About Track Spikes

At track and field stadiums everywhere you will find runners training for their next track meet, state championship or even the Olympics. Many of these athletes will be wearing track spikes, which are screws in the bottom of the front of their shoes that allow them to dig into the track. There are also cross-country spikes that runners wear for better traction in longer races.

  1. History

    • Track spikes were invented to give runners, particularly sprinters, greater speed. The first spiked shoes for running were developed in the mid-1800s. In 1968, brush spikes were introduced and replaced the traditional four-spike running shoe. In the 1976 Montreal Olympics, an athlete was photographed endorsing his spikes, the first athlete to do that.

    Function

    • Track spikes are metal points screwed into the bottom of a runner's shoe to help him dig in better. The sharp spikes that are located in the front of a sprinter's shoe force runners to run on their toes. This design gives runners the necessary leverage for toe spring, which propels their legs forward. Track spikes are mainly used for sprinting events, but cross-country spikes are used on some courses. Track spikes generally are not recommended on courses with flat paved grounds because they may hinder runners rather than help them.

    Manufacturers

    • In the 1890s, Reebok--then called J.W. Foster and Sons--began manufacturing some of the first known running shoes with spikes. Today, there are many manufacturers of track spikes, including Asics, Adidas, Reebok, New Balance, Puma and Nike.

    Cost

    • Running shoes with track spikes typically cost about $50 or less. These running shoes normally come with spikes built in, but after the spikes are worn out replacement spikes can be purchased for about $15.

    Considerations

    • Runners should train in their spikes before using them in competition so they are familiar with them. Runners also should make sure their spikes are screwed in properly. There are different spikes to purchase depending on the length of the race, but runners should make sure that the shoes they purchase fit like a glove, in order to prevent injury.