Types of Detachable Cleat Spikes

Detachable spikes come in many designs, each with their own claims for enhancing performance. However, spike selection is largely a matter of informed personal choice for each athlete. Every track, and every other surface you are likely to run on, has its own characteristics and these will vary with different weather conditions. Having several types of detachable spikes at your disposal makes perfect sense.

  1. Tartan Track Spikes

    • Tartan Track is an all-weather polyurethane track surface first created by MCP Industries, Inc., and now manufactured by their subsidiary company, Athletic Polymer Systems, Inc. Although Tartan is a durable surface, the company warn that proper care and maintenance is required. This includes guidance on spike length. The recommended maximum length for needle, pin or pyramid spikes is 3/16 of an inch. Detachable spikes suitable for Tartan tracks include two types of Steelex spikes made by Gill Athletics, an official equipment supplier to USA Track and Field. These are: 1/8-inch spikes, item number 83511, and 3/16-inch spikes, item number 83512. Steelex spikes are manufactured from case-hardened steel and covered with a durable blue coating to make them last longer. They have a hexagonal base so that you can easily install and remove them. They are sold in bags of 100. Two types of Gill pyramid spikes are also suitable: 1/8-inch pyramid spikes, item number 840, and 3/16-inch pyramid spikes, item number 83602. These are also sold in bags of 100.

    General Purpose Spikes

    • You can use any of the spikes suitable for Tartan tracks on other surfaces if they are within the competition rules and feel right. Two longer Steelex spikes are 1/4-inch spikes, item number 83513, and 3/8 inch spikes, item number 83514. Four longer lengths of pyramid spikes are 1/2-inch, item number 841; 1/4-inch, item number 842; 3/8-inch, item number 843; and 5/8-inch, item number 844. Blank spikes, item number 848, are another choice, being a plain stud type with no specialized purpose. Needle spikes, a design that features a small projecting point, are also available in sizes 3/16-inch, item number 83601; 1/4-inch, item number 838; 3/8-inch, item number 839 and 1/8-inch, item number 8401.

    Javelin Spikes

    • Designed specifically for javelin throwers, javelin spikes tend to be longer than other detachable track spikes. This means they will hold their ground when a javelin thrower comes to a sudden stop at the end of the run-up. This enables the thrower to launch the javelin with a stable and controlled posture, all of which means that the javelin is more likely to fly true. Foot Locker sell Blazer javelin spikes. These are made of heat-treated steel and have a zinc plate coating. They are 1-inch long and are sold in packs of 20.