The Definitive Guide to Athletic Spikes: How to Choose the Right Pins

No matter if your are new to athletics or have been competing for years, having the right spikes can make all the difference in your performance. But with all of the different types and brands on the market, how do you know which ones are right for you? Here is a definitive guide to help you choose the perfect spikes for your discipline:

What are spikes? 

Athletic spikes are little nails, usually made of metal, that are screwed into the bottom of running shoes to provide extra traction and grip on different types of surfaces. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes

What kind of spikes to choose for running tracks?

Before we start diving into the different types and lengths of spikes, lets first figure out that on some tracks, the nail length is limited to no more than 6mm in order to avoid damage to the track.

Now that we know that, we can start looking at the different track surfaces:

3 different track surfaces

-A cinder track is the classic red clay that was used in the early days of track. It is not as popular now because it is not very forgiving and can cause injuries.

-A tartan track is a synthetic rubber surface that is laid over a cinder base. It is the most common type of track and is very versatile.

-A synthetic track is made completely of man-made materials, often plastic. They are becoming more popular because they are very forgiving and provide good traction.

Now that you know what kind of track you will be running let's have a look on the running spikes. For long distance events on tartan or synthetic tracks, you will want to use spikes that are between 3-5mm long. These spikes will provide good traction without being too hard on your feet. For shorter distances or sprints, you can use running spikes that are 6mm long. These nails will give you more traction and grip. In terms of jumping disciplines like long jump or triple jump, you will want to use spikes that are between 6-9mm. Pole Vaulters normall use 6 mm. There might be circumstances, where high jumpers and javellin throwers might use spikes up to 12mm. These spikes will provide the most grip and traction but can be very hard on your feet, and, as mentioned above, they are not allowed on a lot of tracks.

What kind of spikes to choose for cross country?

The choice for cross country spikes will depend on the type of surface you will be cross country running on. If you are running on grass, you will want to use 6mm. These spikes will provide good traction without being too hard on your feet. If you are running on a softer surface like mud, you will want to use nails that are 9mm long. In very wet conditions, you might even want to use spikes that are 12-15mm long. These spikes will provide the most grip but can be very hard on your feet.

Spikes for training vs. spikes for competition 

Yes, the nails you use for training can be different than the nails you use for competition. Training spikes are usually shorter and not as sharp as competition spikes. This is because training spikes are designed for comfort and durability, while competition spikes are designed for speed and traction. Especially for sprint competition nails are designed to be as light as possible to not slow the athlete down. So, there are special lightweight nails available on the market. Unfortunately, thes spikes aren't built to last as long as spikes for training so you just want to wear them for competition

What are replacement running spikes and when should you use them?

Replacement spikes are just what they sound like, spikes that replace the ones that come with your shoes. They come in a variety of sizes and lengths to suit different needs. You might want to use replacement spikes if you are running on a surface that is different from what your shoes were designed for, or if you are looking for more grip or traction than the spikes that come with your shoes. The spikes on your shoes will eventually wear down, so it is important to replace them when necessary. Depending on how often you train and compete, you might need to replace your spikes every few months or every few years.

How often should I replace my spikes? 

This really depends on how often you use them and what kind of surfaces you use them on. If you are using them on a soft surface like grass, you might be able to get away with replacing them once a year. If you are using them on a harder surface like concrete, you will need to replace them more often. As a general rule of thumb, you should replace your spikes every 3-6 months.

Signs that I need new spikes 

Some signs that you might need new spikes are if they start to feel uncomfortable or if they start to slip. If your spikes are slipping, it means that they are not providing enough grip and traction. This can be dangerous, so it is important to replace them as soon as possible. Another sign that you might need new spikes is if the spikes start to come out of the sole of your shoe. This means that they are not securely attached to your shoe.

Our choice for the track and field events

Long distance spikes = 3mm 

Middle distance spikes = 3mm - 5mm

Sprint spikes = 6mm

Sprint spikes competition = 6mm superlightweight

Jumping spikes = 6mm - 9mm

Javellin throwing spikes = 9mm - 12mm

Cross country spikes = 6mm - 15mm

Where to buy replacement spikes?

You can buy replacement spikes directly in our shop. We do have one of the most complete rainge of spikes available from our collaborating brand VERTASS.

YOUR VERTASS ONLINE SHOP

As you can see, spikes are an important part of athletics community. They provide traction and grip that helps you go faster. When buying spikes, make sure you get the right size and length for your needs.