5 Best Track and Field Shoes | 2024 Buying Guide

Track and field shoes are a great way to improve your running and will enhance your performance and endurance. When searching for the right pair of track and field shoes for you it’s important you take your own needs and considerations into account. The right shoe for you will push your training to another level and allow you to reap all of the benefits they provide.

They will lower your risk of injury and ensure you are comfortable during your competitions as well. Many runners tend to overlook the following important factors when searching for the best pair of shoes for them:

• Make sure to try on new shoes in the afternoon or after a competition because your feet will have swollen to their largest size at this time.

• When shopping at a store make sure to bring the socks you would normally wear on your workouts. This will allow you to ensure you get the right size and that the shoe fits comfortably with them.

• Ensure the toe box is wide enough by wriggling your toes. They should be able to move around comfortably without being too loose.

• Make sure the shoe provides you with a secure and comfortable fit–while some have a break in periods, these periods shouldn’t be long.

• Take a walk around the store while wearing the shoes you are considering. If you are at a running store you may even be able to take a short run with them to make sure they are the best option for you.

• Running spikes are specifically designed to help you move faster on uneven surfaces. They provide you with optimal grip and enhance your stride turnover when running. They are also lighter than normal running shoes which also helps increase your speed.

Below you will learn more about the different types of spikes out there.

Spikes for Sprinting

Short distance races focus on speed, so it’s easy to assume these spikes are geared towards distances between 100-400 meters. They are the lightest running shoes out there and are designed to enhance alertness–which is why they are stiffer and minimally cushioned.

The spike plate is typically located to the front of the shoe and have the highest number of spike-pins so they can withstand extra force and provide maximum grip.

Spikes for Middle Distance Runners

These are pretty lightweight and have extra padding on the heel section of the shoe. This means they have more cushioning, which will allow them to cover 800-1500 meters. They are less rigid than sprinting spikes and their spike plate isn’t as far forward which allows you to maintain a moderate speed.

Spikes for Long Distance Runners

These are perfect for running events that cover 1500-10,000 meters because they provide maximum cushioning as well as a great grip for all types of terrain. They are designed so handle force for longer periods of time and thus have more durability. They are heavier but are sometimes grouped with spikes for mid-distance running.

All-Rounder/ Versatile Spikes

These have cushioned soles with front spikes that are more aggressive. They can be considered versatile and are meant to work well on all tracks as well as for athletes looking for spikes they can use for multiple sporting events–from long-jumps and sprinting to steeple-chase and hurdles.

Fit and size are some of the crucial factors that most athletes look at when shopping for any sporting sneaker. Running spikes are made to offer a snug fit to the foot and still over maximum control of the foot. While still be the most comfortable shoes for your feet hence not interfere with your running session.

Fit plays a major role in how comfortable the shoes are, that is why getting the right size of running sneakers is paramount. While looking at the fit, it’s also worth considering pin placement and number of pins in a spike; usually either six pins or four pins. Four pinned spikes tend to have the pins towards the center on the spike plate, best for runners for supinating (under pronate).

Which ones you go for is down to personal preference, comfort, and fit. Try fitting on the sneakers / track spikes while shopping in the store or mart before any buying that is if you are making a physical purchase. Most running stores will encourage their buyers to try the shoes before buying the shoes.

If there’s a jogging section inside the store, then you can use that will great opportunity to fact check on the fit of the shoe. If you will be making an online purchase, check if the return policy covers fitting problems, also make sure you try the shoes’ fit with laces on and without the laces, so that to avoid having a size smaller when you tie up the laces.

Make sure when you tie up the laces you can still enjoy the free natural movement of your feet. Getting the right sized shoes that give you the right fit is critical to having a successful run every time you head out the door!

Advanced features such as spike size and type can have a big impact on how your shoes feel during your run as well as how you perform during adverse conditions such as wet or muddy trails. All track and field shoes have spike pins on the bottom of the shoes–and these spike pins/studs come in specific sizes. Each size is designed to offer special benefits:

6mm pins: These are ideal for cross-country events in dry terrain. They work best on tracks and most tracks or centers do not allow athletes to use pins that are longer than this.

9mm pins: These are great for cross-country racing and provide excellent grip on wet and muddy terrain.

12mm to 15mm pins: These are perfect for running in steep hills or fell terrain–specifically the steeple-chase race. These pins are designed to be used on difficult terrain, which is why they offer maximum grip.

Running shoes have spikes embedded into the outsoles as a way to provide added grip and traction during your runs. It is important to consider how the outsole is made, how the spikes are incorporated into the sole and how your shoes feel while you are walking and running.

Over time your spikes will wear out and need replacement and this will depend on how often you use them as well as the terrain you typically use them on. Replacement is specifically during track season when you really need them to work.

Unfortunately, many athletes make the mistake of failing to replace the studs until they are stubs which makes it extremely difficult to remove the pins. However, some more informed and cautious athletes tend to use new spikes after every race.

The common shoe spikes:

The Pyramid Spike: these are ideal for cross-country races where there is plenty of grass and dirt ( some can even be used for soccer). However, many sprinters opt for these only when they aren’t permitted to use needle spikes. They are known to have good durability and are 1/4 inch in size.

The Needle Spike: unlike the pyramid ones, these offer great traction and can be used on tracks. They come in a 3/16 inch size.

The Christmas tree Spike: this one is a hybrid mix of the other pyramid and needle spikes. Sprinters love these even though some tracks don’t allow their use. This 1/4 inch spike is something, but make sure to check the meet rules before using them in a race.

When you think about spike replacement make sure you have a spike wrench since it helps you pull out and install the new spikes.