One of the most overlooked accessories athletes should have is replacement track spikes.
I’ve often turned up to a track meet, and the rubber surface material differs from the one you usually train on. Now you can suddenly feel your spikes aren’t as sharp as they once were.
When you’re feet are slipping around while trying to run can be one of the most unsettling feelings for any athlete. This is why having replacements of different lengths is an absolute must for any athlete from Sprints, Jumps and middle to long distances.
Types of Spikes
In my book, you should look for three replacement spikes: Needle, Pyramid & Chrismas Tree.
Christmas Tree Spikes
Christmas Tree Spikes are designed to compress the track rather than penetrate it. They are designed to do this to produce energy back from the way. Spikes penetrating the track cause added friction, ultimately slowing the athlete down.
6mm Christmas tree spikes are the most popular sizing as they comply with the all-track sizing limits.
Most sprint spikes, in particular, will be purchased with Christmas Tree Spikes as part of the package. They are durable and will last long with the right amount of care.
Pyramid Spikes
I prefer the pyramids bikes over all the other types available for several reasons. The design is more durable, lasting longer before they start wearing down.
They give more grip in weather conditions because they penetrate the track rather than just sitting on top like the Christmas tree spikes. Some say that the track’s penetration will slow you up because it creates added friction. But I would prefer knowing I have a grip on saving the minimal amount of time you may gain with the other spikes.
Pyramid spikes are the most popular among jumpers. Being the most durable of all the designs available, they can easily withstand the high stresses and forces required for jumping and sprints.
One event that the pyramid spikes are perfect for is cross country. Most runners use it for cross-country lengths 12mm to 15mm, depending on the conditions.
The extra length of the spikes means they are slightly weaker and more likely to break. So the only spikes you should be looking at for cross-country spikes are the pyramid design.
Needle Spikes
Needle spikes were once one of the most popular types of replacement track spikes around.
You would find them in all different disciplines of spikes, from sprints to jumps and middle and long-distance.
While using them in the jumping disciplines, exceptionally long jump and triple jump, they can be much more fragile than the other designs of spikes.
Because they are much thinner, I found them to snap and break a lot easier and more frequently.
What Size Spikes For Track?
The standard size of spikes you should get to use on the track is 6mm. If you look at most track rules, the maximum size they will allow is 6mm, and because of that reason, the safe option is sticking to that size.
Sometimes track arenas allow longer length spikes for jumping events like the high jump and Javelin. But again, it is strongly advised you check this out before turning up to the competition, as they can ask you to remove the spikes altogether.
Best replacement spikes for Javelin
I briefly mentioned the size of spikes you should get for the Javelin directly above. But I’m going to take this section to explain further and go into a bit more depth.
For me, you should be looking at pyramid spikes for the Javelin. The added strength you get from the spikes at the longer lengths is much better than the other designs.
The design allows easy penetration of the different track services, like Mondo and Tartan or the classic rubber tracks.
Don’t forget to purchase slightly more replacement spikes than you would need, as javelin boots contain 4 spikes in the heel and 5 to 6 at the forefront of the boot.
Replacement Spikes For Starting Blocks
Many athletes who choose to get their starting blocks will hardly ever think to replace the spikes which they come with.
Sure, you’re not walking them over hard surfaces like concrete as you might sometimes have to do while wearing running spikes.
So they will wear out much slower than the ones you put into your spikes.
But over time, they will become slightly blunt. In turn, it could cause the blocks to slip if large amounts of force are applied to the blocks, which commonly happens at the start of sprint races.
I always keep a close eye on the condition of the spikes at the bottom of the starting blocks. Not only could it cost you valuable time in a race, but it can also cause injury if the blocks do slip.
In my starting blocks, I always use pyramid spikes. As I mentioned above, they are consistently the more robust design and will hold up to the forces applied by any athlete.
I would always put in slightly longer spikes which you would typically use in your running shoe — something around 8 mm to 10 mm.
The simple reason for this is the longer the spikes, the more grip you have; it’s as simple as that.
But you have to be careful with this as it may be against the rules at some stadiums.
It is reassuring to know that you have blocks strong enough which can easily whist and the force you apply at the start of the race.
The conclusion of replacement track spikes
As you can see above, I’ve covered three different types of replacement spikes you can buy.
By covering the main designs you can purchase, I hope it’s giving you some insight and further knowledge to choose the best replacement spikes for you.
Typically most people will stick with the design of the spike which comes with the shoe. This is advisable because you’re used to having that spike react with the track.
So this is more for the people that aren’t satisfied or after something better and looking for greater performance.
The Christmas tree spikes will give the athlete a better-performing end for the sprinting events. Due to the technology and research behind the design, we know that it provides a slight impulse of energy while running.
But the downside is the durability. They do tend to become Blunt quite quickly.
If you are after an all-around good-performing spike for any event, my vote would be for the pyramid design.
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