toes. This design keeps sprinters on their toes, making them run faster. Distance runners wear spikes that have more cushioning and spikes not as far up on the shoe bottom as sprinters.
Jumping Spikes
Triple jumpers and pole vaulters wear spikes that have a thicker heel and a different spike pattern that allows for the greatest jumping distance.
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