10 Best Spike Racing Shoes Reviewed

One of the most frequent quirks that we came across while researching this buying guide was how runners have a tendency to stick with the same footwear brand over and over again. We would suggest making a change every once in a while, as you may be surprised to find a new favorite brand. In fact, testers that made a switch were often surprised to find that a new brand felt better on their feet when it came to racing spikes. So fight the urge to scroll through our buying guide and look for that familiar logo. Take a moment and go through all the factors when making your decision.

First, let’s consider the basic categories of spikes so that you can match them up with your individual needs. Cross Country spikes are the most popular type and the tool of choice for athletes that run or race on uneven, muddy terrain. A closely popular second type of running spike is the sprint spike. The design is strictly speed focused and keeps the runner’s grip safely secured, allowing them to focus on their time. Finally, the newest trend in running, and perhaps what brought you to this buying guide in the first place, is the standard distance spike. When runners begin to compete, they quickly learn that anything on a track (800 through 10k meters) is run in these standard distance spikes. Naturally, it’s a good idea to select your spikes based on what you plan to do in them.

Looks Are Important!
While we would never recommend making a selection based on looks alone, there is something to say about a sleek looking, flashy racing spike. Track and field or Cross-County competition is a fun and great way to show your personal style and sportsmanship with great looking footwear. The good news is that runners no longer have to choose between a high performing racer and a stylish piece of footwear. Our guide has several styles that will fit everyone’s tastes. Don’t forget that each model has several different colorways once you click over to Amazon.

Know Your Course
Most runners will agree this is the key to success. For example, when you are selecting spikes for cross-country usage, consider the type of courses that you will be taking on. If you will find yourself in extremely muddy, uneven, or hilly courses you should look for the running spikes that possess a denser rubber sole and a water-resistant upper. We have included these in our buying guide at the recommendation of several testers. Depending on the severity of the course, you might even want to consider spikes with a toe guard to prevent studding against rocks or roots.

Likewise, if you are going to be on more manicured courses which typical feature packed dirt and even grass, look for cross-country spikes that have removable spikes for more customization. These will give you an edge over the competition because they can be quickly adjusted depending on conditions. To further add to your advantage, select a pair that is lightweight, there’s no sense in buying more spike shoe than you need.

Get The Arch Support You Need
When reviewing tester feedback, we came upon a common misconception when evaluating racing spikes. Runners tend to assume that they do not provide arch support and that it’s normal for them to be uncomfortable. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, our buying guide is jam-packed with options that purposely provide additional arch support for those who need it. Gone are the days of tight and uncomfortable racing footwear, today’s competitors have all the advantages of thoughtful design. So make sure that you take a look at what we had to say about arch support in our individual recommendations, to make sure that you select something that feels great and supportive.

Consider The Tread
If you are making a selection for cross-country, be especially sure to look at the deepness of the tread on the individual footwear. There is nothing like the feeling of digging into the muddy earth with a sure-footed confidence that springs you back into the race. This type of adrenaline educing traction comes from an aggressive, deep tread that can handle anything that you throw its way. We listed all the information that you need to make sure that you can dig in without losing any speed.

Think About The Width Of Your Foot
Everyone’s feet are shaped differently, and while footwear manufacturers try and make a variety of different models for the best fit, it could be tough if you have a wider foot. If this sounds like you, consider what we had to say about the narrowness of the racing spikes. You may want to steer away from anything that we labeled as narrow for some testers with wide feet and make a selection that will give you a better fit.

Choose A Sole That You Like
On race day, you’re going to want all your checkboxes to be filled when it comes to your footwear. Runners have a preference when it comes to the soles of their competitive shoes so we made sure to list the differences. We have durable options that can handle the toughest of terrains and plastic soles for lightness to name just a few. So if you have used racing spikes before, and felt like you needed a little more from the soles, make a selection to provide you with that change.

Select Based On Your Speed And Distance Requirements
When you need high efficiency at high speeds for track use (also called field events), there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First is the spike length. Choose something that comes in a shorter length to effectively carry you at a faster pace. Testers also preferred an outsole that is less thick than the average with a little amount of cushioning, which is perfect for changing speeds and maintaining comfort for the longer runs. It would also be wise to consider a customizable spiked runner that would allow you to remove spikes as you see fit. Track terrain may stay consistent, but distance does not. Select an option that gives you variety.

Safety Always Comes First
This consideration is extremely important. Take stock of any and all past injuries that you might have. Selecting a pair of spikes with a negative drop will place additional stress on a number of muscles and tendons in the foot. Additionally, you can find shorter spikes for a nice balance between control and comfort. Runners with plantar fasciitis tend to gravitate towards a shorter track spike with a neutral heel drop. Safety should always come first and in this case, you can be your greatest advocate.