How to Choose Track Spikes

As a runner, it is very important that you are wearing a pair of well-fitting track spikes during a race or in training. These spikes can assist you in avoiding an injury and even help you beat your fastest time. The small but durable metal pins can offer a tremendous grip on a variety of track surfaces. Their light weight and durability offers the feeling of running on air.

Things You'll Need

  • Track shoes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the running shoes that fit the event you plan to participate. The strike plate on the shoe is what best determines the spikes you choose. If you run a short race (Sprint races of 200 meters or less), the spikes will often have a strike plate that is designed to prevent you from running on your heels. For those who run middle distances (400 to 800 meters) or longer distances (1 mile and up), the spike plates are designed to be lower to the ground and offer more flexibility than those for sprinters.

    • 2

      Purchase a pair of spikes that fit the type of race or event you normally run. If you are a short distance runner (200 meters or less) you may want to have shorter spike (1/16 to 1/8 inch) that offers a quick grip on the track's surface. Should you be a middle distance (400 to 800 meters) runner, you can use a medium spike (1/4 to 1/2) with a sturdy support tip. For those who run longer distances (1 mile and up), a longer grip spike (3/8 to 3/4) inch would be sufficient for the race.

    • 3

      Choose between metal or rubber spikes. The type of spikes that you choose can be based on the type of surface you plan to run on. If you are participating on a gravel-based track, the metallic spikes may be a better fit. If you are on a soft asphalt track, the rubber spikes are your likely choice.