Title: How much do track spikes improve times in the sprints? - Freelap USA
Headings: How much do track spikes improve times in the sprints?
How much do track spikes improve times in the sprints?
Anatomy of a Track Spike
Measuring Spikes and Sprinting Speed
What Sport Science Discovered with Track Spikes and Speed
The Spike Test Results
How to pick the right pair of spikes
References

Content: Most athletes except of the most elite sprinter will not have customized spikes based on the shape and function of the foot, so different pairs should be experimented with. Some athletes benefit with some minor insertions of different materials like a pad or thin orthotics, but keep in mind the competition is wearing the same options so the true advantage is not likely to be coming from spike use. Whatever spike one is choosing, the key is not expecting an advantage over the competition, but the necessary advantage of choosing to have one instead of using a regular athletic shoe. If one is believing that a specific model is going to give them an advantage over another athlete, then one may want to rethink that strategy a little since most modern spikes are so similar that not much difference is going to manifest in races. Find a spike that works for you, and just remember to look for hard options that are lightweight. Please share this article so others may benefit. 8 Tips for Selecting Track Spikes
References
Jason B. Krell & Darren J. Stefanyshyn (2006) The relationship between extension of the metatarsophalangeal joint and sprint time for 100 m Olympic athletes, Journal of Sports Sciences, 24:2, 175-180, DOI: 10.1080/02640410500131621
Darren Stefanyshyn & Ciro Fusco (2004) Increased Shoe Bending Stiffness Increases Sprint Performance, Athletics, Sports Biomechanics, 3:1, 55-66, DOI: 10.1080/14763140408522830
Smith G, Lake M, Less