The correct spikes for you will depend upon which event you wish to you. It is very important that you use
your spikes in at least some of your training so you are used to running in them when it comes to races (you could be a bit sad like
me and own several pairs for training at different speeds - Ed.)
Sprint Spikes
Sprint Spikes are for sprinters. Okay - enough of the blindingly obvious.
They are the lightest spikes on the market, generally with no padding in the heels at all. They are also relatively stiff with
the spike plate on the bottom (under the toes) built in a way that forces the runner to run on their toes.
Sprint running spikes are useful for athletes running at high speed - so good 400m runners can make use of them too (we'd generally
advise that if you are quicker than about 52 seconds over 400m this would be a reasonable thing to do). Some top class 800m runners
also run in sprint spikes - with Maria Mutola being a famous example - although this isn't necessarily something that we would
recommend.
Some sprint spikes have zip up fronts so that they have a smoother surface for better aerodynamics (not sure how much difference this
makes in practice - maybe a severe hair cut would do more!
Middle Distance Spikes
Still very light, but generally with a bit of cushionning in the heel. For use at slower speeds than sprint spikes, but still
where a majority of the running is to be done on the forefoot as the spike plate still forces this kind of running action.
Generally, the sole on middle distance spikes is less rigid than a sprint spike and as such is less demanding on the athletes
running posture.
Long Distance Spikes
These have much more cushionning that the other track spikes and are generally flatter. They are also a bit heavier than other
track spikes, but still significantly lighter than running trainers. If you are running at speeds slower than about 18-20seconds
for each 100m in your races, we would suggest these will supply the cushioning you need for your races.
Different Types of Spikes
There are many variations on spikes that can be considered, for example some sprint and middle distance spikes are made with extra
grip on the soles to help hurdlers. Others, for steeplechasers, are made of mesh to allow the water from the water jump to run out.
Jumpers tend to have more padding in the heels and high jumpers even have spikes there to give good grip on take off. Finally, spikes
for javelin throwers are made which look like boots and also have spikes in the heels.
The biggest subset of spikes we have missed off so far are the off-track spikes, usually called cross-country spikes. They are
much sturdier than other spikes and have much better grip on them - often including on the sides of the sole as well as the base.
Many runners also use these on tracks for their slower training (where normal running shoes would be too heavy) as they provide more
support and cushioning for the foot.
The major manufacturers of running spikes include Asics, Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Brooks, Mizuno, Saucony and Puma amongst others.
The Spikes themselves
As for the spikes in the shoes themselves the come in various shapes
Pyramid Spike These are the most common type of spike and a basically a wide base going to a point.
Pin / Needle Spike Like a Pyramid spike, but with a thinner neck - tend to dig into tracks well, but can "stick"
a little as the athlete takes off again
Stud Have a blunt end, like a football stud, but still get decent grip on the track.
Xmas Tree Spike These have ridges going around them which get grip in a number of directions if your footstrike
isn't always the same - good for hurdlers.
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