Track and field spikes are specialized shoes. They are not only designed for track and field but are tailor-made for each individual event or field event. I’ve been asked where to buy track and field shoes ever since I got into the track equipment business. First, it’s important to realize that there are different types of track shoes depending on the track and field event you’re participating in. At younger ages and lower abilities, it is not so important to have specialized track and field shoes. However, as the ability of athletes increases, it is important to purchase the right footwear. Multi-event track and field athletes own several pairs of track shoes, generally speaking about one shoe per event. There are spikes for hurdles, middle-distance, all-purpose, pole vault/long jump/triple jump, high jump, distance, sprinting, and javelin throw. At higher levels, proper footwear is crucial.
Each different track shoe is designed for a specific purpose.
Sprint shoes are made for distances from 100m to 400m. They usually only have spikes on the front half of the shoe, from the arch to the front. They are extremely lightweight.
Barrier spikes are used for those athletes who choose to run while jumping hurdles. They are flexible and designed to help ease athletes as they “land” after crossing the hurdle.
Mid-distance shoes are used in the 800-meter to 1-mile race. They usually have a little cushion in the heel and are built more elegantly than those built for distance.
Distance spikes are used in the 3,000m to 10,000m races. These sneakers typically have fewer spikes on the bottom of the shoe and more cushioning to handle impact over a longer distance.
Pole vault/long jump/triple jump shoes are designed to allow the athlete to jump well while still being able to sprint fast in the sprint.
High jump spikes have spikes on both the toe and the heel. They are the only track and field shoe that has spikes on the heel other than a javelin shoe.
Javelin shoes are a heavier shoe with studs covering the bottom of the track shoe. Spikes can be up to 1 inch long.
All-purpose spikes are low-mid-distance spikes. They are intended for athletes to generally wear during exercise.
Spikes are metal “dots” that are attached to the bottom of an athlete’s spike shoes. They range from 1/8″ to 1″ in length. There are 5 different types of nails.
Tartan Spikes – These are used for rubber tracks and look like a dull needle.
Press studs – (X-mas Tree) – Looks like a Christmas tree and is used on rubber and tartan surfaces. They are used to help athletes avoid getting their shoes stuck in the track.
Studs – (spaces) – are used in internal tracks and do not have a stud.
Needle – (Skinny) – Needle spikes are used on all weather trails and 3/16″ is the generally recommended length. This allows for good traction while allowing the athlete to continue to ‘release’ from the track surface while running.
Pyramid – Use on dirt or grass surfaces and can go up to 1″ in spear spike shoes.
There are many places that sell track and field. One place an athlete can purchase Spike shoes is at their local Foot Locker or such stores. However, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular. So, here’s a short list of some online “stores” that are all things trackandfield, road sports, vsatheltics (and it’s the only one I’ve found that has youth sizes).