They are usually designed to be more durable too, as they must take impact for a much longer period of time.įor all track spikes, the maximum spike length you can have is 6mm. There are less pins, and they are not as on the forefoot as sprint spikes due to the decreased speed and force.

The reasoning behind the cushioning is that as a middle/long-distance runner, how your foot strikes tend to be more mid-foot to heel so that impact is significantly reduced. The cushioning is usually the same type as the Brands’ running shoes, there is just less of it than a normal trainer. These tend to be much more cushioned, often having a more substantial heel. There is usually minimal cushioning to keep the weight down.

There are also the maximum amount of ‘pins’ so there is maximum traction for the athlete. These are designed to be super light and to keep you on your toes. So what are the different types of Spikes? Quick tech term – the Spikes are the actual shoes, the ‘spikey’ stud that digs into the ground is known as a Pin. They are also usually much lighter than trainers as they are designed solely for performance. So, why do we wear spikes? Ultimately, it is down to traction by having more grip you can have a faster stride turnover as you are able to transfer more of your energy into your stride. Yet a 100m Sprinter usually has a hugely different style of Spikes to your typical Cross-Country Runner – and therefore we have created the ultimate guide for choosing the right spikes for you! Hitting the track – 100m Sprint or 1500m? A Cross Country race in the diary? At all these events you will see athletes wearing spikes.

Track spike