Track Types

There are four basic types of track surfaces:

• Dirt or crushed granite - These tracks require needle or pyramid spikes, usually not more than 1/4 in.
• Asphalt - This is the hardest surface to run on. Spikes usually slip and slide around on asphalt so we recommend a cross country flat when running on asphalt. They have a rubber outsole without a hard spike plate. You'll only wear down your spikes by wearing them on asphalt, you will not gain any traction advantage.
• All-Weather - made of rubber, tartan, or Mondo (carpet-like) material. Generally use 3/16 needle spikes or smaller on these tracks. Most tracks like this have regulations regarding the size you can wear.
• Indoor Tracks - Most temporary indoor tracks are wood with a carpet-like surface. Use 3/16 needle or smaller spikes, if they allow any at all.

Jumping runways and aprons are usually rubber or asphalt so wear short needle spikes. Javelin can be grass (use long pyramid), or any other surface mentioned above.

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Spike Types

There are five basic types of replacement spikes:

• Pyramid spikes - used for dirt or grass surfaces as well as muddy cross country. 1/4 inch should be enough for any surface except grass javelin runways.
• Needle - Also called "slim". Needle spikes give traction on all weather tracks. 3/16 is the ideal size, any larger and they tend to stick into the track when you lift your foot.
• Studs - Also called "blanks". They have no spike on them. They are used for indoor tracks, cross country and sometimes asphalt.
• Christmas tree - Also called Compression spikes. These look like a Christmas tree and are used for rubber and tartan surfaces. Use in place of longer needle spikes to avoid "sticking".
• Tartan - These look like a dull needle spike. They are meant for rubber tracks only.

Always ask your coach if the meet you are going to has any spike requirements.

Track Shoe Types

There are nine basic types of Track Shoes:

• Sprint spikes - Made for 100m to 400m sprints. They usually have no heel, very lightweight, and either a flexible, or stiff spike plate.
• Hurdling - 100m, 110HH, and 400H. Most hurdlers either use a flexible sprint spike or a middle distance spike because they have a small cushioned heel.
• Middle Distance - 800m to Mile. These shoes usually have a small cushioned heel and a small forefoot spike plate. They have a smaller footprint than distance spikes.
• Distance - 3000m to 10,000m. These spikes usually have fewer spikes in them and smaller spike plates but a full length cushioning. The elite level spikes have very little anything to reduce weight. Steeplechasers also use a distance spike.
• Pole Vault/Long Jump/Triple Jump - These spikes have a thin, full length midsole for cusioning and stability when planting. TJ shoes usually have a different heel since they have to handle the 3 plants of a triple jump. Pole vault shoes are generally labeled as either LJ or TJ since they have similar takeoff requirements.
• High Jump - These spikes have rearfoot spikes as well as forefoot. They are designed to allow a firm plant for the takeoff foot. The Asics shoe is designed for right-approched jumpers only.
• Javelin - Javelin boots are big and heavy. They have the support and both front and rear spikes to handle the approach and plant of a javelin thrower.
• Throw - Shot/Discus - Two types of shoes are made, glide shoes and spin shoes. Some brands just have one choice, some seperate them like Nike (SD and rotational) and Adidas (hammer/discus and shotput). Glide shoes usually have a textured bottom for grip. Rotational shoes have a smoother bottom for better spin.
• Multi-Purpose - these are low end middle distance spikes that have a full length midsole and a generic spike plate. They are meant for athletes that want an everyday spike to wear in practice. They can be used for almost any event except throws.

Any spike over $70 is not meant for everyday use, just for racing.