How to Get Spikes Out of Shoes

Many athletes prefer to wear spikes in their shoes. Football, soccer and baseball athletes are normally required to wear cleats with spikes to give them extra traction while on the fields. The spikes add a grip between the shoes and the field, which helps with running, especially in slippery and wet conditions. Track and field athletes also prefer to wear spikes in their running shoes for slightly faster running times. However, many coaches want their athletes to train without spikes, or athletes may need to change broken spikes from their shoes. In either case, getting the spikes out of the shoes can be quite a hassle.

Things You'll Need

  • Spike wrench or needle-nose pliers
  • Commercial lubricant (like WD-40)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the spike wrench over the spike to be removed. A spike wrench can be purchased at any sporting goods store. A pair of needle-nose pliers may also be used.

    • 2

      Rotate the spike counter-clockwise until you meet some resistance.

    • 3

      Press down onto the wrench once you've felt the resistance while continuing to turn the wrench counter-clockwise.

    • 4

      Remove the spike with your fingers when the spike snaps loose.

    • 5

      Spray the threads of a difficult or broken with the lubricant. Allow the lubricant to sit for two minutes. Hit the broken spike with the spike wrench to help loosen it. Pull the spike out with your fingers or a pair of pliers.

    • 6

      Repeat this procedure until you have removed all the desired spikes.