This guide outlines all the options that will help you choose the best track shoes for your requirements.
Many people enjoy a good job in the morning or do a sprint or two in the park. If you have decided to go from a hobby runner to a real racer, you may have a hard time picking the right pair of shoes. What you need are the right track shoes. However, once you start researching, you shall notice that it is almost impossible, as there are many types of track shoes on the market. But the right shoes will certainly help you play sport better.
Choose the best track shoes for your needs
Here is what the difference between them is, and how to choose the best option for your goals!
Sprint spikes
These are one of the most popular options for most racers. They are specifically created for those who want to run 100 – 400m sprints. When you try them on for the very first time, chances are you will find them uncomfortable as they offer no heel, and they are often very harsh on the foot which means they may not be the best track shoes for you.
There are some of these, which have a flexible plate, but they are purposed on 200 – 400m sprints. Usually, harsh plates are the more useful version of this type of spikes as they for sure help speed up in short distances.
Mid-distance spikes
These are shoes produced to be the best option for your 800m – 1500m run. They have a very recognizable look! You will notice them by their little heels. It is cushioned and it truly feels comfortable. In the front part of the shoe, there is a stiff and thin spike plate. What is very obvious from the very first sight is that the footprint they leave, aka the under-surface of the shoe, is much smaller than that left by spikes created for long-distance run sessions.
Distance Spikes
If you are looking for a shoe to run different types of marathons, these are the best track shoes for you! They are supposed to be used for runs with a length of 3-10km.
Again, their sports engineering design is easily recognizable. You can notice that they do not have many spikes.
Also, they can offer full support for the bodyweight so that it shall not fall off on the joints of the body as they have cushions all over the footprint. What is very typical for this type of shoe is that they are always very simple as a design to reduce any weight of the shoe itself.
Hurdling tracks
Contrary to a popular misunderstanding, spikes are not only created for races and runners. They can be very useful and comfortable for everybody. They can be a good choice as the best track shoes for middle distance runners as well. What is very nice about these shoes is that they are suitable for speed hurdling run of different distances starting from 100 meters to 400 meters. They can offer a very flexible spike for sprinting and a small heel with a comfortable cushion, so that there is no weight pressure to your joints.
All-purpose spikes
These are the best track shoes if you have not decided what sprint you will expertise in yet. They are a bit more affordable, as they are not specifically specialized shoes. They are for sure considered mid-distance shoes.
However, they offer full cushion support all over the footprint of the shoe. The plate is mid-large and has a regular plate of spikes. These are the choice for many athletes who want to own a pair for their everyday practice as well.
Long jumpers and triple jumpers
Long jumping spikes are a very typical shoes with a very recognisable engineering design. Their footprint is thin. Under the whole surface of the footprint there is a thick middle footprint which is supposed to be there to ease the jumps and to give you the stability that you need when you plant on the ground.
Triple jumpers are very similar. However, the difference comes with the cushioning of the heel. The material used in this case is a bit more dense. The heel itself seems to be thinner, however it gives you much more support for your body when planting, and more stable balance, as well.
High jumpers
High jumpers are the best track shoes specifically created for high jump athletes. They are designed with both rearfoot and forefoot spikes. This is a guarantee for stability when you get back on the ground, but also stability for your take off foot. They are light and easy to operate with in the name of their purpose.
Javeliners
Just like the high jumpers they are very comfortable and stable. They offer you both forespikes and backspikes. This will for sure help you with the typical approach of a javelin thrower and their landing. What is the biggest difference from the high jumpers is the weight and size of the shoe itself. Javeliners are massive and very heavy. This ensures you are stable even with the most powerful throw.
Summary
Picking the right pair of spikes can be a real challenge. The first thing to consider to choose the best track shoes for your needs is what your goals are, what you need the pair for. After that, it is only a matter of trying different pairs to find the most comfort and functionality for you.
Many people believe that specialized shoes are expensive, so here is a secret! Do not forget that any pair at a price higher than 80$ is considered elite, so it is not impossible to find many budget options!
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