Title: 8 Tips for Selecting Track Spikes - Freelap USA
Headings: 8 Tips for Selecting Track Spikes
8 Tips for Selecting Track Spikes
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Content: 8 Tips for Selecting Track Spikes - Freelap USA
8 Tips for Selecting Track Spikes
Articles By Christopher Glaeser | March 23, 2014
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. 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. 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. For 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. The disadvantage to these shoes is that they are not suited for longer distance races, since the footstrike will favor power over economy. 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. Your Event
Know which discipline the athlete is competing in. 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. For younger athletes who might still be in the developmental stages, event specialization might not be very easy to determine. 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.