How to Make Your Own Track Spikes

Tracks spikes are necessary for runners who want to get traction on a track. They improve the foot's grip on the ground, allowing the runner to gain greater propulsion with each step. "Track spikes," racing shoes that come with spikes already attached, are much lighter than typical training shoes, contributing to speed.

Things You'll Need

  • Track shoes, preferably racing flats that don't have manufacturer screws in them
  • Eight flat-head screws -- all the same lengths, either 3/8" or 1/2" (a thicker sole needs a longer screw)
  • Power drill with bit one size smaller than the diameter of the screws
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unlace the shoe and pull the tongue back so that the inside of the toe of the shoe will be exposed. Remove the insole if there is one.

    • 2

      Drill one hole into the sole of the shoe, one-half inch in from the edge of the shoe, underneath where the pad of the big toe would rest.

    • 3

      Drill a second hole where the little toe attaches to the foot.

    • 4

      Drill a third hole where the ball of the foot would rest on the shoe, directly behind the big-toe hole.

    • 5

      Drill a fourth hole parallel to the front of the arch on the little-toe side of the sole -- directly behind the first little-toe hole.

    • 6

      Screw one screw into each hole inside the sole of the shoe. The heads of the screws should be flush with the inside sole, and the screws should fit so snugly that they do not wiggle.

    • 7

      Repeat the same process on the other shoe.