About the Types of Track Shoes

Choosing the proper type of track shoe is very important because track shoes that do not give proper support can contribute to an athlete's injuries. One common injury is shin splints, a problem that can be avoided by picking the appropriate width and arch to the track shoe. Types of track shoes that are used vary depending on the build of the athlete, type of surface the event is taking place on and the event the athlete is participating in.

  1. Identification

    • When referencing types of track shoes, the term "track spikes" is used. This refers to shoes that are light in weight and have spikes screwed into the bottom of the shoe. This bottom is typically referred to as a spike plate and consists of a series of threaded holes where the spikes can be screwed in using a spike wrench. These spikes help runners, throwers and jumpers in their performance by increasing their traction on the field. Spikes vary in size.

      Some types of track shoes have permanent spikes, or "fixed" spikes that cannot be added or subtracted using a spike wrench. Choosing permanent or do-it-yourself spikes is purely a matter of preference for the athlete.

    Running Shoes

    • Track shoes designed for running differ greatly from track shoes designed for other track events, and likewise, shoes used for sprint events differ from distance running.

      Sprint shoes are generally stiffer in the spike plate and built as lightly as possible in order to help the runner increase their speed. Shoes built for distance running have fewer spikes, are more relaxed in design and have increased heel support.

      Distance and sprint shoes also differ in the taper of the shoe. A taper is the effect of lifting the toe of the shoe off the ground using the spikes. Sprint shoes typically have a distinct taper while distance shoes do not. Marathon runners, in particular, favor "distance flats," which are shoes that do not have any taper.

    Track Events

    • Hurdling: The preferred shoe for hurdling are the same ones used for middle distance runs. These shoes are used for hurdling because they have a cushioned heel. If not using a middle distance spike, some hurdlers use the more flexible of the sprint spike options.

      Pole vault, long jump, triple jump: These shoes generally have similar requirements. The spikes are thin with a full midsole to provide cushioning. Triple jump shoes require specialized heels to absorb the shock of the three landings.

      High jump: High jump shoes have both front and rear spikes. This helps in both take off and landing.

      Javelin: Javelin boots also have front and rear spikes. But the javelin boots are designed to be heavy and big in size.

      Throwers: Shoes for throwers come in either glide or spin shoes. Glides are more textured on the spike plate for better grip while spin shoes have a smooth spike plate to provide better spin.

    Practice

    • Typically the type of shoe worn in actual track events will cost over $70. Shoes that cost below that price are usually multipurpose track shoes, which can be worn by almost any type of track athlete during practice. Throwers, however, should not wear these types of shoes.

    Track Surface

    • The size of the spike will depend on the type of running surface. Dirt or crushed granite requires the smallest spike size, while asphalt and indoor tracks typically require flat track shoes without spikes.